Local News in Brief : Politics : Arizona Congressman Endorses Rosenberg

Arizona Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Tucson), a regional land-use and water expert, has endorsed Nathan Rosenberg, one of 14 candidates in the June 7 Republican primary for the 40th Congressional District.

In a race short on issues thus far, Rosenberg said he intends to focus on the need for a comprehensive policy to make Southern California residents more aware of the region’s future water needs.

State officials have warned that unchecked development, along with cutbacks in California’s allotment of Colorado River water, may lead to shortages, particularly during dry years.

Rather than wait for a crisis to develop, Rosenberg said, elected officials and water purveyors must persuade consumers to conserve water.

He also suggested that elected officials work more closely with Arizona lawmakers on ways to better manage Colorado River water, on which both states depend for domestic and agricultural use.

Rosenberg said if the water situation is ignored, it could grow into a crisis similar to traffic congestion in the county.

“We must learn from this and not make the same mistake with the water issue,” said Rosenberg, who added that he has known Kolbe for two years.

The Arizona lawmaker, who said he paid his own way to appear this week at a county press conference, said he has not decided whether to contribute money to Rosenberg’s campaign.