Practice a Study in Poor Spending
Ventura City Council’s commitment (or lack thereof) concerns me most when it comes to the implementation of desalination. I am also concerned that they may think they have a blank check, particularly for studies.
Voters clearly said they want a reliable water source, and that desalination is their choice. If it takes until 1997 to finish the plant, so be it. But to spend $390,000 on studies, without a statement by the entire council expressing its absolute commitment to proceed with implementation of a desalination plant, is a misuse of taxpayer trust.
Of course their statement can and should be contingent upon there being no fatal discoveries from the studies. They should also decide their overall target budget, including studies, and keep the costs within budget.
I hope council members are not simply trying to wear down taxpayer resolve through reckless spending or poor management.
CRAIG S. MAXWELL
Ventura
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
