In response to the community uprising against their new rate schedule, the CCSD is considering a citizen’s committee to examine the issues involved in raising rates. As a group, we would like to help “staff” the committee, partly to ensure it isn’t just the same set of citizens who seem to always be involved in CCSD committees and partly to ensure the broadest range of Cambrians’ interests are represented. Some of the interests that come to my mind are business owners, vacation rental owner/managers, families, the hispanic community, seniors on fixed income, full-time residents and part-timers. What vision do you have for making up the committee? Keep you responses here focused on forming the committee. The next post will provide an opportunity to discuss what you want to see the committee accomplish. Click on “responses so far” to add your comments. If you would like to contribute posts, please mention it in your comment and Amanda will get in touch with you to get that started.
Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
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- California Coastal Commission Unanimously Denied Army Corps Desal Tests
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Mickie,
Can you elaborate on why you think that owners of vacant land inside the district who pay taxes that subsidize your expenses should have no voice in planning the district’s future?
What do you think should become of these properties?
I think I would want a committee stacked in favor of my position. As would everyone, I think. Which is why it might be a good idea to ensure any committee is made up of people nominated by as many of the various community interests/organizations as are willing to get involved. Local nonprofits may be a good source of possible nominees, as would the newly organized Cambrians for fiscal responsibility group, as well as the lot-owners group, the CCSD board itself and perhaps even the water division and/or sewer division managers (since they are likely to offer an expert in water/sewer operations and what they actually need). Maybe some of the former CCSD board members who are on record as opposing the previous rate schedule would have a good idea or two about who would serve the community well on the committee…..All these sources for nominees may not be agreeable to everyone, but a diverse group of Cambrians chosen for their intelligence and dedication to the community (rather than allegiance to a particular position) are more likely to come up with a solution we can all buy into.
“…adjusting the mission of the group if appropriate. ”
The mission of the group would not need adjusting – their mission is to focus on formulating a reasonable rate structure that will ensure continuing infrastructure maintenance and repair service of water and sewer to current customers.
I agree that committee members must be accessible and available to Cambrians wanting to provide input.
“The committee should agree to hold the CCSD accountable for any changes recommended. ” The only way any of us can hold the CCSD accountable, whether appointed to a committee or “just” a Cambrian, is at the voting booth. If the elected board isn’t holding staff accountable for the ways in which they implement policy, elect board members your trust to do that.
By the way…did any of our current directors have a candidate opposing them? Did you cast your vote in 2006? Your next chance is next November.
There was no contest in the last election. Little or none the one before that.
“A committee should be made up by full time property owners only because under most circumstances they are the ones who can vote on issues and make changes.
No one on the committee should have a pecuniary interest in having a desal facility built.”
How about not having anyone with a pecuniary interest in not having anymore homes built in Cambria. That cancels out everyone. How about selecting a jury of peers with no stake in Cambria in any way. Do you like your chances with them?
“The build out citizens committee has on it at last two people who are on the water wait list. One of the primary purposes of a desal plant is to provide water to these water wait list lots. This is a conflict of interest.”
Everyone in Cambria has some conflicting interest. There should be balanced representation.
“A third person on the committee is the director of the land trust that is receiving $4000 per month to retire lots. That is another conflict of interest.”
What is the conflict?
“A committee should be made up of people that will be sensitive to all the different backgrounds that make up Cambrians and what they feel is important.”
Right, including owners of vacant lots.
“A list of primary areas of importance might be made. It could include promoting tourism, protecting the environment, more parks more trails, more sheriffs etc.”
More parks? You don’t want to pay to buy back lots, but you want more parks? How does that work? Is a permanent ban on new water meters on your agenda?
“The committee must report to the people of Cambria, not to the CCSD.”
CCSD is the people of Cambria. Last election was uncontested.
“The committee should agree to hold the CCSD accountable for any changes recommended.”
You all do this when you vote.