A recent article in the Record-Bee (3/18/08) about the rate study for water and sewer rates contains quotes by county officials that point to the need for change.

Farrington's comments about "improper management and financial irresponsibility" are hilarious. Any improper management or irresponsibility are a DIRECT reflection on him and other Board of Supervisors members. As with most things that are not hand fed to him Farrington is incapable of getting the facts straight or being able to add two and two and come up with four.

History will show that every Special Districts administrator in memory has tried to have appropriate rates and connection fees. The Board of Supervisors has been less than supportive even in the light of obvious shortfalls.

We have supervisors who think their cronies should have their fees waived. We have supervisors who refuse to consider any increase during election years. We have supervisors who do not have a clue how to run a business. We have supervisors who believe they know better than health department rules and regulations.

As long as the water and sewer districts are governed by POLITICIANS instead of being operated like nonprofit BUSINESSES there will be problems. It won't matter what this rate study says because the Board of Supervisors won't support adequate increases because it is an election year.

Farrington was quoted as wanting to consolidate districts. Of course he does because HIS constituents stand to gain the most – while others will lose.

The best thing for all water and sewer districts governed by the county would be to set up a board with zero allegiance to elected officials.

Suzanne Schneider lives in Kelseyville.

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