Presentation to the CPUC (March 16, 2015)
My name is Greg Raven, and I live here in Apple Valley. I am in favor of allowing Liberty Utilities to purchase and control Park Water Company and Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company.
I want to thank Comrade Nassif for so completely presenting the collectivist point of view, which is one of fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
I am opposed to the hostile government takeover of Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company.
When the town needs to turn on the lights, it doesn’t condemn the power company and take over its power plants. Nor should it.
When the town needs to turn on a stove, it doesn’t condemn the gas company and seize its drilling platforms and pipelines. Nor should it.
When the town needs a road repaved, or a well dug, or outside legal advice, it contracts with a paving company, or a well digger, or an attorney, as it should.
Yet now we’re told that the town needs water, so they’re going to condemn Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company.
This contemplated action is as wrong as the town’s purchase of the Country Club, and will end as badly.
If members of the Town council think they know so much about running a water company, they should resign from the council and purchase the water company on the free market. Then, they can give the water away, if they want, and show everybody just how smart they are.
As Ronald Reagan once said, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ’I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.
The Town Council says it is business-friendly, but you would never know it from looking around at all the vacant businesses.
Using our tax dollars to seize a legacy business here in Apple Valley could not be more unfriendly to business, or the residents of Apple Valley.
— Greg Raven is Co-Chair of Apple Valley Citizens for Government Accountability, and is concerned about quality of life issues.