I want a rate increase? (October 26, 2015)
Apparently not content with accusing Apple Valley Ranchos of armed robbery, letter writer John Pedigo then goes on to ascribe to me a position on water rates that I don’t hold (Ranchos as a public trust,
Daily Press, October 25, 2015).
Because Mr. Pedigo is concerned with my views, here they are:
Like many others, I’m not thrilled that I will be paying more for water service under this proposed decision by the CPUC, but I think the slight additional costs (the average residential customer who achieves the conservation goals set by the Governor’s Executive Order will see his bill increase by only 2.64 percent, or $3.41) are more than balanced by the fact that Apple Valley Ranchos has done an excellent job maintaining its system, and all of us water users see the benefits of their stewardship. I can’t help but think of persons in areas such as Yermo, who until recently were having to put up with a failing system and a failing water company. Yet even there, despite the fact that Ranchos was stepping in to ensure their access to water, there were still those griping about paying a couple bucks more.
I think a measure of the character of the people who run Ranchos is that they continue to plan for our future water needs, even though they are under relentless, meritless attack by the Town of Apple Valley. Although I oppose the proposed takeover on other grounds, if there weren’t other reasons, Ranchos would have earned my support for its grace under pressure.
Unlike representatives of the Town of Apple Valley and its astroturf army,
I appreciate the time and consideration that the CPUC puts into evaluating matters such as this, and thank them for looking out for us, the consumer.
— Greg Raven is Co-Chair of Apple Valley Citizens for Government Accountability, and is concerned about quality of life issues.
Published: Daily Press, November 1, 2015