Choose Liberty (May 10, 2017)

I cannot understand those such as Tony Tyler who say, “I’m in favor of the free market, but …”, especially when they say this to justify a position on turning a private enterprise such as Liberty Utilities into yet another government boondoggle (“Choose the town,” Daily Press, May 5, 2017). If there is a problem with our current system of allowing franchisees to delivery water, then that problem is with the governments that set up this system, not with the private enterprise that is subjected to government whim.

I also cannot understand how Mr. Tyler cannot see there is a fundamental difference between water delivery and cable TV. If multiple water providers used the same water pipes, there would be no way to ensure water quality, and that should be a big issue for everyone.

As for rates doubling in the last 10 years, that is only a small part of the story. In the last ten years, we’ve seen more than 19 percent inflation (according to CPI-U), so even with millions more invested into our water system over the past decade, water is still a bargain in Apple Valley, thanks to Liberty Utilities.

Mr. Tyler seems to be demanding lower rates and faster replacement of aging water mains. Clearly, you can one or the other, but you can’t have both.

Also, Mr. Tyler errs in saying that Liberty doesn’t have to control costs. This is completely wrong. Liberty has to submit every project to the CPUC and ORA for approval.

Get the facts, and then choose Liberty … and vote no on Measure F.

Greg Raven is Co-Chair of Apple Valley Citizens for Government Accountability, and is concerned about quality of life issues.