Letter writer Suzanne Schneider of Kelseyville (“A very expensive undertaking,” Your Opinion, June 6) apparently doesn”t comprehend the distinction between a privately held (for-profit) corporation and a publicly held water district.
In the former, profits based on rates are given back to shareholders, investors and highly paid officers (CEOs, etc.). For-profit corporations are IN BUSINESS to make money from their ratepayers.
Publicly held entities are not required to show a profit for shareholders, and therefore can offer lower rates.
The $4 million loan will be repaid by the citizens of Lucerne, no one else. So, since we”re being saddled with the costs of running the company anyhow, it would seem prudent to have local control over our own water.
One thing is certain, for-profit corporations providing a basic necessity of life, and with a monopoly, will ALWAYS make money.
The commodification of water does not serve the needs of the people. A public water district would be naturally obligated to make sure its system is in good repair, something California Water Service has marginalized for the benefit of its shareholders. We know it won”t be simple, or even easy, but local control of our water is essential.
Craig Bach,
President, Lucerne Community
Water Organization
Lucerne
