I disagree with the tired old claim that only government is wasteful, inefficient or incompetent. While the private sector might be efficient, if completely unregulated it serves it”s own interests first. There”s no legal public compensation that compares to the obscene executive perks and bonuses above the already outrageous salaries. This can”t happen in the public sector if the public pays attention. Yet public participation lags until things go wrong. Election turnouts are so low it”s ludicrous, and most that do vote, myself included, could always do far more to be informed at the booth.
In spite of post-9/11 hyper-concerns about safety and security, it took five years to have a earthquake safe firehouse in Kelseyville. Other agencies are still waiting and hoping to stay ahead of the next crisis. Our emergency services” pay scales are poor, our infrastructure is under-funded, and yet we still demand toilets to flush and clean water to flow, roads that are safe and well patrolled.
Recently, many in Spring Valley became aware of the problems of their water system but it wasn”t some big secret. It”s not even the most critical problem at Special Districts. Perhaps other folks should ask how their own water (sewer, fire, police, school) system is doing. I”m sure the agencies would be happy to have someone listen.
Disclaimer: My wife works for Special Districts and I have been a good friend of Mark Dellinger for 20 years. Both are dedicated public servants making great efforts in improving the agency and Lake County. In knowing many local public servants and adding my own experiences as a construction professional and resident for 24 years, I have had contact with almost every facet of public service. Most are dedicated and truly concerned about this county. It”s their home too.
Brad King
Kelseyville
