Mailbag: Expensive desalination plants are not the right response to drought

There is no doubt that California is experiencing a major drought, however this does not mean that drastic means such as ocean desalination with marine environmental harm needs to be implemented. On May 12, the California Coastal Commission rejected Poseidon’s plans to build a $1.4-billion desalination plant in Huntington Beach, on the grounds of increased costs to the ratepayers, lack of necessity and the potential for severe marine environmental damage. Poseidon had touted its Carlsbad plant as proof of a successful operation and since then it has been reported that the Carlsbad plant is in need of millions of dollars in repairs being passed on to the ratepayers. Poseidon spent millions of dollars contributing to the campaign funds of office holders including the governor to gain their support.

At the present time the Orange County Water District is able to recycle 130 million gallons of fresh water daily, and this will continue to provide sufficient water to counteract the drought. The remainder of the state should do the same.

Richard C. Armendariz
Huntington Beach

Most people who run for City Council in Newport Beach seem to have a political agenda in mind. Consequently, it is refreshing to see someone like Jim Mosher step forward who only wants to fulfill what he perceives as a civic duty.

No one in the city knows more about city government than Mosher. He answers most questions you pose to him immediately or he will refer you to the specific source where you can find the answer. He frequently comes forward to offer advice to the council because it is of utmost importance to him that our city and council members abide by the rules and regulations set for them.

Unlike any other candidate in Newport Beach, Mosher regularly attends every meeting, not only of council, but of every other official meeting of the city. You would think frequent council attendance would be a major prerequisite to running for that body as well as of personal interest to the other candidates.

Referring to the minutes of past council meetings, one would be hard pressed to find evidence that Mosher’s opponents have attended any of them, much less made a recommendation to the council or expressed the slightest concern about what the council might be doing.

If they had, political rivals would know that Mosher’s information and insight are beyond reproach. This is primarily because Jim is apolitical, a rare quality in these intensely divisive times. And after the intensely political environment set up by our current council, wouldn’t it be nice to have a member who has only the betterment of the city in mind?

It is not often that we get to vote for someone with Mosher’s level of experience and knowledge of City Hall. And how often do we get a candidate with a PhD from Caltech running for City Council?

Jim Mosher’s incomparable level of intellect, humility and dedication to the betterment of Newport Beach make him a stellar candidate for that position.

Lynn Lorenz
Newport Beach

About Miller and the truth

I read a letter to the editor (Daily Pilot Mailbag, Aug. 12) in last week’s edition alleging an attack by Tom Miller against Joe Stapleton at the Orange County GOP endorsement committee meeting, and I happen to know exactly how the meeting went down, and it’s a far from how it’s been depicted in this letter from four former Newport Beach mayors.

The true story is Miller asked the committee if truth and integrity play a part in their endorsement process. When the committee chair asked why such a question was being presented, Miller alleged his opponent had lied on the official endorsement questionnaire about whether or not he had ever been arrested. Miller felt the committee should be made aware of the situation and should eliminate Stapleton from any such endorsement.

The attack on Miller for speaking the truth is one of the many reasons politics has become so toxic. Miller has no agenda other than to continue to make our great city even greater, and all “Team Newport” wants to do is discredit him because they realize he is a threat to their attempt to take total control.

It’s time for us all to stand up and put our local government back in the hands of the people ... Say “no more” to Team Newport!

My vote is going to Tom Miller!

Frank Cammarata
Newport Beach

Moorlach would be bad for Costa Mesa

John Moorlach, a “do nothing” Republican office holder at all levels and loser to Democrat Dave Min for our state Senate seat, is sticking his nose back into it by running for Costa Mesa mayor against John Stephens. I have supported John Stephens and Katrina Foley as involved “can do” politicians because they listen to constituents and effectively represent their communities. They are bright, dedicated and hard-working public servants. John Stephens is always affable, approachable and forward-looking. In contrast, John Moorlach is aloof, has no vision and would consider this position a partisan prize instead of a commitment. The people of Costa Mesa were well-served with Katrina Foley at the helm. They continued to be well-served by John Stephens. It would be a huge step backwards to allow a retread like Moorlach back into office.

Tim Geddes
Huntington Beach

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