Mailbag: Measure TT proponents rely too heavily on financial speculation

Re. “Commentary: Merging water, sanitation districts would save ratepayers money,” Sept.22: Mesa Water District Director Jim Fisler opens by saying, baldly, that sewer and water “should consolidate to reduce the size and cost of local government.”

He goes on to tell us that “Measure TT was put on the ballot after a study by Arcadis U.S. Inc.” What he conveniently fails to mention is the $330,000 price tag on the study, fronted by his agency, and ultimately by “local government” — you and me.

Arcadis concluded, bolstered by this substantial emolument, that this combination could (not would) result in an upfront savings of $15.6million and an annual savings of $2.7million. These numbers are hypothetical and vaporware, yet Fisler claims they are “real and substantial,” and tells us Mesa Water “plans” to pass the savings on to you, the ratepayer, as an immediate rebate of $650 per customer.

This is followed by several “up to’s” and “non-binding” and “potential” and “almost all” weasel words. We are told that the two agencies share an “almost overlapping” service area. Is this a slip of the tongue? Or should we take it literally, that the service areas do not in fact overlap? He mentions “possible efficiencies,” not real ones.

Nor does Fisler see fit to mention that sewer and sanitation has prudently set aside reserves for maintenance and upgrading of facilities, while Mesa Water has not.

Should a merger happen, these reserves would be open to plunder by the lesser-heeled of the two agencies — and its board of directors. Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) oversees such consolidations. Is it not a conflict of interest for him to sit as a commissioner on both commissions?

Terrell E. Koken

Costa Mesa

Not your stereotypical politican

At a time when we are experiencing division, corruption, incompetence, greed and dishonesty at all levels of the political realm, voters yearn for real leaders who do not fit the politician stereotype.

Jeff Herdman, candidate for Newport Beach City Council District 5, is that rare leader. Through years of service as a school principal and Newport Beach/Balboa Island community leadership, Jeff has demonstrated his abilities to work with diverse groups of people to accomplish complex projects. He has the skill and temperament to bring people together, keep focused on outcomes and produce promised results!

I have known Herdman, his wife, Sally, and their family for over 12 years through church and social activities. Jeff is a committed Christian and a leader in our Bible study, where I have come to know his personal values of faith, honesty, integrity, and reaching out to help other — immediately, graciously and selflessly.

Jeff does not look at politics as a road to power or self-advancement. He truly loves our community and the people in it he desires to serve. He can be trusted to work for us to protect our quality of life, be held accountable, and fulfill his campaign promises!

Vanda Post

Newport Beach