Public Responses

Lost Jobs

Feb 19, 2010

I am deeply troubled at the prospects facing our beloved Valley, and I am profoundly concerned that we are moving in the direction of becoming another Owens Valley. Though I am a conservative Democrat, this issue transcends political boundaries and we must be united in purpose to preserve the rich agricultural basin that is not only the primary source of our local economy, but is the fiber of our culture as well.

As the Valley dries up, the implications are immense. Our tax base will be reduced and that will affect our ability to provide the services our residents need and deserve. In this case, gallons equals dollars, and every gallon that fails to arrive affects the ability for the workingman to earn a living and thus reduces the revenue that supports Valley institutions such as schools. Typically, every dollar invested in education will return 14% on the investment, and historical trends indicate that when we invest in the education of our citizens, revenue soars and society profits immensely. Schools are already facing financial and material deficits due to our proximity and relentless legislative action, and this is compounded by the reduction of local jobs and revenue. Our ability to get the representation needed to improve is limited by the prejudice and jingoism of the larger number. We face a daunting task.

The efforts of Families Protecting the Valley are insightful in that we are not only looking at lost jobs and a faltering economy, we are looking at a lowering of our expectations for the our citizens of tomorrow. Our ability to function as a progressive regional society is imperiled by every gallon lost, diverted, or denied, and will surely affect not only our today, but all of our tomorrows as well. Just another thought!

Robert M. Hudson