vote against klamath dam removal stunning 111010

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http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x412545239/Vote-against-dam-removal-stunning

Vote against dam removal stunning

also a Redding Record Searchlight: http://www.redding.com/news/2010/nov/13/siskiyou-county-vote-opposes-dam-removal/

by Tony Intiso and Louise Gliatto, Siskiyou Daily News Letter to the Editor November 10, 2010

Yreka, Calif. — Last week more than 79 percent of Siskiyou County voters expressed their opinion that three California dams (Iron Gate, Copco 1 and Copco 2) on the Klamath River and associated hydroelectric facilities should not be removed.

The resounding vote gives the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors valuable public support in its majority opposition to removal of the dams. Other elected and agency officials in Sacramento, Oregon and Washington, D.C. were sent a clear, strong message of the overwhelming public rejection of dam removal.

The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors was not included in the negotiations for the Klamath Basin Settlement Agreement (KBSA) that was sponsored by the federal government and associated state regulatory agencies, and that provides for potential removal of the dams and hydroelectric facilities. There were no public hearings before the KBSA was adopted and signed.

By a 4-1 majority vote, the supervisors agreed to put Measure G on the Nov. 2 ballot. Even though it was an advisory measure only and not legally binding, the measure served finally to give Siskiyou County voters a voice in the issue. The four supervisors who approved setting the measure for the ballot commented on the vote:

Dist. 3 Supervisor Michael Kobseff stated:

“The successful vote against dam removal is HUGE! Seventy-nine percent of Siskiyou County is against dam removal. Washington, D.C. won’t be able to ignore the voice of Siskiyou County people. Thank you to the Siskiyou Water Users Association for promoting NO on Measure G.”

Dist. 5 Supervisor/Board Chair Marcia Armstrong’s response was:

“The vote on Measure G affirmed that our board of supervisors has been reflecting the opinions of the people of Siskiyou County in our efforts to oppose dam removal and to protect the interest of constituents who would be negatively impacted by it.”

Grace Bennett, Dist. 4 supervisor, said:

“This vote reaffirms my commitment to follow the voters’ decision to keep fighting against dam removal.”

And Jim Cook, Dist. 1 supervisor, stated in a message to his supporters:

“With nearly 80 percent of the county voting to keep the dams, I want to thank you for all your help in convincing our folks that dam removal is a bad idea.”

The Siskiyou County Water Users Association (SCWUA) was formed as a tax-exempt corporation to support and defend countywide property rights, water rights and water use priorities. SCWUA believes that only a few individuals and organizations would benefit from the terms of the KBHS and the KBRA.

The SCWUA formed the “No on G Committee” to educate the public and wage opposition to removal of the dams and green hydroelectric power. With that stunning victory, the SCWUA will continue its efforts to keep the ongoing process transparent and open to public scrutiny. Watch for information on viable, scientifically proven alternatives to the economically devastating proposals conceived in secret to usurp the rights of Siskiyou County residents.

SCWUA has launched it’s web site. Go to http://siskiyoucountywaterusers.weebly.com

Tony Intiso and Louise Gliatto are members of the Siskiyou County Water Users Association and are also involved in the local TEA Party movement. They are seen above at the April 15, 2009 Tax Day protest at Lower Greenhorn Park in Yreka.