Lindsay City Council Race
Candidates address city's water supply issue.
Seven candidates, including three incumbents, are running for three seats on the Lindsay City Council Nov. 6.
They are Mayor Ed Murray, Mayor Pro Temp Esteban Velasquez, Councilmember Pam Kimball, and challengers, Steven Mecum, Timothy Daubert, Rosaena Sanchez and Eric Eugene Perfecto Sinclair.
As part of its election coverage, The Recorder has asked three questions of each of the candidates. Their answers will run over the next three Saturdays.
Today’s question is: What does the city need to do to ensure the water supply? All the candidates except for Sinclair, submitted an answer.
The other two questions are: Outline your business plan for the city. What types of businesses will you bring in and why? Finally: What kind of outreach programs, as far as hearing the concerns of your constituents, will you implement when and if you become a member or are re-elected?
What does city need to do to ensure the water supply?
Mayor Ed Murray
“The city has a contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation for 2,500 acre feet (af) of water. Our usage is about 2,800 af of water. Our treatment plant can’t process all our allotment. We have to pump ground water. Most of our ground water has some contamination. It is extremely important for city staff to obtain grants to allow us to drill a new well and to put in devices at the well to be able to clean our water.”
Mayor Pro Temp Esteban Velasquez
“We have to continue to effectively manage and maintain our contracts and rights for water from the Friant-Kern Canal. We have to continue to explore alternatives and new solutions (including funding) for water filtering and cleaning systems for our existing underground wells and new wells. We have to stay connected and involved with regional water planning agencies and boards that are charged with maintaining our area’s water needs.”
Councilmember Pam Kimball
“Foremost, we need to do all possible to ensure our allocation from the Friant-Kern canal system. This means being aware, politically, of what’s happening at the state and federal level with complex and embattled water issues. I make the effort to stay informed and maintain contact with elected officials higher up, supporting good legislation and making our needs known. We must also continue to seek solutions for well water issues.”
Steven Mecum
“We can not keep crossing our fingers hoping that the canal water will always be available. We need to create a long term, sustainable, City Water Plan. We will get staff capable of researching and developing our water supply options, whether it be new wells, infrastructure, etc. Then as a community we can finally make a decision that will allow sustainable and affordable sources of water for years to come.”
Timothy Daubert
“Work with federal and state officials to ensure water from the canal will always be there. Drill new wells as needed. Mandatory watering days encourage citizens to abide by them.”
Rosaena Sanchez
“Continuing to depend on the unpredictable supply of water from the Friant-Kern Canal without creating a long term plan is irresponsible. We need to get staff that is qualified at researching our long-term water supply options and being able to submit a comprehensive report. We then will hold town hall meetings to make sure the public is fully involved and engaged in this important decision.”
