May 29 Letter to the Editor on Upcoming Election

Category: Editorials Editorials
Published: 30 May 2016 30 May 2016

May 29, 2016

Dear Editor:

Imagine a community with abundant opportunity for mom-and-pop shop businesses, flourishing community and backyard gardens, and a healthy free-flowing river to support us all. Electing district 5 candidate, Harry Browne, to the Grant County Commission is an important step in realizing that vision. Electing Alicia Edwards and Marilyn Alcorn, of districts 3 and 4 respectively, is equally important.

The Gila River is a vital, vibrant part of our community supporting farms and ranches, giving families a treasured respite from the hectic pace of daily life, drawing tourists, and most importantly providing critical habitat for a vast number of plant and animal species in our area. The river has been under constant threat since 1984 with the proposed Hooker Dam, followed by the proposed Connor Dam, and Mangus Diversion. And most recently in 2004, the Arizona Water Settlements Act was passed providing an estimated 120 million dollars in federal funds for a solution to a water problem that has yet to be identified.

This raises the question why? Why waste millions of dollars to support a water plan that has yet to prove its necessity and its efficacy? In 2007, Governor Bill Richardson imposed a prohibition on the planning of a diversion project along the Gila River considering the lack of evidence that there was any need for such a project. He further requested an investigation into non-diversion alternatives to sustainably use this precious resource.

In spite of former Governor Richardson's sound judgment and the sustained outcry in our community against the diversion of our precious river, the New Mexico CAP (Central Arizona Project) entity, the governing body formed of 14 local governments, continues to move forward.

The Gila River needs the voice of every Grant County voter in the June 7 primary. Grant County is one of the biggest players in determining the course of the NM CAP entity. If Grant County withdraws support to the CAP entity, it makes it more difficult for them to move forward with diversion plans. Harry Browne, Alicia Edwards, and Marilyn Alcorn are prepared to do just that. While the Grant County Commission has no real power to approve or disapprove the project, the commission can ensure that its financial resources will not contribute to making it happen.

So vote for Harry Browne in district 5, Alicia Edwards in District 3, and Marilyn Alcorn in district 4. Vote for the river, vote for your community. Vote now at the Grant County Administration Building located at 1400 Highway 180 East. Or, vote on Tuesday, June 7 at the polling location of your choice.

Sincerely,

Catalina Claussen
District 5 voter

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