More on HR 29 [Letters, March 27, 2008]

In a previous communication, Village News readers were informed of the important condition required in HR 29 (the Santa Margarita project federal bill) that California State permits must be obtained before the start of any construction. Direct quotes from this bill were previously presented as proof to readers.

Several years ago, FPUD had a two year contract (and may still have) with ex-congressman Ron Packard to act as a federal lobbyist for the Santa Margarita River Project. The contract cost to FPUD’s ratepayers then was $8,000 a month fees, plus $3,000 a month traveling expense for a total two year cost of $264,000 (more than 1/4 million dollars). This hiring bill was introduced by Milt Davies when he was FPUD’s Board of Directors chairman. The amazing thing about this bill is that both Milt Davies and Ron Packard are members of the Mormon Church. Of course, perceived improper activity by association is not suggested, such as guilt by association presidential hopeful Obama is experiencing.

I am alarmed at FPUD spending such huge amounts of ratepayer money in attempting to get the Santa Margarita Federal Bill (HR 29) through Congress when state permits are required, as a condition, before any construction on this project can occur. An intelligent, cost saving approach would be to obtain California State approval/permits first - otherwise, HR 29 is just sucker bait. There is an old, old saying, “I would like to help you, but I just can’t fix stupid.” Does this apply to some FPUD ratepayers?

Archie McPhee