Re: your Nov. 3 article, "Moorpark-area water rates likely to increase 16%":
I want to thank The Star for the Page 6, Section A, story regarding the water rate hikes that will happen in Moorpark unless we act together. I only wish The Star had chosen to carry the story on Page 1. It is that important.
Let me get this right. Because the Ventura County Waterworks District was in such dire straits earlier this year, we were forced to ration our water use by a minimum of 15 percent. Where were all the hydrology experts at the district and the municipalities when the environmental impact studies were being conducted and certified prior to all the development? They were obviously sleeping or they did not care that there was not enough water to supply their customers. Development equates to tax revenue.
We did such a great job conserving water this summer that the district's revenue stream has been affected. Therefore, the district must now retaliate by increasing the rates again to make up the difference. How disingenuous is that! As the old saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished.
I would suggest that along with our rate hikes, the water district be forced to reduce their operating budget by 31 percent -- 15 percent for January 2009 and 16 percent for January 2010. Additionally, the district should be required to reduce its profit margin by the same 31 percent.
In any event, everyone should write letters of protest to the district at: Ventura County Clerk of the Board, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009. They should also plan on attending the public hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in the City Council chambers at the Simi Valley City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. If more than half of the district's customers object in writing, the district will be forced to cancel the current proposed rate hike.
This could be another tea party moment.
-- Roger Maki, Moorpark