Letters & Shout-outs (Feb. 20, 2015)

Shout-out: Bravo to Scarborough Ace Hardware for excellent service and stock
Editor,
I just wanted to express my thanks to the people at Scarborough Ace Hardware for being there.
Recently, I had a small plumbing problem with my bathroom sink. It was an easy fix, if I had the right part. It’s a name-brand faucet, so how hard could it be?
I headed down to OSH. No luck. Then Home Depot. No luck there, either.
Finally, I was headed home and passed by the Ace Hardware in Kings Village. I didn’t really expect to find what I was looking for, but their very friendly and helpful staff led me to a very well-organized plumbing section.
Not only did they have the right part, but they had choices! Who would have thought? And, I know that the same holds true for their other locations as well.
I learned my lesson. From now on, I start by shopping local.
George Haas, Scotts Valley
Letter: Approving Measure N is only feasible way for Lompico to meet state guidelines
Editor,
Our Lompico Canyon community is about to make the most important decision we’ve faced, and that is the future of our water service.
I’m finding that the better the people understand our options, the more they plan to vote “yes” on Measure N.
As an active and informed member of the public, who is also on the Grant Committee, and the district’s Citizens Advisory, I’m very interested in the public debate. There are great brainstorming ideas from both sides — reduce costs, look at grants, and identify options.
All the above and more have been thought of and examined in depth by the district: Grant applications for tank replacement, infrastructure work, and water-quality improvement have been submitted and unsuccessfully pending — one for nearly five years: Creating a Capital Improvement Plan and subsequent five-year budget.
It is perhaps the first time Lompico Water has developed a precise, clear plan for where we are, and where we need to be.
Much of where we need to be is governed by the state. Lompico has a list of deficiencies that we must fix or comply with, no matter whether we merge or not. It is a big-ticket expense ahead for all of us, and I believe everyone wants to make sure our dollar invested has a good return.
Some brainstorming, such as deferring repairs, and use of volunteers, was worth looking into, but is not possible because it doesn’t meet state standards.
The state is looking out for Lompico customers, to be sure we have a healthy system and safe water, and I value that above all else.
Separating out the political from the water issue clears up the choice. Every water professional I’ve asked believes that joining SLVWD is a good move for us.
Please visit TinyUrl.com/Lompico, and vote “yes.”
Debra Loewen, Lompico
Shout-out: A thanks to the Scotts Valley community for making brother’s last years a little easier
Editor,
Just a note of gratitude to the community of Scotts Valley and the respect and care they gave my brother, Mark Edwards, who passed on this February 13.
Mark was a character you all knew by sight — whether you knew him by name or not. He was the straggly bearded guy in the copper-colored ‘79 Oldsmobile gathering cans around town, always with a smile and shy word.
After his first stroke in 2009, the whole community pulled for Mark, cleaned up his house, and made him part of the fabric of the community. It gave him a few more years, and quite possibly the best years of a hard life.
Special thanks go out to Don and Brenda Lahood, Eugene and Dene Bustichi, and many more of you that knew and helped Mark in the community these last few years.
A very special thanks goes out to Renee Olson, who looked after Mark and was probably the best friend he had ever had in his life.
You all made a huge difference.
Thank you.
Paul Edwards, Bokeelia, Florida
Letter: Lompico Water merger will reduce financial strain on customers
Editor,
As a Lompican, I am concerned about the upcoming bond election. I’m not sure that everyone realizes that we need the bond so we can merge with SLVWD. A “yes” vote on Measure N is a “yes” vote for the merger.
In the Lompico County Water District board directors’ election, we elected two candidates that are pro-merger. Measure N gives the LCWD board the ability to begin the steps necessary to merge.
If you haven’t already mailed your ballot, as soon as you finish reading this paper, mail it now.
Every registered voter should have received an envelope from the elections office. This is your ballot with a postage paid return envelope. Mark the line “yes,” sign and date your signature.
If you have lost or did not receive your ballot, you can go to the County Elections office. You can return your ballot to the County yourself, mail it, put it in the white drop box at the County Court House or at the Scotts Valley City Hall.
On Election Day — Feb.24 — you can drop your ballot at the Zayante Fire Department or vote in person on a provisional ballot. The new ballots will be provisional while the County confirms only one ballot was received from you.
To be counted, your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, Feb. 24 and reach the Elections Office by Friday, Feb. 27.
So why vote for the merger? Why would you not?
More water at lower rates and over 8,000 households to divide the cost of doing business instead of our 500. The largest part of our current water bill is the “ready to serve” portion. This is what it costs to bring water to your door. They have more staff for needed repairs.
Vote now. Vote “yes” on Measure N.
Ruth Shaw, Lompico
Letter: Merger will reduce water costs, give peace of mind, to Lompico customers

Editor,
The arguments for and against Measure N can get awfully complicated.
For me, though, it’s pretty simple. If Measure N passes, my water bill will drop by around 25 percent as early as this summer.
Next year, it will go down a bit more, and the year after that it will go down another bit more, and so on until, five years from now, my water bill will be about half what it is now.
Yes, I’ll pay more in property taxes. But the water bill savings offsets that cost. And I’ll have the comfort of knowing that our water system is in ship-shape and that a well-equipped, professional staff is working to make sure Lompico has plenty of safe, clean water.
Lompico neighbors, if this makes sense to you, please vote “yes” on Measure N. Let’s enjoy the peace of mind our neighbors in the Valley do.
Traci Hukill, Lompico