Water board misrepresented — Nancy Macy

Dear Editor,
Once again Water Board members are unfairly maligned and a stressful situation exacerbated. The vote to reform the rate structure was unanimous. Thousands of customers supported the changes — as needed and justified. Did anyone know that the Board is working on ways to help those on limited incomes? Did you point out that customers’ concerns were thoroughly considered and addressed at informational meetings? Have you acknowledged how frightening it is to be screamed at and threatened, when you are faithfully trying to serve the community? Did your articles and photos represent a balanced description of events and provide quotes from differing viewpoints? No. Your readers haven’t been told that Gene Ratcliffe is honorable and intelligent; that she was elected for her skills and experience; that voters recognized her desire to serve, to assure a healthy watershed and well-functioning infrastructure for good, clean water. They don’t realize that hundreds of hours (beyond the lengthy meetings) are spent studying Board materials providing her with an excellent grasp of District operations, budget, and management. Far from being on a power trip, she has carefully considered the issues and made thoughtful decisions based on science, law, and the District’s needs. Even so she has been personally attacked and threatened, as distorted information from various sources has inflamed feelings, and worse, misled concerned customers. Margaret Bruce, Eric Hammer and Chuck Baughman are also remarkable leaders, with in-depth understanding of the District. They all appreciate the staff’s dedication, having watched them overcome many challenges and provide remarkable service. Much of this is described on the District’s website. In spite of harassment and discord, all of these leaders want the ENTIRE Board to function together, in a positive, responsible and responsive manner, and are working for that.
Respectfully yours,
Nancy Macy, Boulder Creek