Re “When Ed Little Scorched Accused Embezzler”
I hope that the allegations of embezzlement of public funds against Ron Smith, a director of the West Basin Municipal Water District board, are resolved quickly and correctly.
I expect this is a trying experience for him. I respect his current decision of not pursuing re-election. The West Basin board already has found itself to not be completely responsive to the current drought crisis with one Director’s absence (following the May resignation of Ed Little). I hope this does not further cripple the Board.
More generally, this harkens to the recent past when the West and Central Basin water boards were rife with dealings of bribery, extortion, backroom deals and corruption.
People have taken advantage of the position. The focus should be on the water as much more work there is needed. During the six months since a drought was declared, instead of using 20 percent less water than last year, the cities under West Basin have used 4 percent more.
Water boards need to resolve their credibility crisis and dismantle the culture of entitlement that makes the board positions look to be so plum a target. In a system where nothing short of a felony can remove one from office more checks and transparency are needed. The board needs to add governing principles that can quickly address ethical infractions and guarantee the public trust. Mr. Smith's example reminds us that the so-called “Directors Sponsorship and Outreach” slush funds will need more scrutiny.
Entitlements need to be slashed: A $405/month car allowance is excessively generous, given that some districts are no more than six miles across. In a position without an actual salary, a private pension plan just for Board members is out of place.
Instating term limits can further reduce the board’s fiefdom and bring a healthy mix of public servants focused on increasing our water independence. The water board shouldn't be about how green the money is but how brown the lawn should be.
Since Mr. Smith's arrest, two more people have jumped into his District 1 race. No comment yet on the color of their lawns.
Mr. Murray recently was a candidate for the Ed Little vacancy on the water board before directors decided not to name a replacement. Mr. Murray may be contacted at Stephen@sunstruction.com
