Phil Dirkx is right on Paso Robles groundwater basin district

Mr. Phil Dirkx, as always, manages to simplify, clarify and cut right to the chase (“Paso Robles groundwater basin residents have a chance to control their future,” Dec. 18).

The upcoming vote to fund and form the Paso Robles basin water district is all about democracy and decisions being made at the most local level possible. The water district gives us the best opportunity for local control of our wells, accountability and control of costs because the board of the district will be composed of nine resident directors who bring a cross-section of experience, local knowledge and vitality to the board. Ceding control to the county or allowing the state to intervene if we do not approve the district and funding in March is the worst of all possible outcomes.

The fact is we will pay an assessment fee regardless of whether it is the state, the county or a local water district. The state leaves no doubt in its letter to the county, which is posted at www.pasobasin.org, that it will cost every landowner more and it will be without our consent.

I hope more people can see the straightforwardness of Mr. Dirkx’s argument that “smaller is better.”

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 7:36 PM with the headline "Phil Dirkx is right on Paso Robles groundwater basin district."