Monterey County Weekly Endorsement October 20, 2005

By Judi Lehman

"As the Peninsula looks ahead, towards a real water supply solution, we need real leadership. We strongly endorse Lehman."

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Judi Lehman Four years ago, Lehman ousted then-director Ron Chesshire from his seat on the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. During her tenure, Lehman has promoted conservation and water projects that will stop the illegal over-pumping of the Carmel River. She promoted the completion of the Seaside Basin aquifer storage and recovery program, which pumps excess winter water from the Carmel River into the aquifer so that it can be used during dry summer months. She also supports the water district's plan for a Sand City desalination plant--which has now been put on hold--and she wants to see increased wastewater recycling programs.

Her opponent opposes Measure W and still doesn't believe that the idea of a dam on the Carmel River is dead. Chesshire would also tip the water district in a staunchly pro-development direction, which would be dangerous considering the sad state of the Carmel River and the overdrafted Seaside Basin.

As the Peninsula looks ahead, towards a real water supply solution, we need real leadership. We strongly endorse Lehman.