Endorsement: Water Reclamation District

Change has become a buzzword in this election cycle, but sometimes change takes a long time to happen. So it is with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, or "Deep Tunnel," has been the focus of the district for many years. It's a good plan and it's almost finished -- only two reservoirs on the south and west side need to be completed. The district is also doing a good job of managing changes that will come regarding a countywide Watershed Management Ordinance that will address issues such as drainage, wetland protection, soil erosion and water quality. A key component of this are the Water Planning Councils, which include representatives from municipalities and planning agencies within each watershed in the county. Involving communities in the process is an excellent way of managing that change.

Finally, we approve of the district's general philosophy that the open space the district owns should remain for public use first and foremost. While ideas for economic development expressed by some candidates are admirable, taking public land for private use should be approached with caution.

Because we believe water reclamation work is being managed well, we endorse incumbents Frank Avila, Kathleen Therese Meany and Cynthia Santos in the Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner. That is not to say there are no other issues of importance that need to be addressed. For example, water disinfection is an admirable goal, but it is an expensive one that should be examined carefully.

If change on the board is desired, we feel candidate Derrick David Stinson's knowledge and experience would be a valuable addition.