The struggle to bring the common sense position that to increase water supply (not to mention flood protection), dams need to be part of the equation, continues, and it is very heartening to see public leadership that understands this.
Water bond might wait
Assembly Democrats say June or November ballot may make more sense.
By E.J. Schultz - Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, October 5, 2007
With time running out to get a water bond on the February ballot, Assembly Democrats said Thursday that it might make more sense to wait until the June or November elections.
"We probably only have one chance to put something on the ballot and have it pass," said Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz. "We shouldn't feel pressure to do something by a deadline."
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- who called a special session to address the state's massive water needs -- is still pushing to get a bond before voters on Feb. 5. But to do so, lawmakers must beat an Oct. 16 deadline.
Laird, a leader in water negotiations, said lawmakers are not giving up on the goal. But more than two weeks into the session, it's not clear how much progress, if any, has been made.
Republicans are backing Schwarzenegger's $9 billion proposal, which puts a major emphasis on new dams, including one east of Fresno. Democrats favor groundwater storage and water conservation and are against earmarking money for specific dams.
