Who Cares About Voters Being Informed?

by Jack McCurdy

The Slo Coast Journal submitted questions to candidates running for election to the Morro Bay City Council at the June 5 primary in hopes their answers would help voters understand who they are, what they believe, and how they would lead the City if elected. Four candidates refused to respond to the questions while four others provided thorough, detailed, and forthright answers.

Carla Borchard, James Hayes, Joan Solu, and Bill Yates apparently don't care if voters know their views on important issues facing the City that they will help govern, if elected in the June 5 Morro Bay City Council primary election or the November 6 general election. They showed it by ignoring questions on such issues posed by the Slo Coast Journal to help voters better understand who they might be voting for.

Jamie Irons, Christine Johnson, Noah Smukler, and Joseph Yukich showed they do care by being open and forthright in answering the questions and, thereby, describing what they think about how the City has been run since the last election in 2010 and whether they, if elected to the Council, would do things differently. Here are some of the issues on which they stated their views:

—How the Council has performed since the last election in 2010,
—Are residents being informed well enough by the City about matters that affect the community?
—What are the major issues facing the City?
—What should the City do about the wastewater treatment plant?
—Should residents be more involved in what goes on in the City through, for example, advisory committees?
—Should top City staff salaries remain comparatively high while employees are being laid off?
—What should be done with the Morro Bay Power Plant, which seems to be on its last leg?
—What kind of plans should be enacted to promote Morro Bay tourism more effectively?

Following are the complete answers to the Journal questions:

Jamie Irons

1. What is your opinion of the record of the Morro Bay City Council over the past two years?

One of disappointment. The TBID/CPC/Visitors Center debacle could have been handled more gracefully and respectfully. It was very apparent that many on the Council had been discussing this amongst themselves prior to the meeting and formulating predetermined motions, disregarding public testimony.

Cerrito Peak was another example of ignoring public concern and input.  Every City has a process for variances and exceptions to help property owners address challenges they may face in development.  Approving a project with the magnitude of exceptions that was requested was not warranted.

2. Do you think that residents are being informed adequately about City activities, issues, and business?

No. As a planning commissioner I recognized this.  Also through my campaigning, the more people I talk to, the more apparent it is that people are misinformed on the issue facing our Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).

3. What, in your opinion, are the most significant issues facing the City in terms of their effect on residents?

1)  Our General Plan is 25 years old and is the guiding document for how our City grows. In my opinion an updated General Plan could have avoided the controversy we are having now over the location of our proposed WWTP.

2)  WWTP: We have to resolve the issue over the location of our WWTP.  We should then move on and build a plant that has a future, one that can accommodate future expansion and the ability to incorporate water reclamation. Water reclamation is already becoming prominent and will most likely become a requirement in the future. Not planning for it will create even higher costs in the future.

3)  A financially-sustainable budget that provides resources for the community's priorities.

4)   Ensure maintenance and improvements for harbor, City streets, and necessary infrastructures are properly prioritized and moving forward with a strategic financial plan.

5)  The future of the Morro Bay Power Plant: How does the City protect itself from the impacts of plant closure? The N.E.W. Futures Committee should be reformed to start preparing the City for a transition strategy to address redevelopment and the responsibility of owning a retired power plant.

4. Would you support greater involvement of residents in City activities, say through one or more citizen advisory committees?

Yes!  As I talk to our residents, I am impressed with the talents they have to offer. Our residents should be involved in shaping our community.   If elected mayor, I would propose a communications advisory board aimed at improving information and announcements for our community.

5. As you may know, the City Council in 1999 rejected by a 3-2 vote the creation of a redevelopment program. Would you support or oppose consideration of redevelopment again?

Redevelopment programs are non-existent in California now and in the near future due to state budget reductions. Economic development programs are the future.  I will support a program tailored to our community that supports our existing businesses and attracts new.

6. Most current Council members have stated they advocate deferring to staff opinions and recommendations in virtually all matters coming before the Council. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

As a planning commissioner I reviewed staff reports well in advance of our meetings.  I relied on staff's work as a starting point for my analysis and consideration.  I ensured there was enough time to talk through perceived differences or areas where I felt more information was needed, with staff before a meeting.  This provided thorough consideration of all aspects of the project to be presented at our meetings.  Sometimes I disagreed with staff, but I did so respectfully.  I would use this same approach as your mayor.

7. Top City staff earn among the highest salaries  in the county. Would you support lowering those salaries in order to save money that might be used to avoid City staff layoffs.

I'm not sure that statement is accurate.  However, if this is an issue, I would want more information for consideration along with the rest of Council.  Certainly, all options should be considered to balance City services and avoid staff layoffs.

8. What do you think Dynegy should be required to do with the Morro Bay Power Plant, and what role should the Council play in achieving the goal you support?

We need to be careful about requiring what any business should do with their property beyond the requirements of the law. We have laws to address environmental protection and public safety for good reason.  As for Council's role in achieving a goal related to Dynegy, I am an employee of Dynegy and therefore would not be participating on issues relating to my employer.  This is no different than anyone else on Council who has had to recuse themselves from items because of their business holdings.

9. Do you support extending the outfall lease with Dynegy to allow the plant to continue to discharge estuary water used for cooling generators in the plant?

The key part of this question for me is lease, meaning a business decision.  I would not be participating on issues relating to my employer.

10. Do you think tourism in Morro Bay is being promoted adequately, and if not, what additional or different steps should be taken?

The formation of the TBID (Tourism Business Improvement District) was the result in dissatisfaction from the hoteliers in promoting Morro Bay. The benefits have been on the rise and we need to continue to monitor the results of our tourist revenue. Additional steps for promoting Morro Bay will come from market analysis on our success, and Council will collectively review the analysis and recommendations for the necessary steps to continue to promote Morro Bay.

Christine Johnson

1. What is your opinion of the record of the Morro Bay City Council over the past two years?

I believe that the most important role of the City Council is to work with all stakeholders in the community to create a long-term strategic plan for the City that balances residents' quality of life with tourism and business development.  The long-term plan can then be broken down into yearly, measurable goals.

The absence of a goals workshop at all in 2011 and the very short-shrift given to a goals workshop in 2012 indicates to me the need to elect Council members who will immediately begin to work on establishing at least a five-year strategic plan for Morro Bay.  Any long-term plan needs to coordinate with the City's General Plan and Local Coastal Plan.

Without establishing a long-term strategic plan for Morro Bay, the City will continue to be plagued by less important—but divisive issues—that take up valuable staff time while frustrating the residents and the City staff alike.

A long-term vision with broad community input for Morro Bay will help guide the City staff in their day-to-day management of the City.

Long-term goals help to focus actions and decrease the chance for issues that divide the community such as the controversy regarding the upgrade/rebuild of the Waste Water Treatment Plant; development on Cerrito Peak; the split between the business community over tourism and economic development, and the one-size-fits-all sign ordinance.

City Council members who are elected in November must get to work to resolve these "hangover" issues from the past two years - or more.  At the same time, the City Council must begin to establish an overall vision moving forward.

2. Do you think that residents are being informed adequately about City activities, issues and business?

As I walk door-to-door and speak to residents, it's clear to me that many are starved for more detailed information about all issues in the City — large and small. It's a simple matter of communication. I believe the City Council members could go a long way in reminding people of how and where to find the access to information that is available to them. I would like to see the City expand the In the Loop newsletter to send out weekly e-blasts much like chambers of commerce do for their members. It is also important to remind and encourage residents to sign up for the "Notify Me" service via the City's website which is an extremely valuable tool. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of citizens to stay informed and do their own research on important community issues.

3. What, in your opinion, are the most significant issues facing the City in terms of their effect on residents?

A—I encourage all residents to separate the facts from the emotion and work together toward a resolution for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project that provides Morro Bay with the most affordable, long-term project and that can be permitted by the California Coastal Commission without delay.

B—Increasing revenue.  Economic development must be the number one focus for the incoming Council.  Finding new and diverse revenue sources for Morro Bay is the only way the City can continue to afford to provide for City services.  I support the use of the City's general fund to begin this process immediately as long as there are measurable goals and objectives in place.  As in many cities, the Chamber of Commerce operates the economic development function, and I support our chamber's efforts in this area as the first step toward future economic stability. Morro Bay needs to work hard to diversify our business community and develop a stronger tourism sector.

C—Rebuilding a strong downtown core of businesses serving our residents and supporting businesses that are already there.  Longtime residents recall a vibrant downtown business district.  Let's bring it back! Existing efforts by the Council and the City to engage landlords can be intensified.  I support the efforts of the Merchants' Association and the Chamber to partner on the needs of downtown.  The Council can lead on this issue and work to repair the divisions in the business community brought on by the tourism bureau controversy.

D—Residents report that the conditions of our City's streets are deplorable and they want to know what plan the City has for streets repair.  Finding new sources for revenue will ensure Morro Bay has money for infrastructure maintenance and improvements—-for streets and more.

4. Would you support greater involvement of residents in City activities, say through one or more citizen advisory committees?

Yes.  I support the work of all citizen advisory committees and would not be opposed to the creation of other advisory committees in the future depending upon City needs.

5. As you may know, the City Council in 1999 rejected by a 3-2 vote the creation of a redevelopment program. Would you support or oppose consideration of redevelopment again?

To answer this question thoughtfully, I will need more time to research the past Council vote in 1999.  I have been focusing my research on the current issues at hand.

6. Most current Council members have stated they advocate deferring to staff opinions and recommendations in virtually all matters coming before the Council. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

When Morro Bay elects a Council that takes serious leadership and ownership of the strategic planning process for Morro Bay, the notion that the Council defers to staff will no longer be relevant since the Council and the staff will be working together on a strategic plan that puts the community first.

I support a team approach to Council/staff relations.  City Council must take the lead to create a five-year strategic plan with input from stakeholders from all parts of our community to build a long-term strategic plan for Morro Bay.

All participants must then be held accountable to the plan by way of building measurable goals and objectives from the strategic plan and holding yearly public evaluations.

A healthy community believes that City staff are the professionals who we must trust (and who we compensate) to implement our community's strategic plan. To get healthy in Morro Bay, we need to have a solid plan for the future of our community—-and stick to it.

If elected, I will begin to work with the City Council and City staff to begin a strategic planning process right away.

7. Top City staff earn among the highest salaries in the county. Would you support lowering those salaries in order to save money that might be used to avoid City staff layoffs?

I am in favor of paying a living wage for all our City employees.  If push comes to shove, I do favor salary reductions at the top of the pay scale to maintain as many head of household jobs as possible on the lower end of the scale.

I would imagine top administrators in the City, as well as Council members, would also agree go take voluntary cuts to maintain jobs in critical areas such as public safety, fire protection, waste water collections and clean water delivery.

8. What do you think Dynegy should be required to do with the Morro Bay Power Plant, and what role should the Council play in achieving the goal you support?

At this time, Dynegy is the key player in making all decisions about the Power Plant. City Council needs to develop relationships with key Dynegy management and remain aware of the current business climate at the corporation. In my opinion, here is the key role for the Council to play:  the City of Morro Bay needs to look regionally for support in managing the eventual decommissioning of the plant and gain resources for possible ideas for reuse. We are a small City of roughly 10,000 people.  We must begin building relationships well beyond our City limits that will support this enormous challenge for our community in the very near future.

9. Do you support extending the outfall lease with Dynegy to allow the plant to continue to discharge used estuary water used for cooling generators in the plant?

Current state policy will not allow the power plant to use seawater from the bay for once-through cooling past the year 2015.  I support the state policy on once-through cooling.

10. Do you think tourism in Morro Bay is being promoted adequately, and if not, what additional or different steps should be taken

Nearly $700,000 is being spent to promote Morro Bay from a combination of sources including the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) tax and the City's general fund. In my opinion, the most important step to ensure this money is well-spent is: establishing measurable goals and objectives to ensure that the marketing funds used are increasing the occupancy rate in Morro Bay (which today is lower than the overall county rate and lower than the national occupancy rate) and to increase sales tax revenue. In order to ensure the best financial oversight for tax dollars and to increase revenue generated by tourism, I do support the new Tourism Advisory Board in its focused effort to use TBID funds to promote the City of Morro Bay as a tourist destination.  I support the make-up of this new board to be inclusive of diverse visitor-serving businesses in a very balanced way.  The Council must ask the new board to submit measurable goals and objectives to be reviewed on a yearly basis. I believe it is the right time for the City Council and City staff, with input from the Chamber and the new Tourism Advisory Board, to review the mission for the Visitors' Center to ensure that both the location and the function of the center meets the City's marketing and promotional needs in the future. I believe that the City Council and the City staff — partnering with the Chamber, the Merchants' Association, and the new Tourism Advisory Board among others — must take the lead to begin the conversation about who will plan, organize and implement a calendar of events that inject our local economy with much needed revenue.

11. Do you agree with the policy of the City Council majority in pursing an upgrade of the existing waste water treatment plant, rather than locating the plant at a different site, as the California Coastal Commission staff has strongly indicated is required?

As a resident, I have become educated about this important infrastructure project.  If the City of Morro Bay wants to build a new waste water treatment plant, we need a permit from the California Coastal Commission to build it.  It is critical for residents to do their own research, too.  Any resident can read the documents from the Coastal Commission on the City's website.  The Coastal Commission has been very clear in their communication to Morro Bay about the limitations of the current site.  I am extremely concerned that if the Coastal Commission refuses to permit a new plant at the current site (which is the City's first and only choice for a new plant), Morro Bay does not yet have a viable option for a possible Plan B or Plan C. Based on this concern, I was one of many residents who requested an alternative sites analysis be conducted.  It was.  And, I appreciate the research done that highlighted two possible alternative sites—-neither one fully explored by a environmental analysis.

Moving forward:

—I will focus on facts, not emotion, to find the right plant at the right price for Morro Bay.
—I am committed to working with residents, the City and the California Coastal Commission to find resolution for the waste water treatment plant.
—I am committed to working with the California Coastal Commission to obtain a permit to build a new WWTP.
— I will work to obtain a permit for the best long-term project at the most affordable price.
—I will work to ensure that unnecessary delays do not create community upheaval and a higher cost for ratepayers.

Noah Smukler

1. What is your opinion of the record of the Morro Bay City Council over the past two years?

When faced with high-profile decisions, the final action by the majority of the Council has not reflected strong public comment and testimony.  Examples include:  WWTP lobbyist, Bonita Street development that did not include commercial zoning on Main Street, Cerrito Peak development, Morro Bay Sign Ordinance strict enforcement and the future of the Morro Bay Visitor Center.

2. Do you think that residents are being informed adequately about City activities, issues and business?

We have improved accessibility to information by updating the City website and introducing the "Notify-Me" program to allow stakeholders to sign up to receive notices regarding issues of their choice.  We also conducted key public workshops on the newly adopted Bike/Pedestrian Plan.  We need to improve our "goal setting" process to include more public involvement.

3. What, in your opinion, are the most significant issues facing the City in terms of their effect on residents?

The long term costs and reliability of the WWTP and our ability to resolve the issue so that it does not need major rennovation or expansion on to additional property in the future.  The current Council has reduced many safeguards that protect our quality of life and the character of Morro Bay.

4. Would you support greater involvement of residents in City activities, say through one or more citizen advisory committees?

More community input and involvement in the goal-setting process would help ensure that we are in line with citizen needs.  The advisory committees can be better utilized but instead we have reduced the number of board members and frequency of their meetings.

5. As you may know, the City Council in 1999 rejected by a 3-2 vote the creation of a redevelopment program. Would you support or oppose consideration of redevelopment again?

I voted against the redevelopment proposal in part because it was off base by focusing on the residential neighborhoods instead of the commercial districts.  Recent state actions and court rulings have essentially disbanded all redevelopment programs statewide so it is good that we did not invest any further time nor finances into this concept.

6. Most current Council members have stated they advocate deferring to staff opinions and recommendations in virtually all matters coming before the Council. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Staff's opinions and input are important, but the Council's main job is to represent the best interests of the citizens of Morro Bay.  In some cases staff's recommendations do not fully consider the long-term impacts or financial repercussions to the citizenry, and the Council must be able to disagree.  In the best scenario staff and Council work together to balance their perspectives and include public input that influences the process.  I like the saying, "The Ark was built by amateurs but professionals built the Titanic."

7. Top City staff earn among the highest salaries  in the county. Would you support lowering those salaries in order to save money that might be used to avoid City staff layoffs?

Layoffs should be the last option on the table and I have supported pension reform throughout all City departments.  I have also voted against the addition or expansion of administrative positions such as the Police Commander position and the Harbor Department business manager.

8. What do you think Dynegy should be required to do with the Morro Bay Power Plant, and what role should the Council play in achieving the goal you support?

Upon final operations of the plant, we need to make sure that the City has easement access to appropriate sections of the plant for the installation of parking, bike/pedestrian pathways, temporary storage and, perhaps, the siting of the proposed boat yard.  There are limits to what the City can require, but we must be proactive to ensure the plant does not become a long-term "black hole" in the center of our community.  I appreciated the work of the "N.E.W. Futures Committee" and have suggested multiple times that we reactivate them to assist in the development of a transition action plan.

9. Do you support extending the outfall lease with Dynegy to allow the plant to continue to discharge Estuary water used for cooling generators in the plant?

It depends on the conditions of the lease agreement, which is still an ongoing closed-session process, so I am reluctant to talk about the details or commit to support or deny a proposal.

10. Do you think tourism in Morro Bay is being promoted adequately, and if not, what additional or different steps should be taken?

Yes, the hoteliers self-assessment has created more funds than the City has ever invested in promotion and advertising.  I am a strong supporter of utilizing the City funds formally used for promotions via the Community Promotions Committee to create the first funded "Economic Development" program that would be a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.  The Economic Development Program proposal focuses on the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and their success would translate into increased sales tax, jobs, and the attraction of new businesses.  The Economic Development plan would also help us better attract regional/local business so that we do not suffer from slow off-tourist seasons.  We must balance promotions to tourists with the support of our existing businesses.

11. Do you agree with the policy of the City Council majority in pursing an upgrade of the existing plant, rather than locating the plant at a different site, as the California Coastal Commission staff has strongly indicated is required?

I have advocated that we have a working relationship with the Coastal Commission to ensure that we receive a timely permit and are able to resolve this project.  The Coastal Commission has been clear that they are unlikely to permit a project on the beachfront site and that we must have a strong water recycling/reclamation component planned into the project.  They are the permitting agency so we must be prepared to move the plant if it is a requirement of our permit.

Joseph Yukich

1. What is your opinion of the record of the Morro Bay City Council over the past two years?

Morro Bay mayor & City Council do an excellent job of spending the taxpayers' money, while offering us little in return. Many of the current Council members have vested economic interests in the Embarcadero and are naturally inclined to invest our capital in this area to benefit their personal concerns. Recently, Mayor Yates took exception to my suggestion that we begin putting the taxpayer before the tourist. He falsely stated I was "out of touch" due to the fact that the City generates 70% of its revenue from tourism. For the other 30%, should our citizens at least get some decent roads and an active North Morro Bay firehouse to cut into emergency response time? Why are we in trouble? This is because our elected officials have become archaic and complacent in their approach of our community's future vision. Besides lacking the vision to seek out new and exciting industries, our City Council chose to expand the size of government instead of consolidation in these pressing economic times.  A majority of our City administrators are making three times as much as their counterparts in the private sector and the residents they are supposed to serve.

2. Do you think that residents are being informed adequately about City activities, issues and business?

Absolutely! This is because members of the "good ol' boy" network have turned that type of communication into propaganda. For example, Carla Borchard-supporter Cathy Novak's planned the mayoral and City Council debate on Thursday, April 26! Most certainly you'll be notified, but most hard working taxpayers will be busy at their jobs or tending to their children at that time. Instead of having a debate at a more convenient time, members of audience will deliver softball questions to Borchard and Yates, while pounding on perceived threatening candidates like me and Irons. For years, these City insiders have repeatedly quashed attempts for "open" public debate regarding community issues in favor of expediting "business as usual" for their special interests.

3. What, in your opinion, are the most significant issues facing the City in terms of their effect on residents?

One of the issues is public safety. While the City focuses on accommodating tourists, residents continue to drive on roads that are in dire need of repair. Under Yates' leadership, the police department has remained understaffed, overworked and crippled by a limited budget. We need the guarantee that residents (especially our elderly citizens) and tourists will be adequately protected by law enforcement. With my compensation reform plan, we can cut from the historically high administrative salaries to pay for emergency services and other departments.

4. Would you support greater involvement of residents in City activities, say through one or more citizen advisory committees?

Absolutely. Residents should be encouraged to participate in their community. Being on an advisory committee can and will make a difference. Secondly, on major issues such as the sewage treatment plant or power plant let us exercise a little direct democracy. Honestly, we live in a town of a just over 6,500 voters. How difficult can it be to get a consensus opinion? Direct government is where our citizens can develop a consensus, and have a voice on major issues that are impacting them.

5. As you may know, the City Council in 1999 rejected by a 3-2 vote the creation of a redevelopment program. Would you support or oppose consideration of redevelopment again?

I would oppose any redevelopment agencies. Redevelopment agencies are very intrusive on homeowners. In 2009, the City of Morro Bay spent $80,000 on a redevelopment feasibility study that was meant to push for aggressive blighting of several properties. We can't allow our government to dictate what properties need redevelopment or not. That's abuse of power.

6. Most current Council members have stated they advocate deferring to staff opinions and recommendations in virtually all matters coming before the Council. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

I disagree. Staffers serve as consultants on an agenda item. They may provide recommendations to the Council, but the decision should be entirely up to the mayor and City Council. I am an independent thinker and will ultimately rely on my experiences and expertise to make the best decision for my constituents.

7. Top City staff earn among the highest salaries  in the county. Would you support lowering those salaries in order to save money that might be used to avoid City staff layoffs?

Absolutely. The Tribune reports that our City administrators are some of the highest paid public employees in the county with accumulative salaries topping 4.5 million dollars annually. For a town serving 10,000 with no growth, these salaries for non-emergency personnel is just too high. I support lowering these salaries so we not only avoid City layoffs, but also strengthen our budget.

8. What do you think Dynegy should be required to do with the Morro Bay Power Plant, and what role should the Council play in achieving the goal you support?

If Dynegy decides to close the facility in 2015, I suggest we let it live out its existence. This will give us time to assess the plant's economic impact to our community. This will also allow us time to find other less controversial uses for the property that will generate income comparable to its current revenue.

However, Dynegy did file a "compliance plan" which, at this juncture, appears to be very vague on intentions. If Dynegy's plan is to repower with smaller equipment while seeking alternative methods to provide energy, I would work with Dynegy, community groups, federal, state, and local agencies to make sure that they comply with Track 1 (regarding future operation under the guidelines of State Water Resources Control Board). Track 1 requires the plant to reduce water intake for cooling on par with closed cycle cooling where limited amounts of water is recirculated for cooling purposes in the power plant. Track 1 is achievable, feasible, and can be accomplished.

In this instance, our mayor has limited options: he can be the voice of change. He can lobby. but as I mentioned earlier on this issue, the people need a direct voice. In this instance I would utilize the instrument of direct government so the majority can be heard. Closing the power plant will have an economic impact on our community due to loss of revenue. Instead of proposing far-fetched use for the closed plant that will take years, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and waste time, come to me with concrete proposals that will ensure positive growth for the community. Let's not waste more time than we already have.

9. Do you support extending the outfall lease with Dynegy to allow the plant to continue to discharge used estuary water used for cooling generators in the plant?

They would have to abide by the Track 1 policies, which are required. Track 1 is feasible and doable. As I stated earlier, the community needs a direct voice in this. Representative government has shown it doesn't work in this case – it's creating unresolved tension.

10. Do you think tourism in Morro Bay is being promoted adequately, and if not, what additional or different steps should be taken?

Promotion is up to the individual business owner. When you lay out your marketing or business plan to open a new business you set aside a budget for marketing and promotion. It's not the government's responsibility to subsidize the private sector. No free lunch. Morro Bay businesses need to understand that the tourist dollar is becoming more and more competitive, especially with the rise of the internet. My message to businesses is simple: provide cleaner hotel rooms, better food and better service. Work with City administrators like Parks and Recreation's Joe Woods in providing better recreational activities for our residents and tourists. For tourism to be successful, we must grow this organically. Let's fix our roads, fix our infrastructure while providing incentives for local businesses to be at their best and encourage more businesses to be here. This way, we can create jobs, jump-start the local economy and turn Morro Bay into a premiere destination for both residents and tourists.

11. Do you agree with the policy of the City Council majority in pursing an upgrade of the existing plant, rather than locating the plant at a different site, as the California Coastal Commission staff has strongly indicated is required?

First, I'd like to comment on the money that has gone into this project without ever turning over a shovel of earth. The City hired a consultant for $250,000, and that consultant hires a lobbyist for another $150,000. Both the consultant and the lobbyist remain uncertain if the California Coastal Commission is going to approve the plan at the proposed site. If a major league baseball team hires a hitter for millions of dollars, that hitter better hit home runs. Isn't the Mayor supposed to be the lobbyist for the City? Yates has never met with any Coastal Commission members on this matter. It would be our City's best interest if he invested time in working with the Commission?

The California Coastal Commission should be considered a partner of Morro Bay. Instead of fighting the CCC, I'll evaluate their recommendations and meet with them to address concerns. It appears that in the eyes of the Coastal Commission our current wastewater project might have significant issues that will not be overcome if we insist on ignoring the commission and upgrading our plant. Delays will only add more expense to this project.

Great-horned Owl on Banner by Cleve Nash