I would have no reason for running for the position of Sewer Commissioner if I didn’t think there were real problems that need to be addressed. I am concerned about these problems. This is my home. I think I can help. And there are real problems for us: we need to protect our drinking water, we need to protect the environment (both terrestrial and marine), we need to protect low income working people and people on fixed incomes from harmful policies.
I have done my best to present an accurate picture: $90,000 was spent by the sewer district to drill wells for the benefit of Highlands’ homeowners at public expense, Mr. Sauer’s lack of concern for the needs of people on fixed incomes or those struggling to make ends meet, sewer effluent running out on North Beach.
Because this reflects poorly on my opponent, does not make these statements false. And without substantiation, Sauers accusations are insulting.
I am qualified. I have a degree in Technology from WWU. My professional background in engineering, design and project management directly apply to the position of Sewer Commissioner. My status as fourth generation north sounder means I have a longterm perspective required to evaluate our problems and devise real solutions that apply to the place where we live.
Ultimately, it is for the voters to decide who is has the best interests of the voters at heart-I hope you will consider me the best choice.
Roger Adams
Candidate for Eastsound Sewer & Water District Commissioner, position 5
On October 11, 2011, Jim Hennessey, past-president of the Orcas Highlands Homeowners Association, wrote a letter that was on this blog, was printed in the Sounder and can also be found on my web site (ElectSauer.com). It explains that the wells were drilled to benefit ALL the homeowners in Rosario, Otters Lair, Vusario and Orcas Highlands who voted for annexation to gain back local control from a huge for-profit California-owned water utility (Washington Water) and put it into the hands of Eastsound Sewer and Water, a local non-profit entity. Also, I have been instrumental in working with the other ESWD Commissioners to create special monthly rates and low-interest financing for low income residents that allow for payment deferrals for up to 15 years for all the costs associated with hooking up to the new water system. All this and more can be substantiated on my web site at http://www.ElectSauer.com.
Unfortunately, the drilling failed. The water located was found to be contaminated with E. coli and unsuitable. The project did not meet the requirements of the memorandum and therefore carried no further obligations on either party. ESWD did invest $90k in the process but it has not been worthless. They own the rights to the well and have a lease to the land. Perhaps this will not bring revenue in the near future, but I can imagine the investment will turn out to be very profitable as water sources on the island become scarce while demand increases.
Sounds worthless to me Mr. Sauer.
I take offense to making people whom cannot afford a new water hook-up now to make a ballon payment 15 years down the road or pay interest for something that is a right not a privilege especially when based on speculation!
Please explain to me why we are leasing a parcel of land with “rights” to contaminated water will help anyone now or in the future? Seems to me you put the cart before the horse and wasted resources of both time and money.
Perhaps the 90k you threw down in “hopes” of finding water would’ve been better spent on a divining rod.