Dear Editor,
I am writing to express support for Greg Ayers. My support is based on:
His creative and pragmatic ideas for increasing the health of our economy. Please note, I’m not the only one who values his thoughts – he is a small business advisor for the Obama administration on the Presidential National Economic Council
His integrity – he did not seek an endorsement from the Democratic (or any other) Party. He chose to honor the spirit of non-partisan elections, rather than the letter of the law.
His ability to problem solve and his care for the environment – when the septic systems of OPAL houses on Orcas threatened the groundwater, he met with the reluctant land trust group (headed by Lisa Byers) to listen to their concerns and to create a solution to their pollution. Ultimately, Greg Ayers found a way to reduce costs enough to enable them to hook on to the sewer district. His leadership helped resolved a known environmental problem on Orcas.
Greg Ayers can lead us beyond partisanship, and has the skills and heart to help us create a positive future together. Please join me in voting for Greg Ayers.
Sincerely,
Daniela Mayer
For several years I have served on the OPAL Board. I was also one of five Commissioners of the Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD), along with Greg Ayers. Since Daniela Mayer was not there, allow me to set the record straight.
First of all, there is no evidence that any OPAL septic systems have ever threatened the ground water (Eastsound Aquifer)…and this is not “a known environmental problem on Orcas.”
Historically, there are several wells in the Eastsound Aquifer that have shown elevated nitrate levels. One of the leading causes for this, is contamination from septic systems. Tests were run to see if any of the Eastsound wells tested positive for caffeine, which would be found if there was septic intrusion into the wells. All wells tested negative for caffeine, thus the septic systems were not the cause of the elevated nitrate levels. Yet, ESWD has used the elevated nitrate levels as its public rationale for forcing hook-ups.
Secondly, Greg’s solution was to create a monthly “availability charge” for not being hooked up to the ESWD system that is greater than the monthly fee for sewer service. Greg’s solution was financial coercion of the homeowners least capable of paying.
I will not get into an argument with Mr. Sauer, nor comment on Ms. Mayer’s letter. Instead please read these articles that address the situation from independent viewpoints, including comments from a resident of the Bonnie Brae community. Most important is that all 24 residents have connected. Greg Ayers
https://theorcasonian.com/guest-opinion-full-circle-on-sewer-hook-up-debate
https://theorcasonian.com/guest-opinion-financial-self-interest-in-the-sewer-connection-debate
https://theorcasonian.com/bonnie-brae-works-with-sewer-district-for-solutions
With regard to the connection of Bonnie Brae residents to the Eastsound sewer system, the District’s concerns about the costs to those residents to comply with the need for ALL properties within the UGA to connect was always paramount in our minds.
After many policy changes to minimize that financial burden on our Bonnie Brae neighbors, it was Greg Ayers who suggested and confirmed the legality of the District allowing a discount period during which the connection charge was reduced by 50%. The net result was that ALL Bonnie Brae property owners have now completed application for connection to the sewer system AND nearly one-half are already hooked-up.
The issue for the District was , and continues to be protection of the public health and of the environment.
The members of the District Board are very much appreciative of the Bonnie Brae folks in helping us complete this project for the benefit of the community.
Mr Ayers should be commended for his repeated efforts to create a viable solution on this complex issue for the benefit of all parties involved.