WHY I VOTED YES

On March 23, City Council voted 4-2 to move ahead with a new City water treatment facility, in essence by-passing the County’s offer of water from the new Hogan’s Corner wells.

Three of the four City Council members who voted Yes explain their positions, in e-mailed responses:

Dick Skewis:

“My vote for the city to build and maintain it’s own water system was due to consideration that with out water, a critical resource for the city, we wouldn’t be able to exist.  

“We will have direct control over our water resource by building our own system and not have to rely on the county commissioners largess.  The county’s responses to our inquiries were less than responsive and some what lackluster with information which lead me to believe that we the city could not look to them in adversity.  

“It appeared that they thought of us as less than the city we are and were more looking at us as a cash cow to support their system.”

Peggy Berry:

“I believe the council did the right thing voting to move forward with the city water project. I think each council member has spent numerous hours studying the water issue and discussing it with residents. I have already received several phone calls and e-mails thanking me for my vote.  

“I had major concerns about the lack of testing of the water at Hogan’s Corner, the possibility of the wells going dry and concern about Ocean Shores giving up their water rights. Unknown upfront and future operating costs associated with going with the County water system was also a big factor for me.  

“I feel strongly that the council made the right decision for the residents of Ocean Shores.” 

Bob Crumpacker :

“During my election campaign, I raised the issue of using the County wells as a primary source for Ocean Shores. During the interceding time period,  there have been town hall meetings, staff meetings with all parties present, and letters of explanation on both sides. 

“This has been a long and reasonable process to provide the best data possible to make a good decision. 

“It is my belief that developing resources inside the City will be the cheapest cost and best quality to the consumers of our product.  

“Hydrology reports  in the past have indicated that growth in Ocean Shores will require more water capacity soon. The time frame is a moving target but certain to occur at some point.   

“I believe the best answer to that question lies in our current shallow wells (about 140 feet ). Water quality  is also a major concern.  

“I was skeptical of the Miex technology at first.  That has changed. I now have confidence in this technology and its long term effectiveness.  More than thirty systems are now operational and all seem to be very effective and cost efficient.”    

Mike Patrick did not respond.