Dear Editor

During the recent press conference at Wolf Creek Golf Club candidates for city council were asked about a proposal to raise water prices at local golf courses.

Candidate David Ballweg said: “The first thing I want the public to understand is that the city council has no impact or say in district water policy.”  Mike Benham, “For once, I agree with David.” Cindi Delaney, “I think that Dave said it best in a lot of ways, we are not the water district.” C. J. Larson, “The council, is not the water district.” Rapson, I agree with the commentary.”  David West avoided the issues. “we have available water. We are not facing some of the issues like California with their rationing.”  Brian Wursten, “I agree with George (Rapson).”  Not so fast.

On October 20, 2015, Water Board President, Nephi Julian in discussing the issuance of water resources, said. “it is not our right (the VVWB) to determine that someone gets water before somebody else. When a business comes to town and gets a permit from the city of Mesquite, and we do not like that business, that is the city of Mesquite’s problem. They are the ones who control that. If that business comes to town and they have the proper permits, we will provide the water – that is what we do.”

Clearly, Ballweg, who attends 95 % of water board meetings, Rapson, and Delany should know that the city council sets the water policy through the issuance of permits and licenses. Further, they know that permits are declining, and the availability of water is uncertain.  If we cannot trust them to accept this responsibility and attempt to push it off on the water board, then they should not be on the city council.

As to Benham, Larsen, West, and Wursten they should have a better understanding of the responsibilities of a city council person before making statements.

Michael M. McGreer, Ph.D Mesquite, NV