Water

By John Raymond Beckman

Water is vital for any community to thrive or even survive. Lodi's economy is driven by agriculture which also relies heavily on water. If Lodi is to have a future in a State with a quickly growing population the leaders of Lodi MUST be willing to fight for our water, I am.

As the population of California continues to swell so does the need for water.

Recently the State has ordered Lodi to chlorinate, fluoridate and otherwise treat and alter our water. Last year when the State ordered Lodi to turn off our power, Alan Vallow, in the face of harsh criticism, said no. As a member of the Lodi Planning Commission I have been willing to make unpopular decisions to defend what is right. When the State comes to Lodi and demands some of our water or orders us to turn off our water, I will stand firm and tell the State no!

Before we get to that point though, I will work hard to enhance Lodi's water supply and quality. As a member of Assemblyman Anthony Pescetti's staff I worked with the North San Joaquin Water Conservation District to pass AB2955. This bill will allow the District to re-charge and store for later usage up to 20,000 acre feet of water per year.

Mark Twain said that whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. Now more than ever it's time to "keep your powder dry."