Politics As Usual, or Bob Oliver for Mayor

By Bob Oliver

The power of the press to suppress the election process is on the rise... water is one of the main issues.

I ran for Mayor of Monterey Two years ago and four years ago. The following is a limited account of the election process - both local and Federal, to date. For more information listen to Bob Oliver "Presents" on 1240 AM KNRY - "PEOPLES RADIO" Mondays 8 PM.

In or about September 2000, articles in the local media covered the "Toxic Waste Issue" at the Monterey Peninsula Airport and surrounding Monterey Residential Neighbourhood. The media toned down the issue even though insiders tell me the problem is "extreme". Walter Wong was aired on t.v. telling a neighbourhood packed audience that the problem was negligible instead of negligent. This issue was dropped from the news the following night when Alco Water Company took its place - for nearly a solid month. The extent of coverage was both inaccurate and overbearing, yet the subtle implications were totally overlooked by the general public.

Alco Water Company, a local water company, and California American Water Company, compete for water business in our community. Unlike California American Water Company, Alco is a privately owned family business most likely being forced out of existence so that a water monopoly can be formed.

Measure B, "An advisory vote to - Dissolve the water board", was proposed and put on the district ballot by the City Council of Monterey. Placing it on the ballot as an advisory vote cost the city of Monterey about $14,000. The campaign which it then effectively sponsored has spent a total of an additional $75,000 currently reported to date. Neither the election board nor the City will give any written account as to the exact expense for placing measure B on the ballot. The $14,000 estimated cost to the City was arrived at by comparing previous year election costs involving Monterey, Seaside and Pacific Grove over the past three November elections.

In effect, the City of Monterey and you the voting public, children, and families of Monterey are directly paying for this advisory vote out of the coffers of our city.

The Campaign committee for Measure B, and th City of Monterery combined have spent approximately $90,000 to wage war against the Water District. In contrast and to its credit, the new board has allowed residental developement of 2nd bathrooms and has stopped the profiteering practices of selling water credits. To date, at least one public official has resigned, do to conflict of interest over the water credit issue.

Even though you saw signs up everywhere in favor of Measure B and none against, a small number people or companies have contributed, about 25 in total. They include, The Monterey Penninsula (WMD)$10,000, California American Water Company $10,000, Dan Keig Property Management $700, Monterey County Business PAC $10,000, Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Assn $6,000.

California American Water is now owned by foreign interest in Germany. RWE, a German Corporation, along with several other foreign Corporations own a reported 40% of the United States water. Once they own it they raise the rates, excessively while allowed to take a 9% proffit over expenses.

LISTEN TO BOB OLIVER "PRESENTS" ON KNRY EVERY MONDAY AT 8PM TAKE OFF THE MUZZLE GIVE US YOUR PIECE OF THE PUZZLE. Call in 899-5100 THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE

contact :Bob Oliver - for Mayor of Montery 375-8233 www.bob-oliver-for-mayor.com/