Agenda - 01-30-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STATEMENT BY BARRY JACOBS ON SELECTION OF A RESERVOIR SITE IN NORTHCENTRAL ORANGE COUNTY -- JANUARY 30, 1989 No one is more acutely aware than a local official of the difficulties involved in making major public policy decisions. Where a federal or state legislator might feel insulated from the will of their constituents, local officials are very much subject to the • direct, often emotional appeals of their friends and neighbors. For the most part, citizens come forth to address public policy • issues only when there is some direct effect on themselves or their property. So prevalent is this phenomenon, it is often referred to as the NIMBY syndrome, eliciting knowing nods from public officials and confused glances from citizens unaware the acronym stands for "Not in my back yard." So it is that self-interest is-a key component in current discussions of a possible reservoir site in northcentral Orange • County. Although I own no property likely to be affected by such a site, I freely confess that, as caretaker at Moorefields, I have something of a personal bias in these matters. However, that bias is probably less pronounced than that of many others who come before you tonight to advocate for their self-interest. Before I address specifics, I'd like to commend the Board of Orange County Commissioners for the deliberate manner in which it has approached the question of selecting a reservoir site. Despite the tendentious clamor by some who fancy themselves men of action, it is imperative that open-minded, rational decisions be made, and made within a public forum rather than in executive sessions or private meetings. To that end, I respectfully request that the commissioners consider the following in making any decision regarding a reservoir: -- Review the recommendations of your own task forces that considered long-range water strategies and a reservoir site. Those folks worked long and hard, were given expert assistance, and rendered clear verdicts. The board of commissioners has repeatedly relied upon the advise of such task forces -- as in deciding which items should be included in the bond referendum, or in ascertaining the need for a new airport. Don't turn your backs on similar efforts that contradict the predilections of a powerful few. -- Ask the county attorney to provide a written opinion on the likely legal ramifications of selecting one particular site over another. Several decisionmakers say privately that the danger of legal entanglements plays a key role in their thinking; let's add fact to supposition. -- Define a conceptual context within which a reservoir is to be considered. The proposed county water and sewer policy is a step in that direction. But, what initiatives will the county encourage in the short-run to provide raw water? Will it maintain a leadership role in fostering the inter-relation of water systems? Will there be other reservoirs in the future, or do the commissioners perceive the finite nature of our natural and social resources? -- State unequivocally that any reservoir will be fully protected from intrusive uses, including especially motorboating and other polluting recreational uses. Even Durham, which in the past has shown far less regard for protecting its water supplies than has Orange County, has taken a stand along these lines. Talk of bait shops and • NN■ffaamm.■......