Calhouns Can(n)ons

Sparks Speaks, Or Will Certain Personages Knock It Off, Already?

I offered to post initial campaign statements from any LOCSD candidates running for the Board. I don’t intend to use the blogsite as “campaign headquarters” for anyone. However, the first major whoosh of spin arrived in the form of a postcard from “Citizens to Restore Los Osos, Joyce Albright, Chair,” that contained clear, oh, what shall we call them, “Not-Exactly- “Facts” Masquerading as, Uh, Facts?” And the mailer used three candidates’ names without making it clear whether these three approved of what was being claimed. I noted in my 10/14 posting that if the “facts” presented were wrong, that the candidates being touted might want to set the record straight. Herewith, a press release from Mr. Sparks doing just that.


For Release: October 14, 2006
From: Joe Sparks

In light of a recent endorsements and statements in the San Luis Obispo Tribune and multiple mailers distributed to residents of Los Osos, I feel it is important to have my views on the LOCSD and election portrayed accurately to the public or media. While an individual or group has the right to endorse whoever or state what they wish, I do not share or condone their views, just as I will not condone anyone stating my position for me as a board member. Misleading and incomplete information or innuendo by any group or individual devalues all of the candidates as individuals and prevents constructive dialog. My statements alone reflect my positions.

First, the Los Osos community needs to work constructively to insure that water, utilities, fire, and solid waste services are provided without impact from the wastewater project, regardless of who serves as board members.

Second, assigning blame will not help solve any immediate problem since some requested audits have yet to be completed. Responsibility for our situation rests with us as citizens, as well as other entities. The residents of Los Osos formed the LOCSD, they voted in prior boards, they voted in the current board. In representative government, all those eligible to vote are no less culpable than their representatives for the decisions those officials make.

Third, I support the County administration of the wastewater project. This needs to include an objective evaluation of options and costs (without attempts to devalue any asset), energy costs, design and inflation costs, and an unbiased evaluation of wastewater disposal/re-use and water yields for our water supply. It must also consider state mandates. That was the objective of AB2701. Only then can the property owners be expected to fully support a 218 vote to fund a project and fix the wastewater problem.

Fourth, Los Osos needs to focus collectively on completing a project. Naïve promises and our failure to compromise have cost us civility and money. We need to address affordability by supporting the County’s efforts and create a civic framework to support affordability, and not continue to deter entities from participating in funding and financing options.

Lastly, since announcing my candidacy, the LOCSD has filed for Chapter 9 protection. This has changed the LOCSD relationship with creditors, and a deliberate evaluation of all consultants needed. I believe the current LOCSD board is not diverse enough nor can it be objective in its evaluation of all the creditors hired by both boards. The manner in which consultants and contractors have been hired was rushed and not transparent. Costs to the ratepayers and homeowners of Los Osos must be minimized, and that requires a LOCSD board that can be objective and impartial in negotiating with ALL creditors.


Contact Joe Sparks:
JoeSparksCampaign
SparksLosOsos@aol.com
805-704-2658 phone/message
PO Box 15504, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406