If Measure I and the proposed huge water rate increases take effect, another elephant in the room may soon emerge. Despite years of trying to keep a vibrant local business climate, the sucking of water from the Sacramento River could well result in the sucking of life from many local businesses, the loss of hundreds of jobs, and impairing the financial status of many of the donation-dependent charities in Davis.

Ironically, the decrease in sales taxes resulting from the diversion of millions of dollars of disposable incomes into the payment of high non-taxable water bills will further diminish the ability of the city to provide already lacking public services. I am not willing to scuttle our downtown for a nebulous, confusing, conflicted-goals project.

It is difficult to believe a realistic economic impact study was not on the list when the council considered the so-called clean water project. The tragedy of imposing hardships on individual citizens, whether homeowners or renters, will only be compounded by the negative impact of drained spending on our local economy and public charities.

A no vote on Measure I could save us all a lot of pain and give us a chance to really understand and plan our water future. The loss of Measure I could prove to be the salvation of more than we realize.

Les Portello
Davis

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