Garcia bill could split IID By BRIANNA LUSK, Staff Writer
Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:12 PM PDT
JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO
Eightieth District Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia responds to questions and concerns from IID representatives at the El Centro Chamber of Commerce on March 28.
The power of separating water and energy at the Imperial Irrigation District could soon be in the hands of Coachella Valley voters.
A proposed bill by Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, wants the two entities of the district split.
That decision would be made by ratepayers outside the IID.
Garcia said the spot bill that was amended to include such a vote is a direct result of IID’s inaction.
“This has nothing to do with who owns the assets. It has to do with who pays the bills,” Garcia said Thursday. “This is about their refusal to address the issues.”
Garcia and IID officials have been at odds for the last month after a meeting in January sparked contention over energy service in the Coachella Valley.
About 60 percent of the district’s energy customers are located outside Imperial County.
IID board President John Pierre Menvielle said the legislation is “irresponsible and reckless.”
“This would pit ratepayers in the Imperial and Coachella valleys against each other. Even worse it would place Imperial Valley’s water rights, which underpin its energy operations, at extreme risk,” Menvielle said.
Growing concerns among consumers and the water code under which IID operates is what has fueled this bill, Garcia said.
Without a planned resolution to provide energy in the Coachella area in site, action must be taken now, Garcia said.
“It allows voters within the service territory to have a say and allows the agencies and municipalities and counties to decide what they want the future to be,” Garcia said.
The bill calls for a vote among ratepayers in both valleys to create a separate utility district.
If both areas agree to create a separate utility, one utility would serve the entire area.
If a majority of Coachella area voters wanted a separate district but Imperial County voters were against it, a utility would be formed to serve the Coachella area.
If a majority of the voters in the Coachella area are against forming a separate utility, the district would not have to take any action.
Though the bill does not name IID specifically, it does aim to change the water code, which could also affect other irrigation districts that operates similarly to IID.
James Hanks, an IID director, said the bill amounts to a “Pandora’s box.”
“It doesn’t seem to me at this stage she’s put a lot of thought into the collateral damage she’s going to cause,” Hanks said.
Hanks said it may be a good time to do a business case study on the Coachella assets to determine how to move forward.
“I’m against splitting energy and water,” Hanks said.
But he would not rule out selling off the Coachella assets if that’s what those ratepayers wanted.
“I’m opposed to selling it off up there unless they’re talking about putting people on the board. We put everything on the table if they’re going to go in that direction,” Hanks said.
On Friday Garcia met with local business leaders and residents in a meeting at the El Centro Chamber of Commerce. A few hours earlier, she met in what some have called a closed-door session with the Imperial County Farm Bureau and other members of the agricultural community.
Garcia said she was not aware the meeting was closed to the public and similar topics were discussed.
Menvielle has alleged the Imperial Group, a group of local farmers and landowners, is behind the effort to separate energy and water.
The group wants control of the water, he has said.
Garcia said the legislation is not about going after the Valley’s resources.
“Water is the lifeblood of Imperial County. I know that,” Garcia said. “I have no special agenda. I’m not going to get dragged into that fight either.”
In the next few weeks, a preliminary hearing will be scheduled and Garcia said it is critically important that she hears from IID between now and then.
“I’m begging them to call me. If it turns out they have another solution, I’m happy to drop the legislation,” Garcia said.
IID spokesman Kevin Kelley said while Garcia is maintaining the onus is on IID to contact her office, the way in which this issue was brought about was anything but cordial.
“How you have a meaningful dialogue after she’s issued an ultimatum … that being, you do this on your own or I’ll do if for you,” Kelley said.
Menvielle said the board would be willing to work something out to prevent legislation but not at the detriment to ratepayers from Coachella and Imperial Valley.
Hanks said the current legislation is the beginning of a resource war.
“This is the energy version of the QSA (Quantification Settlement Agreement),” Hanks said.
" wow david69, are you planning to send your hillbilly IID managers after me now? i undstand they lkie to go after mexican americans with a vengence, "
homeboy wrote on Apr 4, 2008 5:22 PM:
" Love her or hate her Bonnie's current legislation concerning the IID is fair and just and the timing couldn't be better. LET THE RATEPAYERS IN COACHELLA AND IMPERIAL VALLEY STAND UP AND THEIR VOICES BE HEARD . Don't ever forget we still live in AMERICA!!! "
yuhaman35 wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:40 PM:
" thugrus; I sounds like you must be related to crubyman or do you work for Bonnie Garcia? Why don't you contribute something constructive instead of trying to intimidate or denigrate. Go ahead, look 'em up. "
yuhaman35 wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:35 PM:
" Splitting Coachella off from Imperial Valley energy can only result in higher rates for both areas. Perhaps an energy utility governed by a board elected by the voters served and a separate water utility elected by the voters in Imperial Valley might be worth looking at. The electric side shouldn't be managed by water interests and the water side must be managed by the voters. "
thugrus wrote on Apr 4, 2008 2:43 PM:
" @DAVID69...It sounds like you are realted to that person you are defending or do you work for the IID? "
david69 wrote on Apr 4, 2008 11:22 AM:
" Didn't the water manager run to Australia with his family for a 3 week getaway paid by the public thru IID? WOW Crubyman, that is a pretty harsh statement to make, hope you have some serious proof that this is true. Rumors can get a person with loose lips into a lot trouble. You need to make sure that your mouth is not writing checks your butt can't cash. "
crubyman wrote on Apr 4, 2008 10:50 AM:
" i would like to ask the valley. Why should someone like myself support IID and its farmers when it is very difficult for local people to get hired at the IID? Nepotism and being friends witht the right people decides employment.
IId is run by managers from the east coast, midwest, and individuals from Mexicali. Where is the local influence? and to be a manager at the IID you have to be corrupt or look the other way. customer service stinks, i get better service from the gas company than from
IID. To have outsiders from coachella running the iid, is no different now, when every current high iid offical is already form the outside. I dont really sympathize with the farmers and thier desire to continue to have the electric ratepayer subsidize thier water.
IId treats its workers like dirt.
So can someone please tell me the advantages of stopping coachella from gaining some control? dont talk about jobs, because i am not related to any high iid officals, "
zanelisk wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:41 AM:
" A hidden agenda regarding water control could be the driving force behind Madam Garcia's loose bowels. Perhaps the "Imperial Group" should be alittle more above board and make their agenda public. Perhaps Ms. Kuhn would like to step forward and be recognized. When it does come out and the IID has been seriously injured or destroyed it could look like the mid 1800's around here. Justice will be served. Its been said, " when people beat thier swords into plowshears they shall plow for those who do not". "
zanelisk wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:31 AM:
" Garcis said "if they have a better solution,Iam happy to drop the legislation".
That rings of blatant, out-of control,extorsion, blackmail, what ever you want to call it. Bet she could be "bought off" for a few thousand dollars. Women like her will do anything for money> "
sofieheber wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:14 AM:
" Let the Coachella Valley split off its utility. As long as the Imperial Valley sustains its low energy costs, that is what matters. Coachella Valley residents will be in for a rude awakening when their bills skyrocket after the separation. Virtually of the energy is produced here in the Imperial Valley. Be careful what you wish for. "
creek123 wrote on Apr 4, 2008 7:46 AM:
" IID Director Menvielle made the comment about the Imperial Group. Follow the money...
"
crubyman wrote on Apr 4, 2008 7:36 AM:
" this is what happens when yuu have a corrupt organization such as IID, those with power decide to take control. IID has notjing to be proud, they rub it into everyone's face that they are a monopoly, we have to accept thier terrible service and we are at thier mercy..
The IID Managers have been running lose.
Didnt the water manager run to Australia with his family for a 3 week getaway paid by the public thru IID? I hate to say this the valley has done a poor price of overseeing the IID and now it looks as we will pay the price due to IID's corrupt managers, farmers(who will not allow thier water rates to be raised, and ffed oof the coachella electric ratepayers) and along with some of the directors. sayonora to our hillbilly control of the IID "
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crubyman wrote on Apr 4, 2008 6:04 PM: