Says water rates comparatively low




Barry Steinhardt runs with the slogan “against high water rates.” Sounds like a strong battle cry—if LVMWD rates were indeed high. “High” compared to what—rates paid by neighboring communities? That can’t be right, since LVMWD customers enjoy the lowest water rates by a huge margin compared to Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, and other cities.

He keeps blaming the supposed “high” rates on crazy district salaries and wild employee benefit packages. This is a blatant attempt in an election year to ride the coat tails of the recent city of Bell scandal, an effort to whip uninformed voters into worrying that the same thing might be happening in their backyard. Politics as usual.

Finally, after 24 years as an LVMWD customer, Mr. Steinhardt has started attending a few district meetings. He surely has become better informed about what the major rate components really are. He’s likely also learned that the water rate increase of 2009 was a result of the MWD increasing the price the LVMWD pays for its water, which led to the LVMWD implementing a straight passthrough of only that cost increase.

Big surprise, he points a finger at his opponent—one director of five on the board—as being behind the supposed lavish employee packages and pensions, which are actually controlled by state law. Does he really think one director can wield such power?

If so, that might explain why Mr. Steinhardt threw his hat into the LVMWD election ring at the last minute. He’s been attempting to gain a foothold in local politics for years. Whether it’s the city council or recent interest in the water district, it seems he’s hungry for any position of community prominence.

Voters, don’t suspend common sense or get taken in by misinformation. LVMWD meetings are open to the public. The workings of the board are transparent and board members are fully accountable already. Any interested or concerned citizen can and should attend LVMWD meetings to become informed about the real matters of importance facing the district.

You’ll find out that the informed choice is to re-elect Jeff Smith.
Jim Gutt

Agoura Hills




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