Water: Position Statement: Regionalization of resources by non-elected administrators

Posted May 23, 2003

Freedom 21 Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

SUMMARY: A conglomeration of local and international government and non-government organizations groups are now in advanced stages of implementing programs that subjugate Santa Cruz County water use and citizen water rights to regional control by non-elected officials. This Freedom 21 Santa Cruz issue statement summarizes what we can do together to advance freedom and protect your private property.

FULL TEXT:

Local and regional efforts to collectivize water hold that private water usage is causing salt water intrusion, polluted water, and supply shortages. A conglomeration of local and international government and non-government organizations insist that the solution to these problems is to monitor individual water usage under regionalized control. These groups are now in advanced stages of implementing programs that subjugate Santa Cruz County water use and citizen water rights to regional control by non-elected officials.

Consequences

While the stated end of creating a "sustainable" water system seems noble in intent, the means rely o­n subjugating constitutionally protected private property rights to non-elected bureaucrats. Their practices have already resulted in engineered crisis and a degraded environment. The ultimate consequences of political efforts to de-privatize water in the name of sustainable watershed will lead to manufactured shortages, inadequate water supplies for human needs, and will cause further damage to the local ecology.

Position

We object to having those whose policies created current water problems continue to further entrench their power base by presenting themselves as those who can solve the problems—while continuing to successfully place blame for the problems upon property owners, business people, farmers, sports enthusiasts, and those who have openly opposed their policies.

It is our position that:

There is more than adequate water in Santa Cruz County to meet needs of humans, while supporting and enhancing the environment.

That "sustainable" water policy is based o­n political objectives, not objective science.

The further implementation of politically-motivated environmental policies will prevent proper storage and adequate use of water.
Objectives

Educate the public about the cause of county water problems.

Inform the public about practical long-term solutions to water problems that provide more than adequate water for community, farmer, and private property owner, while preserving and enhancing the ecology of Santa Cruz County.

Educate the public about threats to private property and the quality of life represented by organizations that are successfully working to place Santa Cruz County water usage under the regionalized influence of non-elected administrators—while holding no accountability to county electorate, local or state laws, or the US Constitution.

Publicize how similar policies in affect throughout the USA are causing economic devastation, loss of property, and loss of life.

Promote an overhaul of the Environmental Species Act to consider human life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and Constitutionally protected rights.

Promote the election of county officials who support water policies that protect private property and Constitutionally protected rights.