Will Cal Am play fair?
“The voice of the powerful water monopoly is unfolding. Its slick writing style and language are starting to show. I am referring to the Oct. 24 commentary in the Herald by Cal Am General Manager Eric Sabolsice.
It is interesting that he uses the word “condemnation” several times regarding our public takeover effort instead of eminent domain, expecting to incite fear of a costly and time-consuming process. The word “condemnation” conjures up dilapidated buildings, to be torn down for a new use. Is the system really in such poor condition that Cal Am prefers the word condemnation?
Eminent domain is the legal term and is a time-tested and legitimate action for public acquisition when it serves a larger public good. In this case lower costs and local control of a critical public resource like water is undoubtedly a public necessity.
By the way, it was good to see Cal Am acknowledge that the Public Water Now initiative is a direct path from passage to eminent domain, completely different from what the voters were offered in 2005.”
Riley, George. Monterey Herald 10 November 2013.