We Need New Board Members at Helix Water District

To the editor:

The deadline to run for Board is August 10, and no challengers have returned papers. We need good candidates to replace incumbents.

This is the Board that CalAware forced to go back and restart a rate hike over a series of Brown Act violations*.

The bright spot on this rubberstamp board, Kathleen Hedberg, is the only Director to ask questions or appear to understand materials. The others exude paternalistic arrogance and dismiss anyone speaking at public meetings. Their vindictiveness towards Hedberg for not being “their kind” of team player led them to muzzle requests for information, skip her as Board Vice President, and remove her from outside boards.

Recently, Director [Charles] Muse proposed to prohibit Board Members from speaking with media. Thankfully the Constitution prevailed; they backtracked to “only” require personal opinion disclaimers. Do they really think people can’t tell the difference? Their opinion of the public is low.

Perhaps this explains why staff blatantly instructs “the Board adopt” resolutions, instead of posing questions. An August 1 resolution told Directors to extend – early – the Employees’ Association contract until 2015, on terms that may increase benefits if cost of living turns out to be over 2 percent. And how will the Healthcare Act affect options? Are you a gambler? Because  4 out of 5 on the Board decided to roll the dice on our behalf.

Why do this when public pensions are under scrutiny, and limit options early? Could it be because Employees walked precincts in past elections?

Directors Muse, [John] Linden and [Richard] Smith seek reelection. Do you live in their divisions? If so, run!

Kristin Hobbs Kjaero
La Mesa

(*Editor's Note: Kate Breece, senior public affairs representative for Helix Water District, contacted La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch Wednesday, refuting the claims of the letter writer about Brown Act violations.)

Breece said: "Ms. Kjaero’s statement, 'This is the Board that CalAware forced to go back and restart a rate hike over a series of Brown Act violations' is not factual. We believe the author of this editorial should be aware that no Brown Act violations were found, as she was a signatory on the CalAware letter to the District (05/13/09). A letter from Helix’s attorney regarding their incorrect allegations was sent to Californian’s Aware (06/10/09). No further action was taken."