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• <br /> r M ' <br /> • <br /> It may be that politics will, never enter into the management and operation <br /> • of the Water Department. But,• realistically, how many of us can sincerely <br /> say that such will not be the case. The department is still replacing <br /> inadequate waterlines which were installed prior to .the creation of the <br /> Board. Furthermore, development may be allowed where the water sources • <br /> and transmission. lines are inadequate. CIP priorities may also be affected. • <br /> Rather than having priorities based on needs , political priorities may become <br /> 'a reality. . Progress and growth may come in a helter-skelter manner. <br /> Being a semiautonomous body; the department is now. able to hire the best <br /> applicant for any vacancy. Qualifications and ability to do the job are <br /> the criteria rather than the applicant's involvement in a political group <br /> or the amount he contributed to an elected official 's campaign chest. <br /> Furthermore, should the political involvement of an employee become the <br /> criteria for employment, inefficiencies and complacency will result along <br /> with decay in employee morale. • <br /> Accountability of water revenues can also become a problem. Although water <br /> revenues are supposed to be used for the water systems only, they may find <br /> themselves in the County's operations in the form of materials and supplies <br /> and even in labor charges especially if the department. is merged with <br /> another. <br /> Another area which. may have a costly impact is the water rates. If the <br /> Department was under the control of the Mayor and the Council , the chances <br /> for a, rate increase in an election year would' be nil no matter how much it • <br /> is justified. • <br /> The Charter Review Commission will have to decide what their recommendations <br /> will be concerning the Water Commission and the semiautonomous nature of the <br /> Water Department. Questions remain - should the department be influenced by. <br /> politics and placed directly under the Mayor and the Council? Should the water <br /> consumer rely on politicians to satisfy the most basic need, water, or should <br /> they rely on dedicated professionals? <br /> 5/16/79 <br /> -8- <br />