Since my family’s roots in Greeley date back 144 years, I must share my candid opinion on two extreme proposed ballot measures that directly threaten Greeley.
Ballot measures 2G and 2H were initiated by a special interest group whose ultimate goal is to advance their personal political ambitions — at the expense of Greeley’s water and residents.
My father, W.D. Farr, advocated politics and water do not mix, and it is imperative to keep politics out of Greeley’s water. The only way to ensure our water supply does not become politicized is to defend Greeley’s Charter and vote NO on ballot initiatives 2G and 2H.
Greeley’s Charter ensures the delivery of safe and abundant water to its citizens both today and tomorrow. The ingenuity of the Charter is that it created an independent water board that is removed from politics.
Passage of 2G and 2H would radically change our Charter by turning water policy decisions into political decisions settled through special elections.
If these ballots were to pass, decisions related to water purchases, use of groundwater, and long-term leasing of water would have to be decided by voters. Water bills could double over the next decade if these two ballot items pass. These initiatives are costly, unnecessary, and risky.
What is the end game for Save Greeley’s Water? One of its main proponents is running for mayor and another member is running for city council. They’re trying to change our Charter for political gain through misinformation and personal attacks on water board members, staff, and city council.
My father said the citizens of Greeley will always have the best water at low costs as long as politics are kept out of water decisions. For this reason, I implore you to vote NO on 2G and 2H.
Bill Farr, Timnath
