There’s a stall in a movement to change California water policy. The California Water Alliance is pulling back its
signature gathering campaign in order to change the wording on its proposed ballot measure. Sabrina Hill has more.
Listen to the full report here. Water Proposal
Karen Musson, co-owner of Gar Tootelian and a supporter of the California Water Alliance’s measure, says it’s an opportunity to build on what has been learned so far. She says she’s thankful to all the people who have helped with the signature gathering.
Listen to the full interview with Karen Musson here.07-05-Karen Musson Full Interview
While the effort to gather signatures for the original ballot proposal was popular among some Central Valley farmers, there was also strong opposition. A primary concern is that the measure would amend the California constitution and end water rights for senior rights holders.
Tim Johnson is with the California Rice Commission and a participant in the group called Stop the Water Grab. He tells AgNet West he hopes the new wording eliminates the constitutional amendment and maintains the current Prop 1 structure and funding.
Listen to the full interview with Tim Johnson here.
Note: This interview was conducted June 29, before the announcement from the California Water Alliance.
News Release
Gar Tootelian, Inc issued the following news release:
Gar Tootelian, Inc (GAR) and the California Water Alliance is beefing up its war chest in an #allin4water effort to qualify the Water Initiative for the November 2018 election. The Temperance Flat Dam Partnership Agreement signing ceremony Friday, July 1st marked a huge victory for water by the joining of forces between Merced, Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties.
On the heels of the Temperance Flat Dam event, the California Water Alliance also announced that it will update its water priorities ballot measure’s language and make other key changes in order to ensure that the Water Initiative not only qualifies for the November 2018 ballot, but is also approved when the election is all said and done.
“As a volunteer, GAR is excited about the opportunity to continue organizing with the Water Alliance. California needs reliable water for all users and we are committed to continue working on proposals that will complete Prop 1 projects and build additional water storage,” said Greg Musson, President and CEO at Gar Tootelian, Inc.
GAR is disappointed about postponing signature gathering to get the water priorities initiative on the ballot. It would like to thank all the volunteers for their support and want to assure that our commitment will not waiver. We hope you will continue to check www.allin4water.com and www.gtipros.com for updates and ways to help in our efforts to get water for all.
GAR is committed to supporting long term water storage solutions for California’s greater tomorrow. The all-female owned and operated company provides water, nutrition, regulatory and crop care advice and products to more than 1,500 growers thought the Central Valley.