Ryon Paton: Bee wrong about OID and its innovative water conservation efforts
Re “So many ways to say OID is looking bad” (Opinions, Feb. 22): I was surprised and disappointed to read The Bee’s editorial about the management and operations of the Oakdale Irrigation District. It was completely contrary to my view of general manager Steve Knell and his board, whom I consider to be among the most honest, transparent, responsible and trustworthy people I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. I have great respect for and faith in their water management policies and strategies, especially as the local farming community contends with a fourth year of severe drought.
OID’s often misunderstood revenue strategies are meant to, and will, enhance, preserve and prioritize the water needs of the community. I believe Steve and his team are innovative stewards of this precious resource and as a result should have more community support for their objectives.
Ryon Paton, Trinitas Farming, Oakdale
This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Ryon Paton: Bee wrong about OID and its innovative water conservation efforts."