Mayor Abram Wilson’s campaign for State Assembly (AD-15) released today the following statement on his opponent’s support for the Peripheral Canal: “Mayor Wilson is staunchly against the Peripheral Canal – it’s a giveaway to Los Angeles. ‘Peripheral Canal’ isn’t even in the vocabulary of Northern Californians,” said Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor. “But Ms. (Joan) Buchanan went to one forum on Wednesday and told them she supports it, then told a group on Friday she never said it. This is more Sacramento double talk we don’t need.” Meanwhile, A governor-appointed task force on Friday recommended both a peripheral canal and sending fresh water through the Delta as a partial solution to the state’s water woes. The 6-0 vote ended 20 months of deliberations over the future of the largest estuary on the West Coast.
California voters rejected the Peripheral Canal (Proposition 9) when it was on the ballot in 1982. “96% of Contra Costa County voters opposed this because it would harm our water quality and damage the ecosystem,” explained Arne Simonsen, Delta Protection Commissioner. “Our local economy depends on water from the Delta. Giving it to LA would destroy agriculture,” added Mayor Bruce Connelley of Oakley.
Those wishing to view Ms. Buchanan’s statements of support and denial may visit http://www.youtube.com/doubletalkbuchanan
Mayor Wilson’s press conference may be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/JoinTeamWilson