March 13, 2007
Water board's new member draws scrutiny
Candidates say rivers, not developers, need to be well-represented this time
By Joel Moroney
jmoroney@news-press.com
The next local member on the board controlling the area's water policies could be a county employee, a hydrogeologist or vice president of one of the largest developers in the area.
Local representatives on the nine-member board that oversees the South Florida Water Management District include Alice Carlson, a Naples real estate consultant, and Malcom Wade Jr., a senior vice president with U.S. Sugar. The new board member will replace Carlson, whose term ends.
The sugar industry has a powerful interest in water issues because of sugarcane fields around Lake Okeechobee.
Opponents say those interests often conflict with what is best for the Caloosahatchee River , which has been harmed by large freshwater, nutrient-rich discharges from the lake.
The district, which encompasses 16 counties from south of Orlando to the Florida Keys , will operate on a $1.4 billion budget this year, derived primarily from property tax revenue. It's responsible for operating more than 1,800 miles of canals and 2,000 water-control structures.
Greg Rawl, a local hydrologist concerned with the state of the coastal environment, is seeking the seat.
"I think we need people with less conflict of interest on the governing board, not more," Rawl said. "I grew up on the Caloosahatchee River and have watched its decline since I was a kid."
Lee County Smart Growth Director Wayne Daltry also said it's tough to say Lee County 's best interests are being represented by sugar and real estate executives.
"I hope to establish a closer tie between land management and water management because that's a big problem," said Daltry, of his reasons for seeking the position. Daltry also wants to see a higher portion of the area's tax dollars invested in local water-quality projects.
Lee County commissioners have sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist, recommending either Rawl or Wayne Daltry.
Other local candidates include:
• Richard Cowart, owner of a local underground utilities firm. Cowart said he wants to work on water issues, including streamlining utility permits.
• Susan Watts, senior vice president of Bonita Bay Group, one of the area's largest developers.
• Charles Dauray, chairman and CEO of College of Life Foundation, which preserves the history of the early Koreshans.
A seat on the board is a non-paid four-year term. Members are appointed by the governor.
Governor's spokeswoman Kathy Torian said applications are still being accepted and no timeframe has been set for Crist to make an appointment.
Those interested in applying can go to www.flgov.com and click on "The Crist Team" link.