what is mallams motive opposing kbra 050612

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What is Mallams’ true motive in opposing KBRA?

Herald and News letter to editor by Matt Walter 5/6/12

Editor’s note: Because of the closeness of the election, the Herald and News offered Klamath County commissioner candidate Tom Mallams a chance to respond to this letter from Matthew Walter. His reply follows Walter’s letter.

Why is Tom Mallams obsessed with opposing the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. Could it be money?

Tom and his small irrigation group, Klamath Off-Project Water Users Association, have sued PacifiCorp for $86 million (to be covered by ratepayers) over an expired 1956 power rate.

KOPWUA members decided to litigate, rather than be involved in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. They are entitled to pursue litigation as opposed to settlement, but you have to wonder about their leadership, since they have lost their lawsuit three very expensive times.

Is there a connection between Tom’s battle against the KBRA and the potential for a big payday if the lawsuit succeeds after a fourth try?

According to Mallams (H&N Feb. 2, 2009), the off-Project group has pending litigation against Pacifi-Corp.

When the group signed a contract for what Mallams termed “affordable power” there was no ending date. He said the suit could be jeopardized if the group signs onto dam removal or if the dams are removed. Looks like dam removal would get in the way of Tom and KOPWUA’s $86 million ratepayer-funded windfall.

Tom’s reference to Klamath Project farmers as “welfare farmers” is another example of his hypocrisy. Tom has taken government money on his 100 acres for drought/ disaster/restoration/crop subsidies even though his water has never been shut off (USDA.gov).

Citizens need to question the validity of Mallams’ statements, ask where they can access the information.

In a recent presentation at the Jackson County Farm Bureau, Tom completely misrepresented the facts. Had there not been an educated audience member constantly challenging his allegations the group might have been duped. Even PacifiCorp says Mallams makes “false claims” (H&N Oct. 22, 2009).

Klamath County should not elect a hypocrite as commissioner, one who has hidden self-serving agendas, making false statements, false accusations and would have an especially negative impact on Klamath County’s economy and reputation.

Matthew Walter

Chiloquin

By TOM MALLAMS

Klamath Off-Project Water Users Association was indeed at the KBRA meetings from the beginning to the very end, and Matthew Walter knows this to be the case.

The problem was there were no compromises allowed, only surrender. Other options to Klamath dam removal were not even allowed to be discussed.

Our own Klamath County commissioner, attending the closed-door meetings, continually voted against us as we worked hard to reach a compromise solution.

Mr. Walter ignores the Rate Shock Bill that our group crafted and was passed in the state Legislature, with the help of Sen. Doug Whitsett, which has saved all irrigators in the Klamath Basin over $50 million.

Any additional dollars from what Mr. Walters called “a big payday,” would go to the irrigators. My elected position as KOPWUA president has always been a volunteer position. I have never been on anyone’s payroll.

One of those tough decisions is to know when you have to stand your ground and say enough is enough!

As I have said before, “I will not surrender the rights of our citizens and call it compromise.”

It is very unfortunate that one of my opponents and some of his supporters have apparently chosen the path of a very negative campaign. This is complete with negative letters to the editor, negative mailers and negative phone calls. This is being financed mainly with non-local dollars.

I do not think the citizens of Klamath County will stand for these types of personal attacks in a campaign, and these actions show their true colors and desperation as Election Day approaches.

I have trust in the voters of Klamath County to know what the truth is and who will actually represent Klamath County in an honorable manner.

As always, I thank you for all your continued support and your vote at the ballot box. only makes sense that the newly elected sheriff be certified in such.

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