Let’s Keep an Open Mind

Editor:
Thank you to the folks who provided us with the opportunity to ask questions regarding the potential incorporation of Castro Valley. The purpose of the meeting was very clear to me. It was the opportunity for members of our Community to raise questions that will help us make an informed decision regarding incorporation. It was not intended to be a forum to debate the issue as some in attendance tried.

There were some individuals who have already made up their minds. How can any intelligent human make a decision without knowing the facts? Nobody knows the actual numbers associated with incorporation. It is very judgmental of a few folks out there who are throwing out random costs without any verification to create fear about incorporation. How irresponsible can one be? Also, storming out of a public forum for dramatic effect because you did not approve of the way it was being run is not productive. Did Frank Mellon make his EBMUD decisions without any facts? Did he storm out of Board meetings when he didn’t get his way?

I am not saying whether or not I am supporting the incorporation of Castro Valley. However, I do believe that it is appropriate for us to be requesting information that will lead us to have an intelligent debate on the virtues of incorporation.

Mark Twain once wrote “Get your facts straight first, then you can distort them anyway you want.” Give our community the opportunity to get the facts so that we can make an intelligent decision. Until then, keep an open mind.

–Ray Davis, Castro Valley