Letter: Vote yes to protect water quality

The Linn County Conservation Board is to be commended for its visionary efforts to bring to Linn County voters on Nov. 8 a way to support and vote 'yes” on water quality, land protection and conservation funding.

The conservation bond ballot language is clear on its intended purposes: Protect clean drinking water sources; improve water quality of rivers and streams; protect and acquire land to provide natural floodwater storage to reduce flooding, provide and protect wildlife habitat and natural areas; and provide funds for parks and trails. These are the things that voters polled said were important to Linn County. So, the ballot language is reflective of that.

You can't list all specific bond funded projects in the ballot language - if you did, the ballot would be several pages in length. That's just not practical.

I know that the conservation board spent over two years gathering input from people during its park and natural areas master planning efforts. Over $50 million in needed water and land protection and park and trail needs were identified. The board has been deliberate and considerate of the input from Linn County residents in developing the list of specific potential bond funded projects. This specific list exists and it is available to the general public, including voters. Just ask them for it.

Join me - vote 'yes” for water quality on Nov. 8.

Erin Lange

Marion