Maybe He's Telling the Truth

One of the sad things about the political scene is that we get the sense that all politicians are crooks, liars, and self-serving. There is no doubt that the prestige and power involved in political success might draw the self-serving person to run, or corrupt the well-intentioned once he gets elected. Lost in this perception, however, are the many dedicated folks who give up their time with families and jobs to serve the community; there truly are "public servants" out there, though it must be tough to be branded and labeled as a dirty politician.

So there's an article in the Republic today about two of the fellows running for CAWCD - one of whom, you will remember, is my brother-in-law:

It is an elected body that few have heard of and even fewer follow. Still, two men are spending thousands of their own money to become an elected member of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District board.

It is a job that comes with no pay and little power. The 15 members meet once a month for a few hours. The agendas are dense. The minutes would make great bedtime reading.

The board controls the water that runs through the Central Arizona Project canal. About one-third of the Phoenix area's water supply comes from the CAP.

But despite the fact the board deals with the vital issue of water, its actions don't receive much notice. Neither do the board members.

That's reflected in the campaigns. Most of the 12 candidates running for the five open seats are spending less than $500 on their races.

Which makes it odd that Sam George, a political consultant from Scottsdale, would sink $35,000 of his own money into the race.

And even odder that Richard Morrison, a Gilbert attorney and rancher, would spend $46,000 of his own fortune.

"I wish I didn't have to spend that much money," Morrison said, "but I had some investments pay off, and I can afford to do it."

Morrison said he has long been interested in water issues, and the cost is worth having a say over public policy, even if it is a small say.

Morrison said he was asked to run by "East Valley voices." He wants to ensure that growing cities like Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert get their fair share of Central Arizona Project water.

Morrison is running ads in community newspapers and on cable television.

"Obviously you don't do it because it leads to another office or anything like that," he said. "You do it because you have a passion for the purpose that it serves. I have loved water issues all my life."

If you think this is just a political sound-bite, then I would venture to say you don't know my brother-in-law. He really is passionate about water law, and if you think that's a boring topic to be passionate about, you'll get no sympathy from me, the one who is passionate about tax law and spreadsheets. The fact is that Richard possesses a deeply ingrained sense of duty - to family, and also to his community. And so he is willing to use his talent and his intelligence (which he has in abundance) to truly be a public servant. Refreshing, isn't it?

And I think even the reporter had to come to that conclusion:

It's hard to believe that these two would spend so much for seemingly so little. The cynic in me tried looking for the angle. But couldn't find one.

After all, if these guys were in the pockets of real estate developers or land speculators, they wouldn't need to use their own money. Donations would be pouring in.

Maybe it's worth getting these guys on the board. It's the only sure way of finding out what they're up to.

It's a rather cynical statement of affirmation, but because I have the inside track, I know that Richard is telling the truth. Please vote for him tomorrow.