If I close my eyes, you won’t see me
Disclaimer: There are 23 NRDs, each with a distinct personality and style. This obviously applies to some more than others and to some individuals much more than others. This is a generalization.
Ann Bleed has made a number of phone calls complaining that the letter from Kansas that she gave to a group of elected representatives ended up on the WaterClaim site. The NRDs are not happy that the letter was published, and they sure don’t like being chewed out by their lobbyists and the Director of the DNR. Kansas accused the NRDs of not doing enough, and the NRDs are afraid people are going to believe the accusation. Better to just hide the letter and maybe no one will think about it.
Sorry, everyone. The letter was from one public official to another. It was given to a group of elected officials. It concerns one of the most important issues facing Nebraska. The public has a right to know the concerns Kansas has. It is my opinion that the better the public understands the complaint, the more understanding they will be on why things are going to change.
I could have obtained the letter via an open records request, but I shouldn’t have to. The public has a right and a need to know.
I personally think Kansas lays the blame at the wrong door. Irrigators have done nothing wrong. For many years, the NRDs and the people they represent have done everything asked of them by the State, and much more. The NRDs can make a very strong case refuting the complaint by Kansas. But, NRDs have not been the best at public relations and communicating their position to the world. And, by hiding information, by trying to control who sees what, by undercutting fellow NRDs, and by scrambling to please people who will always ask for more, the NRDs make things worse for themselves and the people they represent. I know they get irritated with me for saying these things, but WaterClaim exists because of these communication failures.
People are willing to pay significant membership fees to WaterClaim on top of the taxes they pay the NRDs because they want the information. If the NRDs published everything, opened every meeting, and held the State to their promises, WaterClaim would not exist. There wouldn’t have been a need for it. I, for one, would be thrilled if the primary reasons for WaterClaim’s existence disappeared.
NRDs, you have a good case. You have done a good job on policy. You are innocent of most charges being leveled against you. Please keep the doors open and make everything transparent. Everyone will come out far ahead.
WaterClaim has as one of its goals, “support and respect for local NRD authority.” But, we do not interpret that to mean participation in showing the public only what the NRD or State wants people to see.
The Republican River Basin NRDs are now in possession of about twelve “what if” scenarios that the DNR ran. Many of these are what WaterClaim requested three years ago. It is nice that they are finally here. Shall I wait to release this information until after some NRD chooses to?
We’re in this together. WaterClaim is a friend to the Basin, and we love to see when the Basin NRDs work together toward saving our region from what could be a disastrous future. Let’s keep this trust and focus going.