Pay for Play Award

ELSINORE MAGAZINE 2 February 12, 2006 A rasberry---the "Pay for Play Award"---to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board for a way-too-loose definition of what qualifies as a work day for board members. As outlined Sunday in an article by The Californian's Jose Carvajal, board members can make as much as $1,900.00 a month attending a variety of community functions loosely associated with board business. State Law, which for some reason has different rules for water boards than for schools boards and city councils, permits board members to be paid for up to 10 "WORKDAYS" a month, but largely leaves it up to the individual boards to determine what qualifies. In Elsinores Valley's case, that list includes far more than the customary two board meetings a month and periodic workshops, which are eminently reasonable; it includes such things as chamber of commerce mixers, school dedications and other cerimonial occasions that might take an hour out of a day. A board member is almost always present at City Council meetings, as well, observing from the back of the room, rarely saying anything. And perhaps the most stunning example of largesse: board members charging for meeting with constituants!!! This is an unacceptably generous interpretation of what qualifies as "DISTRICT BUSINESS." Getting paid to attend official board meetings and water related conferences is fine. But if board members are not willing to make a public appearance on behalf of the district or speak to constituants without getting paid, they should not run for office in the first place!!! Exposure of these practices has been revealed by Director Chris Hyland, board member, division three. THANKYOU Chris for the fresh insight!!! This article is an editorial from The Californian Newspaper.