This was accomplished by the Klamath County commissioners holding the line against the well-funded, well-connected, dam-removal and Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement supporters.

At last, the voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on Klamath Dam removal. The actual wording isn’t exactly what citizens asked for, but it is certainly better than the option of having no vote at all.

I still find it extremely troubling that a few dam removal supporters and PacifiCorp went to such great lengths in their attempt to prevent voters from having their voices heard.

I would hazard a guess that they already know what the outcome will be and would prefer to continue to ignore the people.

Even more troubling is the quoted comments from an incoming county commissioner that stated “It would be a waste of taxpayer’s funds and county employees’ time to conduct a survey that would have no impact.” Since when is it a waste of time to listen to, and follow through with what the citizens have requested?

If this vote will have no impact, why was there so much effort to stop it from happening?

Our very nation and especially our federal policy makers are watching intently on what is happening right here in the Klamath Basin. Never ever forget the comment from then Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, Michael Conner, when he stated, “this is a precedent-setting event.”

The Klamath Basin continues to be a testing ground of out-of-control government and environmental extremists.

A “real” healing of our community can only happen when there is a true, balanced resolution of this issue. Allowing the voice of the people to be heard is a major positive step in that direction.

Tom Mallams

Klamath County Commissioner