re: Different take on Jackson’s water system issues: institutional racism

Start paying more attention. There will be more money thrown at water and wastewater issues in the future. It’s an emotional and easily politicized issue. Much of the money is justified, as deferred maintenance and a lack of will to solve out of sight, out of mind, issues don’t get much press and politicians hate to raise water and sewer fees. Politicians don’t get reelected for having the best water and sewer plants in the cities.

By law revenue generated by water and sewer fees must be used for the operation and maintenance of the systems. This includes a fund for long term sustainability of the system. This is how rates are determined. Politicians don’t want to raise rates as that’s directly tied to them. Most water systems are run by political entities. Also, Politicians are notorious for taking these funds and diverting them for more “voter friendly” endeavors like parks, bike paths, etc. It’s unlawful but anybody notice the lack of law enforcement in our current political climate. Rule of law….what?

We have to demand better. Hopefully a critical mass of folks will start to realize the waste of tax and fee income and get involved to a greater extent. I’m not privileged to know exactly how Jackson or the NOSWB got in such bad condition but maybe a good journalist can investigate. Do we have any of those anymore?