However, the fight for public power was not a short-term battle by any means. Measures H and I were several years in the works and the result of hard fought efforts by a number of activists, public officials, and local efforts. Those efforts did not die at the ballot box last November. PG&E may have defeated that effort, but now they will have to defeat future efforts as well. And at some point, PG&E is going to be the one that ends up on the losing side.
This Tuesday, April 17, 2007, the Woodland City Council is taking a very modest step toward public power by sponsoring a resolution that basically demonstrates their commitment to public power.
The resolution declares,
“The City Council of the City of Woodland supports the continued assessment of power alternatives that would lead to less expensive, more reliable and more earth-friendly electric power for the citizens, businesses and property owners of Woodland and throughout the Yolo County region.”
Art Pimentel, Woodland City Councilmember is one of the key supporters of this resolution.
“We need to look at all options and alternatives to PG&E and bring this issue back to Yolo County voters in the near future.”
PG&E if you can believe this, has already hired a company to defeat the resolution–a resolution that is very basic and does not mention SMUD as the alternative to pursue. They have actually created a call center that will link callers directly with Woodland City Hall.
“The resolution was not even made public until this afternoon and already had around 50 calls into City Hall to oppose a Resolution “supporting SMUD” As you can see the resolution has nothing to do with SMUD, but looking at other alternatives/options to bring Public Power to Woodland and Yolo County.”
“This has nothing to do with bringing SMUD back on the table. It just says we should be vigilant and keep exploring other alternatives. A monopoly in my opinion is not the best alternative. The control is out of our hands. PG&E may in fact be our best solution to power, but it will hurt nothing to investigate it.”
Supervisor Matt Rexroad lended important support to Councilmember Pimentel and the cause on the Woodland Journal Blog:
“I support Art in this effort. Look — whatever you think about Art — he is standing up for what he believes in. You have to respect that. It is really easy to just try to make everyone happy all the time. That is not leadership. Art is out making things happen proactively. He is not out there waiting for things to come his way. This resolution has nothing to do with SMUD. It has nothing to do with the guys in the blue trucks. It is about public power and exploring that option for Woodland.”
Pimentel and other supporters hope that other communities will pass similar resolutions supporting public power.
“I hope, West Sacramento, Davis, Yolo County, and others can pass the same resolution and be committed to the cause.”
To view the full resolution see The Woodland Journal.
From the comments on the Woodland Journal, Mr. Pimentel could use our help and hopefully the Davis City Council can look at a similar resolution. Davis helped to pass Measures H and I overwhelmingly, and we need to help communities like Woodland continue the fight.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Rexroad is a very slick political operative and this is another sound-bite without substance or consequence to build a moderate Republican populist image.. remember his posturing about foregoing his Supervisor’s raise? Beware political wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Rexroad is a very slick political operative and this is another sound-bite without substance or consequence to build a moderate Republican populist image.. remember his posturing about foregoing his Supervisor’s raise? Beware political wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Rexroad is a very slick political operative and this is another sound-bite without substance or consequence to build a moderate Republican populist image.. remember his posturing about foregoing his Supervisor’s raise? Beware political wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Rexroad is a very slick political operative and this is another sound-bite without substance or consequence to build a moderate Republican populist image.. remember his posturing about foregoing his Supervisor’s raise? Beware political wolves in sheep’s clothing.
While I have often found myself disagreeing with Matt Rexroad on policy issues, I have also always found him a straight-shooter willing to call them as he sees it and be upfront about them. Frankly I wish more of our elected officials here in Davis would be as upfront as Mr. Rexroad. I do not believe this attack on him is warranted. He has been consistent on the issue of public power and he has been consistent and upfront publicly about why he does not like PG&E. I see no reason but to accept this as sincere. Frankly, he is not a supporter of Pimentel, but this is an issue where they agree.
While I have often found myself disagreeing with Matt Rexroad on policy issues, I have also always found him a straight-shooter willing to call them as he sees it and be upfront about them. Frankly I wish more of our elected officials here in Davis would be as upfront as Mr. Rexroad. I do not believe this attack on him is warranted. He has been consistent on the issue of public power and he has been consistent and upfront publicly about why he does not like PG&E. I see no reason but to accept this as sincere. Frankly, he is not a supporter of Pimentel, but this is an issue where they agree.
While I have often found myself disagreeing with Matt Rexroad on policy issues, I have also always found him a straight-shooter willing to call them as he sees it and be upfront about them. Frankly I wish more of our elected officials here in Davis would be as upfront as Mr. Rexroad. I do not believe this attack on him is warranted. He has been consistent on the issue of public power and he has been consistent and upfront publicly about why he does not like PG&E. I see no reason but to accept this as sincere. Frankly, he is not a supporter of Pimentel, but this is an issue where they agree.
While I have often found myself disagreeing with Matt Rexroad on policy issues, I have also always found him a straight-shooter willing to call them as he sees it and be upfront about them. Frankly I wish more of our elected officials here in Davis would be as upfront as Mr. Rexroad. I do not believe this attack on him is warranted. He has been consistent on the issue of public power and he has been consistent and upfront publicly about why he does not like PG&E. I see no reason but to accept this as sincere. Frankly, he is not a supporter of Pimentel, but this is an issue where they agree.
I truly respect Councilmember Pimentel for having the courage to speak up on this very important issue. PG&E has had a monopoly on providing public power for Yolo County and it’s about time that we take a proactive role in seeking alternatives.
Voters should also take note that since the last election when PG&E was up against SMUD, PG&E has spent a great deal of time and money on PR to spruce up their image. I’ve noticed that PG&E is sponsoring more events in the community and on Tuesday will receive a proclamation from Davis City Council.
As for Supervisor Rexroad’s agreement and praise of Councilmember Pimentel…I see nothing wrong with this.
As a matter of fact I don’t usually agree with Supv. Rexroad’s political positions; however, I respect and appreciate him for being straightforward even on issues where we disagree. I wish the council majority in Davis could learn from this. Instead, they waffle all over the fence in attempts to give the illusion of being in line with Democratic principles, but their records prove otherwise.
Thank you Council Member Pimentel and Supervisor Rexroad for having the courage to be elected officials who are not afraid to be straightforward. It’s quite refreshing.
I truly respect Councilmember Pimentel for having the courage to speak up on this very important issue. PG&E has had a monopoly on providing public power for Yolo County and it’s about time that we take a proactive role in seeking alternatives.
Voters should also take note that since the last election when PG&E was up against SMUD, PG&E has spent a great deal of time and money on PR to spruce up their image. I’ve noticed that PG&E is sponsoring more events in the community and on Tuesday will receive a proclamation from Davis City Council.
As for Supervisor Rexroad’s agreement and praise of Councilmember Pimentel…I see nothing wrong with this.
As a matter of fact I don’t usually agree with Supv. Rexroad’s political positions; however, I respect and appreciate him for being straightforward even on issues where we disagree. I wish the council majority in Davis could learn from this. Instead, they waffle all over the fence in attempts to give the illusion of being in line with Democratic principles, but their records prove otherwise.
Thank you Council Member Pimentel and Supervisor Rexroad for having the courage to be elected officials who are not afraid to be straightforward. It’s quite refreshing.
I truly respect Councilmember Pimentel for having the courage to speak up on this very important issue. PG&E has had a monopoly on providing public power for Yolo County and it’s about time that we take a proactive role in seeking alternatives.
Voters should also take note that since the last election when PG&E was up against SMUD, PG&E has spent a great deal of time and money on PR to spruce up their image. I’ve noticed that PG&E is sponsoring more events in the community and on Tuesday will receive a proclamation from Davis City Council.
As for Supervisor Rexroad’s agreement and praise of Councilmember Pimentel…I see nothing wrong with this.
As a matter of fact I don’t usually agree with Supv. Rexroad’s political positions; however, I respect and appreciate him for being straightforward even on issues where we disagree. I wish the council majority in Davis could learn from this. Instead, they waffle all over the fence in attempts to give the illusion of being in line with Democratic principles, but their records prove otherwise.
Thank you Council Member Pimentel and Supervisor Rexroad for having the courage to be elected officials who are not afraid to be straightforward. It’s quite refreshing.
I truly respect Councilmember Pimentel for having the courage to speak up on this very important issue. PG&E has had a monopoly on providing public power for Yolo County and it’s about time that we take a proactive role in seeking alternatives.
Voters should also take note that since the last election when PG&E was up against SMUD, PG&E has spent a great deal of time and money on PR to spruce up their image. I’ve noticed that PG&E is sponsoring more events in the community and on Tuesday will receive a proclamation from Davis City Council.
As for Supervisor Rexroad’s agreement and praise of Councilmember Pimentel…I see nothing wrong with this.
As a matter of fact I don’t usually agree with Supv. Rexroad’s political positions; however, I respect and appreciate him for being straightforward even on issues where we disagree. I wish the council majority in Davis could learn from this. Instead, they waffle all over the fence in attempts to give the illusion of being in line with Democratic principles, but their records prove otherwise.
Thank you Council Member Pimentel and Supervisor Rexroad for having the courage to be elected officials who are not afraid to be straightforward. It’s quite refreshing.
public power is absolutely the way to go, whether it is accomplished by joining SMUD or setting up our own public power utility, or some other as yet unexplored third option. power is a common good, and should be owned by the public, with appropriate democratic oversight. PG&E has more than shown themselves to be both untrustworthy and unnecessarily expensive.
the davis city council should bring up and pass the same resolution. judging from the vote here, it is a solid majority position here in davis.
public power is absolutely the way to go, whether it is accomplished by joining SMUD or setting up our own public power utility, or some other as yet unexplored third option. power is a common good, and should be owned by the public, with appropriate democratic oversight. PG&E has more than shown themselves to be both untrustworthy and unnecessarily expensive.
the davis city council should bring up and pass the same resolution. judging from the vote here, it is a solid majority position here in davis.
public power is absolutely the way to go, whether it is accomplished by joining SMUD or setting up our own public power utility, or some other as yet unexplored third option. power is a common good, and should be owned by the public, with appropriate democratic oversight. PG&E has more than shown themselves to be both untrustworthy and unnecessarily expensive.
the davis city council should bring up and pass the same resolution. judging from the vote here, it is a solid majority position here in davis.
public power is absolutely the way to go, whether it is accomplished by joining SMUD or setting up our own public power utility, or some other as yet unexplored third option. power is a common good, and should be owned by the public, with appropriate democratic oversight. PG&E has more than shown themselves to be both untrustworthy and unnecessarily expensive.
the davis city council should bring up and pass the same resolution. judging from the vote here, it is a solid majority position here in davis.
I remind Doug Davis of his article taking The Enterprise to task for supporting and “promoting” Matt Rexroad. For myself, I will withhold my praise for political posturing and evaluate the position(and votes) he takes on issues that are of real consequence and substance.
I remind Doug Davis of his article taking The Enterprise to task for supporting and “promoting” Matt Rexroad. For myself, I will withhold my praise for political posturing and evaluate the position(and votes) he takes on issues that are of real consequence and substance.
I remind Doug Davis of his article taking The Enterprise to task for supporting and “promoting” Matt Rexroad. For myself, I will withhold my praise for political posturing and evaluate the position(and votes) he takes on issues that are of real consequence and substance.
I remind Doug Davis of his article taking The Enterprise to task for supporting and “promoting” Matt Rexroad. For myself, I will withhold my praise for political posturing and evaluate the position(and votes) he takes on issues that are of real consequence and substance.
I have a feeling that Art will not get 3 votes Tuesday night. That is unfortunate because it basically tells PG&E that they may conduct business however they would like and they have the support of the Woodland City Council. They will be free to raise rates and fight alternative power at every corner. Hopefully Yolo County will lead the way and pass a similar resolution and then maybe, just maybe Woodland will follow. We seem to be followers not leaders.
I have a feeling that Art will not get 3 votes Tuesday night. That is unfortunate because it basically tells PG&E that they may conduct business however they would like and they have the support of the Woodland City Council. They will be free to raise rates and fight alternative power at every corner. Hopefully Yolo County will lead the way and pass a similar resolution and then maybe, just maybe Woodland will follow. We seem to be followers not leaders.
I have a feeling that Art will not get 3 votes Tuesday night. That is unfortunate because it basically tells PG&E that they may conduct business however they would like and they have the support of the Woodland City Council. They will be free to raise rates and fight alternative power at every corner. Hopefully Yolo County will lead the way and pass a similar resolution and then maybe, just maybe Woodland will follow. We seem to be followers not leaders.
I have a feeling that Art will not get 3 votes Tuesday night. That is unfortunate because it basically tells PG&E that they may conduct business however they would like and they have the support of the Woodland City Council. They will be free to raise rates and fight alternative power at every corner. Hopefully Yolo County will lead the way and pass a similar resolution and then maybe, just maybe Woodland will follow. We seem to be followers not leaders.
Realist:
That would be very unfortunate. I sent an email to the Davis City Council on this topic but have not heard back as of yet.
Realist:
That would be very unfortunate. I sent an email to the Davis City Council on this topic but have not heard back as of yet.
Realist:
That would be very unfortunate. I sent an email to the Davis City Council on this topic but have not heard back as of yet.
Realist:
That would be very unfortunate. I sent an email to the Davis City Council on this topic but have not heard back as of yet.