What's in a Name?
I wonder how many ballot measures are cooked up over drinks at the local bar.
Apparently, that's what happened with the move to rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant in San Francisco. Many words have already been written on this subject using innuendo and plenty of sarcasm. For once, I don't want to join in.
It's not that I'm a fan of the actions of President Bush over the last eight years. It's more about the people who work at the facility. How would you feel going into the George W. Bush plant every day, being reminded of his work over the last eight years?
The other problem is that technology is always changing and some day, the George W. Bush Sewage Plant could install a 21st century process that virtually eliminates solids during the treatment process (I was told about one at WEFTEC in October; more on that on our Web site soon). Then, where's the jab?
To me, it isn't worth the estimated $50,000 to change lettering and signage for what some would call a college prank. I'm glad 69 percent of the voters agreed.
Wouldn't it be grand if bar talk or the effort that it took to get people to put the measure on the ballot and actually vote for Proposition R could lead to more worthwhile pursuits, such as how to fund new infrastructure or deal with the water crisis? We could order a few rounds for the Senate...
Posted by L.K. Williams, EPonline on Nov 11, 2008