I have carefully read and considered the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA) and the “Economic Impact of the Klamath Settlement Agreements” study conducted by Dr. David Gallo, Professor Emeritus, Economics Department, California State University, Chico.

   Many groups have dissected the KBRA and the hydroelectric agreement and have publicly presented diverse positions on these documents.

   However, our citizens may not be aware of the economic impact these agreements will have on our affected four-county region: Klamath, Siskiyou, Humboldt and Del Norte.

   To summarize the above-mentioned study, during a 10-year (average) implementation plan, in 2007 dollars, average projected annual economic impacts of the KBRA and the hydroelectric agreement are as follows:

   • Klamath business revenue: $40.04 million; business income: $29.15 million; full and part-time jobs: 707.  

   • Siskiyou business revenue: $20.68 million; business income: $16.58 million; full and part-time jobs: 298.

   • Humboldt business revenue: $4.93 million; business income: $3.61 million; full and part-time jobs: 98.

   • Del Norte business revenue: $4.36 million; business income: $3.42 million; full and part-time jobs: 69.

   Affected industries include agriculture, forestry, construction, fisheries, real estate, arts, recreation, health care, retail trade, social services, finance and insurance.

   Basic common sense tells me, no matter the outcome of negotiations on implementation of KBRA and hydroelectric agreement, our county commissioners must be at the table representing our interests.

   Opponents of both agreements represent special interest groups determined to maintain the status quo regarding local economic development, resolution of water rights and the future of our county. Disinclined to participate in a democratic process, they are unwilling or unable to propose realistic solutions. They advocate a “scorched earth,” “my way or the highway” approach.

   I do not cede the public square to those who would burn it down. Please join me in voting no on Measure 18-80.

   Trish Seiler

   Klamath Falls