We live in an age of reason, but to watch some of our state legislators you wouldn’t know it. They live in the “age of the ostrich,” sticking their heads in the sand to avoid facing Arizona’s water woes.

Action by Rep. Tom O’Halleran, R-1, introducing legislation that will address these issues should be actively supported and applauded by all of us. [Drought Will Bring Water Issues To Forefront, Lawmaker Says — Arizona Capitol Times, Feb. 4, 2005]

We are managing our water issues in Arizona with tools from the 19th century.

Information now available can guide us to management decisions that will put us on the road to sustainable water use. What other course is there≠

To continue to allow development without taking into account whether there is an adequate water supply for such development is not a course based on ignorance, it is a course based on desperation and greed.

To base development plans on the idea that more water can be had from Arizona’s rural areas is showing total disregard for the very lifestyle and atmosphere people come here for.

Growth in Arizona is a given, that is sure. I would demand our legislators make “growing smarter” more than just a slogan and apply it to their own decision-making. —