Of dumb farmers and dumber journalists

By Jim Keyworth
Gazette Blog Editor 

Payson mayor Kenny Evans likes to refer to himself as "just a dumb farmer."  After reading his latest proclamations in Tuesday's (Dec. 18) Roundup about using Blue Ridge water on golf courses and running it down the American Gulch behind Main Street, we think it's time he stop using that expression.

Because no farmer, even a dumb one, could be so disrespectful of water.  The mayor's lame excuse now is that all that water dumped on the Chaparral Pines golf course and into the American Gulch will go right back into whatever aquifers lie beneath Payson to be reused another day.  

Folks, if you're buying that story, you're probably among those who think climate change isn't happening either.  Or that we really do need assault weapons to realize our rights under the 2nd Amendment.  But I digress.

The point is, the science doesn't back up the mayor's claims.  No, Councilor Blair, this is not a win-win.  It's a lose-lose.

And all we can say to Roundup Editor Pete Aleshire is shame on you.  For never asking Evans the tough questions.  Like what percentage, exactly, of the water dumped on a golf course can actually be pumped out of the ground later.  And then checking it out for yourself to see if he's telling you the truth.  And did you ever think of picking up the phone and asking Salt River Project what it thinks of this idea?

No, Evans is not "just a dumb farmer,"  but considering Aleshire's inability or unwillingness to challenge the mayor, one has to wonder what it takes to qualify as a dumb journalist.

In a letter to the editor in today's (Dec. 19) Arizona Republic, Chris Jensen of Cottonwood writes:

"It is obvious we are facing water shortages in the relatively near future....  Water, like air, is a finite resource and must be used for the benefit of the community."

As much was we support the revitalization of Main Street, running potentially potable water (bypassing a treatment plant doesn't make it any less potable) down the American Gulch and wasting it on the Chaparral Pines golf course makes absolutely no sense.  

Talk about dumb.