Letter to the editor: Gronke displays his naivete

Steve Gronke's Community Forum ("County doesn't need Merriam Mountains project," Feb. 7) displays his naivete as he presents himself as just another NIMBY running around with his hair on fire. He offers no original thought.

In rebuttal, the county has been planning to widen Deer Springs Road, currently a Level of Service "F," for many years, and they have finally found someone to pay for it. Residents will be fairly compensated for any additional land required for the project, and eminent domain would be invoked only if necessary.

Mr. Gronke whines about the loss of agriculture in San Diego to gain the reader's sympathy. The fact is that this project will attract buyers who already live in California who will offset their new water usage with a reduction in usage from their current residence. Further, the Vallecitos Water District will not issue building permits if they cannot guarantee water availability.

Third, Mr. Gronke states that "some" Fire Board members don't think that they will have the resources to protect these new residents. Some? How about one, maybe two radical project opponents?

Finally, let's see how much the Service Employees International Union and other unions are putting forth to get one of their own elected supervisor. Steve Gronke obviously has no leadership qualities.

Thomas Francl

Escondido