Mountain Springs Vote Delayed Two Weeks

Sonora, Ca — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted to postpone a vote on the Mt. Springs Community Project until August 19 so that some of the opponents and proponents would have time to meet and discuss a possible compromise.

The motion was approved 4-1, with District Four Supervisor Mark Thornton casting the dissenting vote. Thornton raised concerns about the influence that this could give special interest groups in brokering deals for County projects.

The other four Supervisors felt that the extension was appropriate, and Chair Dick Pland noted that the final decision on whether to approve project will still be based on its merits and not a brokered deal.

Prior to Tuesday´s meeting, Mountain Springs General Manager Ron Kopf had stated, ?A compromise alternative leaves open the possibility of avoiding further delays and divisiveness. We think it´s worth the effort to see if such a compromise can be reached for consideration by the Board.”

Among the groups that have openly opposed the project are Voters Choice and the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Council.

Written by BJ Hansen