Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to use the money to help close California’s $24.3 billion budget gap. Under Prop. 1A, passed in 2004, the state can borrow 8 percent from all agencies and must repay the funds, with interest, within three years.

But the state’s legislative analyst has suggested taking more than 25 percent from water and wastewater districts because they can raise rates to recoup the money.

This is a classic case of the badly-managed central office getting subsidized by the profitable branch office.

If I was god, I’d fire Arnie and replace him with a water manager who would know ONE thing — how to balance a budget!

Bottom Line: Those who balance their budgets by stealing from others are not leaders — they are thieves!