The debate over decommissioning two aging Pacific Gas and Electric dams on the Eel River has taken center stage in the closing weeks of the June 2nd primary for Sonoma County’s 4th District supervisor seat.
The Press Democrat reports Cloverdale City Councilman Todd Lands has centered his campaign on saving the dams to protect northern Sonoma County’s water supply, aligning himself with a recent, controversial bid by two Southern California water agencies looking to acquire the infrastructure.
However, rival candidates Tom Schwedhelm and Melanie Bagby have pounced on the move, warning that handing control to a district 600 miles away threatens local water rights and could dramatically hike rates for local farmers.
If no candidate secures a simple majority in next week’s vote, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.