AGENDA

     Mike Farrar is not one to fall into the scare-tactics of misguided facts. If he simply took people’s word for it, he would not have become the successful businessman he is today. With that being said, all the facts and common-sense point to a possible water problem in our town. Some would have you believe their word, based on no scientific fact, that there is enough water; some have much to gain from people believing this without proof.

 

     Mike Farrar’s first priority would be to ensure all current residents have sufficient water, in amount and cleanliness. This, without a doubt, takes absolute priority over any new developments or for-profit builds. Mike Farrar’s primary area of expertise is not in water, but he is a quick and efficient learner. With this in mind, it seems the water board is on the right track and have been volunteering efforts towards helping our town. It will be Mike Farrar’s duty to cut through the abundance of red tape and assist the water board as much as he can. The solution that is being pursued, but needs assistance, is tying in to some of the other sources (like Rock Well and the Cannan Springs Pipeline). This will increase the town’s quantity of water and dilute the current water stores with this new, higher quality water.

 

     Projects like this is where Mike Farrar will call the town’s residents into action. To save the town money and headache, it is inevitable to rely on volunteers that live here in town. Every resident should want what is best for this town; it is undeniable that Apple Valley is full of amazing people that love to help in every way they can. Mike Farrar will step up alongside the townspeople to volunteer as much time and money as feasible to support these efforts.

 

     On the long-term side of things, the main issue with water is the lack thereof. Apple Valley may not even have enough water to support current resident for the long-term. The most current water study paints a bleak picture; we are using more water than the aquifer is able to recharge. This study may not be the absolute best in terms of soundness, but it is currently the most up to date and presents us with the only facts we truly have.

     It is evident that the extreme majority of Apple Valley does not want growth. Mike Farrar whole-heartedly agrees with this. Mike Farrarplans to slow growth as much as possible and allow for minimal, responsible growth (as this is what the people want). As far as developments- developers must know that it is a privilege to develop in Apple Valley, not a right. Unfortunately, some large developments were pushed through by a minority of the town that stands to benefit from growth. These developments are regrettably  past the administrative point of the town being able to stop them. With that being said, though, developers need to be held responsible for infrastructure upgrades that will end up being needed with the growth they bring. This future cost should not fall on the taxpayers, the citizens, of Apple Valley.

 

     Of the current developments, the one Mike Farrar is not a fan of, as it threatens the preservation of Apple Valley’s greatness and ruralness, is the Jepson project. Luckily, this project is currently at a standstill due to issues with the developer (nothing the town did). The lots within this development have been approved at too small of a size; some being as small as quarter acre. This is not rural. This is not Apple Valley. Mike believes that developments should have a minimum of 1-acre lot sizes, preferably even 2-acre if the townspeople wish.

 

     These restrictions and costs discussed above should not be imposed on private owners undertaking small projects like splitting a lot for their children to live nearby. Mike Farrar believes that these kinds of projects are great to preserve Apple Valley’s residents’ way of life. Infrastructure upgrades should also not be required for these sorts of projects. Mike wishes to make it as convenient and affordable as possible for you to make a home for your kids, parents, or immediate family. Private, not necessarily for profit, projects like this should not be held to the same standards as wealthy land developers who care about nothing other than profit.

     Any sane person agrees that citizens of the United States deserve the maximum amount of freedom possible without impeding on the freedoms and rights of others. Uncontrolled growth will unequivocally impede on the freedoms of Apple valley’s residents and this is why it must be kept to a minimum and undertaken as responsibly as possible.

 

     Mike Farrar moved to a small town in southern California, called Beaumont, about 45 years ago. At the time he moved there, it was fairly comparable to Apple valley; rural, low population, farm land, etc. The town management decided that the best path forward (to line their pockets) was growth. Growth led to crime, overcrowding, traffic, vagrants, increases in cost of living, etc. As the town administration allowed developers to ravage the once beautiful, rural town, absolutely no infrastructure or other future necessities were put in place. Mike Farrar loves his family and friends that stayed in the area, but finds it extremely difficult to subject himself to what this town he once called home has now become.

 

     Why is this relevant and a possible problem for Apple valley? Mike Farrar admittedly sees a similar situation starting to stir within Apple Valley. There seems to be a small group that may let greed overcome their love for the town. If explosive growth occurs in Apple Valley, say goodbye to your way of life and your freedoms. Similar to what happened to Mike Farrar’s hometown growth means more crime, traffic, and an increased cost of living. When the growth brings the crime, you find yourself concerned every time a loved one leaves the house; is someone going to harass them? Will they be victimized in some way? It sounds farfetched when you look at Apple Valley as it is, but this is the same path Beaumont took. With traffic comes restricted access to our roads: no horses and ATV’s on the roads as traffic collisions in the increased traffic become fatal. With a general increase in population comes restrictions on how residents can exercise their freedoms on their property; no shooting, no riding ATV’s, no farming, quiet hours, etc.

     As a concerned citizen, Mike Farrar has looked over what he has access to as far as the town’s financial position. This was not a full audit, but a summarizing review. To his surprise and contrary to other beliefs, the town is not in that bad of shape financially. There seems to be a small surplus within the budget at the end of each year. Because of the 6-million dollar debt on the books the surplus is admittedly rather small, but there is, in fact, a surplus. On that note, this debt is from unnecessary spending and liabilities that would not have been assumed under Mike, given his vast and successful business history. All that can be said here is to learn from the past so that we are not doomed to repeat it.

 

     It never hurts to have more funds, though. Under Mike Farrar’s guidance the town would see successful investment of the surplus that will generate income to be used as operating funds and to pay down the current debt (which will further strengthen surplus margins). Of course, this is a decision that needs support and input from the townsfolks, but is absolutely possible. Do not let the negativity fool you, the town’s financial future is more optimistic than one would be led to believe.