For apparent political reasons, water managers have determined that our estuaries are the most expendable and least politically difficult area to release the polluted water. In other words, other areas have been much more assertive about not being willing to accept the excessive discharges.>

Southwest Florida does not deserve to have more than its share of Lake Okeechobee discharges pushed into its estuaries. Our region must be viewed with equal importance as any other in the state. A strong message needs to be sent to the Florida Governor and the candidates running to be the next Governor. It is the Governor's job to appoint the members who serve on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board. This Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers make vital decisions about the water release schedule.