Anthem resident ‘part of the problem’

I have tried to stay out of the letter writing between Anthem and Desert Hills. Although the access road was a hot point for me, I did not feel it was my place to argue this as I am a New River resident. Now Douglas Perez writes to inform Desert Hills that they should thank Anthem for their newly‑found water supply. I will not even go into well issues or the use of water in Anthem during a drought as I believe Debbie Joy of Desert Hills did so far better than I, and much more eloquently than I could even attempt. I will however address some other points of interest.

Although I am sure the Desert Hills residents are thankful that a solution has been found to their water problems, American Water is the company that provided the solution, not the Anthem residents. If anyone should be owed thanks, it should be American Water.

On the same point, American Water did not do this out of charity. They are, after all, providing a service and making a profit, no matter how large or small. It is called supply and demand.

Mr. Perez, the barely veiled bitterness in your letter did exactly what you “said” you didn’t want. I cannot help but think your tone condescending. Are you implying you are somehow above Desert Hills and New River because your community (not you, you are just a newbie gleaning onto an infrastructure that is already in place) has provided schools, medical facilities and yes, even a library?

This community has “survived,” and in fact, thrived out here for many years prior to all your services and facilities. The very reason I moved out here was for the sense of community that has not been promoted through buildings and services, but rather the kind that is built with friends and neighbors.

As you were looking for thanks in your letter, I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks to you, Mr. Perez. Thank you so much for reminding the residents of Desert Hills, Anthem and New River of the pompous attitude we all fight against. What this

tri‑community needs is solutions to coexist while still maintaining our own personal lifestyle preference. Mr. Perez, I am sure you have heard this before, but if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

S.L.Krueger

New River