Maybe real mediation could solve the long-standing water crisis on the Monterey Peninsula.

As a water activist for several years, I have argued for public ownership as the solution to the Monterey Peninsula’s water crisis. The issue is controversial, with strong opinions on both sides, resulting in little positive progress toward a solution. California American Water and its supporters disagree with me, but the truth is that Cal Am’s plan to build a desal plant in Marina still faces many serious and unanswered hurdles.

Further, water issues are mired in special interests more interested in litigation rather than debate or discussion. In the midst of this dilemma, strong but often myopic positions have evolved mostly from good faith conclusions as to what is right. There are many stakeholders who, in good faith, just don’t want to compromise. As a result, they ignore options that offer potential benefits, not only to themselves, but to others as well. To me, this is an example of good faith failing to consider the possibilities that a wider, more creative and compromising viewpoint might suggest.

With so many stakeholders, and varied unreconciled positions, progress toward a solution has been slow. This pace could continue indefinitely with ratepayers swallowing the costs. If there was a time to take a deep breath and think outside of the box, it is now.

I propose the major stakeholders consider agreeing to participation in a true mediation of the major issues that prevent achievement of a reasonable, reliable and implementable solution to the Peninsula’s water supply problem. Many will balk; some will say that mediation has failed. Others will say mediation doesn’t impose a commitment on the parties to carry out whatever is agreed to.

TIME TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX.

Mediation involves compromise, and the relinquishment of some rights, but if done correctly, it can lead to a solution, something that continues to elude traditional efforts.

The prior “mediations” claimed to have been undertaken were, in my opinion, neither true mediation nor entered into with a commitment to make it work. Further, individuals assigned as mediators were either not trained or lacked the background and experience to critically analyze the various positions argued. Effective mediation requires independent, qualified mediators who address in detail all relevant positions on the major issues. The parties are shown the real value of seeking middle-ground compromises.

Compromise is a difficult concept for anyone with entrenched views. But instead of litigating or failing to act, mediation provides a positive means for identifying creative trade-offs that can leave the participants whole.

Selling mediation to the Peninsula water stakeholders is not an easy task. That is where leadership comes in. It takes vision, courage and willingness to step from comfort zones. That leadership exists on the Peninsula, but needs a strong push to be considered.

Pollyana-ish? Perhaps. But it shouldn’t be.

BILL HOOD is a semi-retired water resources attorney and former executive director of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments.