Can anyone spot the problem here?
The Dalles sought to understand such issues through three Google-funded studies on the city’s water system, according to Anderson, which provided a clear understanding of the aquifer’s capacity even though it didn’t provide firm information on its boundaries.
I cant see why this would remain a secret number.
total municipal water usage - everyone elses water usage == g00gles water usage.
The Dalles is on the Columbia river; is Google not able to use the river water for cooling? (presumably with a closed secondary loop).
A trade secret, they claim.
I love privacy and secrets -- part of my job specialty; but why for the love of God and what is holy does the city sue to keep things confidential from its citizens/residents?
> State law allows The Dalles to seek to block that ruling by suing the news organization, which is what the city did Friday.
It does not say the city has to seek to block. I would expect Google to be taking this action.
> I feel like it really only needs to be disclosed to city council members who are voting yes or no,” Long-Curtiss said. “I’m fine with that.”
And how are you going to keep them accountable if you can't know the numbers and request some objective expert counsel? And I am sure there is going to be a "do not sue us if we screw up your water supply," and a "first dibs on water" for Google in the contract regardless of how the water supply and drought turns out.
I am sorry but if the city council gets to keep their seats, it is the townspeople mistake. Personally, I would seek to kick them out of office just for filing this suit.