There's a backlash in the backcountry over Blackwater USA. Five members of the Potrero Planning Board endorsed a plan to train military and police in the East County town. Now they face a recall election, as we hear from KPBS reporter Amita Sharma.
Recall organizers are adamantly opposed to Blackwater's proposal to build the training camp in Potrero. They say the project will create too much traffic, noise and strain the area's water supply.
Recall leader Carl Meyer says the majority of the town dislikes the project and the Potrero Planning Group is not honoring the wishes of the community. He hopes a successful recall shows how strong opposition is to the plan.
Meyer : This is the first time in this county that this has ever happened to a planning group. It will send a message, hopefully, to the board of supervisors, the planning commission, Duncan Hunter, that Potrero does not want a private military base in Potrero.
County supervisors have final say in the project. But officials say the planning group's vote, though advisory, carries a lot of weight.
Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
