At a meeting last month, former U.S. Rep. John Duarte continued his defense of a Modesto Irrigation District director accused of stealing water . But he’s not sure the director is innocent.
Duarte, who owns a nursery near Hughson, said at the Oct. 14 board meeting that MID’s investigation of Larry Byrd is a “personal vendetta” and the board needs to “battle over things that actually matter.”
“Really, what we’re talking about is Director Byrd’s respective and unresolved, already explored but still being investigated, possible, maybe, use of district water on some parts that may be outside the district,” Duarte said. “And he’s acquiesced. I don’t think he has to be investigated, but I think he’s acquiesced and cooperated.”…