Candidate for
Board Member; Goleta Water District

WATER AVAILABILITY:

There are emerging water issues, statewide. There are new contaminants, climatic changes, stricter security mandates, and extreme federal budget constraints - and there are issues with the reliability of State Water Project deliveries. There is tremendous competition for State Water. It is projected that California's population will grow by 18 million in the next 20 years. The competition for "foreign" water sources will intensify.

The Goleta Water District must maintain its wells and reservoirs. It must recharge the groundwater and store the surplus during the wet years. It must continue a philosophy of building up local reserves - for the drought years.

CONTROL SPENDING:

Goleta Water District must be fiscally conservative. Capital improvements and expenditures must be prioritized and planned over the long term to have the least impact on water rates.

IMPARTIALITY:

When making decisions about water rights and water sources for both the short-term and the long-term Goleta Water Board representatives must represent all water users fairly and equitably. Our District decisions and policies must be based on what's right for the rate payers and the District. I will represent all customers fairly and equitably. My decisions will be based on facts, needs, and sound business principles.

COLLABORATION:

I am proud of my approach to breaking down institutional barriers between governmental agencies. Starting in 1997, I initiated a datasharing program between the County and the cities and special districts of Santa Barbara County; saving taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars, eliminating redundant practices, and giving a jumpstart to technology programs of these agencies.