Candidate for
Board Member; Municipal Water District of Orange County; Division 5

My main goals as a director of the Municipal Water District of Orange County, Division 5 are:

1. WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY: District 5 of MWDOC (Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo) depends on imported water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project aqueducts. The current drought in the Colorado River basin and the drought and legal restrictions placed on the State to pump water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Bay-Delta) to Southern California have become the new reality that impact us all. A solution to the Bay-Delta is being developed by water agencies and elected officials. The solution may take several years to take effect. As director, I would work on developing alternative sources of water such as recycled water, groundwater recovery, and increased conservation. I would also insist on storage and exchange agreements with the agriculture industry. My goal is to provide reliable water supply to ensure that water will be there when you open the faucet at home.

Mi long-standing commitment to secure water for the people will ensure that the region is prepared for any climate change or drought and that Orange County residents will continue to receive water, businesses will continue to operate, and the economy will sustain its growth while keeping and increasing jobs in Orange County.

2. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: I have insisted in transparency in every District's business. Thus, I have encouraged public participation at the meetings and have directed staff to maintain the public informed through the citizens advisory group, public hearings and regular meetings of the Board. This was an important consideration when the my current District received the recognition as District of Distinction. I am open to disclose any information that the public needs to know that applies to this position. Places of employment is very important for the people to know, what did you actually do or did in your last employment. Those are questions that people need to ask from every candidate.

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PROPER RESPRESENTATION: My goal is to increase community participation, similar to what I have help do at El Toro Water District. The community will be well informed of issues affecting the District and will have the opportunity to provide direct input to the Board. A strong partnership between the community and the Board will result in improved services provided by the Municipal Water District and complete transparency in all decisions made by the its Board. Elected officials work for you, you elected them to represent you. Do not give up your right to proper representation. Question your candidates before giving them your vote.

4. WATER RATES: Control of operational expenses and performing within budget is a necessary start in the process of ensuring fair and economical water rates. However, water rate increases frequently account for rate increases passed-through the wholesale agencies to the consumer. My goal is to work with wholesale agencies and their elected officials to take more cost efficient actions that will ensure adequate and fair water rates. Unfortunately, large investments are being made or proposed now to improve the California water system. Those improvements come with a price that we all have to pay.