|
MBCA 2008 CANDIDATES VIRTUAL FORUM:
HI-DESERT WATER DISTRICT BOARD
To create the questions for our Virtual Forum, we polled our members as to what questions they would like candidates to answer. We compiled and edited those questions and emailed the exact same list of questions to each of the candidates in this race.
The candidates were instructed to take as much space as they needed and to make the content of their responses exactly as they wanted them to appear, as we would not be editing them in any way but only copying and pasting. Of note, the responses are solely the candidates’ and should not be assumed to reflect the views of MBCA or the members of its Board.
We acknowledge that an electronic forum does not assure perfect and equal access to all candidates as not all candidates are necessarily comfortable or available in this format. We encourage voters to seek as many sources of information as possible on the candidates, including in-person forums, media interviews, candidate Websites, and the candidates themselves.
We very much appreciate the candidates taking the time to participate in our 2008 Virtual Forum and to reach out to you, the voter, for the betterment of our communities and our desert.
(To return to the Virtual Forum Main page, click here.)
SEE FORUM RESPONSES FOR:
|
Note: We did not receive responses from candidates Sarann Graham, Charles McHenry, Dan Munsey, Matt Perron, or Bob Stadum.
|
|
CANDIDATE: Rae Packard
1. What do you see as your primary responsibility as a Water Board Director?
I see my primary responsibility as upholding the mission of the Hi-Desert Water District: “To provide a dependable water supply and wastewater treatment for the customers of the Hi-Desert Water District in a safe, efficient, and financially responsible manner.” It is not the responsibility of a Hi-Desert Water District board member to regulate growth.
2. As a candidate for the Water District Board, explain your ideas on how commercial elements of the town of Yucca Valley can be more sustainable and viable.
The Town of Yucca Valley must be seen as a role model for other communities by encouraging sustainable growth, specifically the use of our precious desert resources. Therefore, we should attract businesses that would contribute to that mission.
3. Have you served on any elected board in the past? What did you learn about being an effective Board member?
No. However, I have served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, and have learned that board members should work together as a team, putting aside any personal agendas, and serve the people that have entrusted them to their position.
4. What do you consider to be the three top priorities for the Hi-Desert Water District?
a. Produce an aggressive and pre-emptive conservation plan, including working cooperatively with the Town of Yucca Valley to implement the new Native Plant Ordinance and educate new residents and developers about the importance of leaving native plant species in place.
b. Obtain a reliable, long-term water source.
c. Build and maintain a waste water collection and treatment system, affordable to everyone.
5. How do your water rates compare with surrounding districts?
They are comparable.
6. What will you do to protect the existing water in the aquifers?
Expertly manage the existing pumping out and recharging of the aquifers, and aggressively implement a waste water collection and treatment facility.
7. Please tell us what you would propose to do about the golf course.
If the Town of Yucca Valley purchases the golf course, it is imperative that the Hi Desert Water District negotiate their acquisition of the water rights in that purchase.
[RETURN TO TOP]
CANDIDATE: Margo Sturges
1. What do you see as your primary responsibility as a Water Board Director?
It is my responsibility to study and comprehend the data presented by District Staff and engineer reports to verify accountability. If needed, seek outside sources to study the data so that the information distributed is accurate and reflects the real situation of the quality of our drinking water and or proposed projects. With this greater understanding, it is my responsibility to relay this information in everyday language to the public.It is also my responsibility to see that our funds are being spent wisely and that full attention is paid to moving forward the placement of sewers and a waste treatment plant. It is my responsibility to ask questions and seek answers, not to accept anything presented on face value.
2. As a candidate for the Water District Board, explain your ideas on how commercial elements of the town of Yucca Valley can be more sustainable and viable.
Our sewer system should have been in place years ago! All the Board Members of the Hi-Desert Water District of the past did not serve us by postponing the placement of sewers and waste treatment. This should have been the priority of the past 8-10 years.
The Town of Yucca Valley needs to take an active role in developing a marketing strategy using a professional company to promote our delightful Town, the residents. The Chamber of Commerce has gone astray to promote scholarships and become involved in politics instead of helping the businesses or promote Yucca Valley. Study and evaluate the Buxton report to find out what we need to do to attract green commercial development not polluting industry.
3. Have you served on any elected board in the past? What did you learn about being an effective Board member?
I am a Director for Reach Out Morongo Basin, a Board Member of Yucca Valley Rotary and a past Board Member of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce (Vice President). An effective Board member must work with the other Directors as a unit and set the course for the staff. A Director must have a higher set of values and integrity to demand same of staff. I have found that there is usually a leader and co-leader of any board, and not necessarily the elected President and Vice President. I have found that 75% the other board members are there to keep their chairs warm.
4. What do you consider to be the three top priorities for the Hi-Desert Water District?
Secure more water sources and entitlements. Educate the consumer about the need for protecting our present ground water supply and explaining in plain english our need for sewers as we work towards that goal.
5. How do your water rates compare with surrounding districts?
My water rate has been very low as I am on a tier system. My water meter has been broken for several months now and I informed the HDWD on three occaisions of that situation. I wrote on my bill, I came into the office and spoke to Kim, and then called by telephone to inform them that my meter is not registering any usage. Guess what. Three days after I filed my campaign information, the crew came to my residence and replaced it. I know an employee of 29 Palms water district that always writes on his HDWD bill the exact amount this water usage would cost if he lived in the City of 29 Palms. That amount is usually 1/3 less than the Hi Desert Water District.
6. What will you do to protect the existing water in the aquifers?
Mandatory septic pumping on a semi-annual or quarterly basis, stop the sale of toilet bowl cleaners that contaminate our aquifers, increase security around the wells, advertise visually to our residents that do not pay attention to radio or read the pamphlets about the importance of protecting our water by taking caution to what they flush down the toilets. How about a mobile trailer with a simulated aquifer and have a real toilet sitting on top? Oh yes, and at the bottom of this display.....dispense water to the audience! Have I got your attention?!
7. Please tell us what you would propose to do about the golf course.
The HDWD should buy the golf course to retain the water rights and then deed the land over to the Town for a community center for the public, not a few privileged golfers. A dog park, a miniature golf course, a water park, a zero depth park, a Zen Garden, a Senior Plaza.....using artificial turf, of course!
[RETURN TO TOP]
|
