.Goals

    My goals for the future will focus on drinking water quality and cost reduction. I will strive to keep West Basin's costs as low as possible and reduce the costs charged to you by our regional water wholesalers.

    Water quality is my number one priority as a director of West Basin Municipal Water District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. It is our right to confidently turn on our taps and expect the water to be safe and healthful. I will never force you to choose between your health and your pocket book.

    New drinking water regulations for disinfection by-products are being promulgated by the federal government. These new regulations are an important and welcome step towards further improvements in drinking water quality. They are especially important in protecting the health of pregnant women and infants.

    During my service on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the water wholesaler for all of Southern California accelerated the installation of ozone disinfection in the treatment plants serving Southern California. Ozone will significantly reduce potentially dangerous disinfection by-products. Ozone is an important barrier in the protection of public health for all members of our community.

    Fluoridation is another public health imperative. A united medical, dental, and public health community recommended we implement fluoridation in Southern California. Fluoride will dramatically reduce dental disease in our community, especially for those with no access or money for dental care. As a result, I voted for fluoridation in our region to protect the health of our children.

    Cost reduction is my other priority. I will use my position as a Board Member and my participation on the Finance Committee to control West Basin's internal costs. Two other regional water organizations impact the price you pay for your drinking water: The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (the regional water importer) and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (who recharges the groundwater). I continue to monitor their fiscal activities closely.

    Future areas of focus include seawater desalination, increased reclamation, and more conservation of water.

    Ocean desalination is a virtually limitless new source of water. Currently, it is too expensive for widespread use. I am working on the research needed to reduce the cost of ocean desalination. This research will also verify that there are no unexpected water quality or environmental impacts as a result of more extensive use of desalinated seawater.

    Recycled wastewater represents a reliable and sustainable source of water for our community. West Basin Municipal Water District currently is a leader in recycling. It owns and operates one of the largest recycling plants in the world, located in El Segundo. Recycled water is an excellent way to meet water needs as long as it is not used for drinking water. Fortunately, there is plenty of industrial, landscaping, and seawater barrier demand for this water. It is not needed to supplement our drinking water.

    Conservation is another way to reduce water needs. Water conservation can be indoors (low flush toilets, showerheads, efficient washing machines, etc.) or outdoor (native plant landscaping, evapo-transpiration controllers, leakage control, etc.). Conservation improves reliability because it is drought-proof and is not vulnerable to water quality problems.

    I believe we can have water that is both safe to drink and reliable at an affordable price. To do this, we must harness new and innovative ways to met water needs. The health of our community and the health of our economy depends on our success.