Getting to know me better

By David D. De Jesus

Why I am the right choice for the position.

Keep in mind, that the District is made up of 7 divisions generally from the eastern portions of the Covina/West Covina borders making up the west boundary, the San Bernardino County line on the east, the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and the Orange county line in the south. The District represents a population of about 500,000. Three Valleys does NOT sell its water directly to consumers. The District delivers water to its member agencies that in turn delivers it to its retail customers. My area, Division 2 encompasses the City of Walnut, the Charter Oak, Covina Knolls, and Covina Hills area of Covina, the Shadow Oak, and eastern portion of Woodside Village in West Covina, along with a small portion in Pomona and the Via Verde Section of San Dimas.

All would agree that public confidence in any business in critical to its success. And I will tell you that; it is no different in a water utility. After nearly 30 years in this business, and the last 8 years as a Director on Three Valleys, I can assure you with all confidence, that I have the knowledge and where-with-all to ensure that public confidence in our water remains high by continuing to deliver a product of the highest standard. Drinking water regulations continue to test our ability to not only incorporate operational changes but to creatively find ways in which to fund those mandates while keeping rates at reasonable levels.

At Three Valleys, I have stressed a strong emphasis on water conservation as a means of not only educating the consumer on the wise use of water but as one method of meeting the challenges inherent with a growing population.

The Key to our continued success will be in our ability to strike a balance between the inevitable higher costs arising from enhanced treatment, monitoring and testing along with the need to address aging infrastructure, without compromising the quality of the water delivered to our customers. I welcome the challenge and the responsibility.

I am willing to provide the same level of service, dedication and active involvement to accomplish my role and my responsibility as the Division 2 representative.

I am aptly qualified to meet these emerging issues having obtained the highest certification levels attainable in both water treatment and water distribution from the State of California Department of Health Services drinking water division.

I hold a degree in water treatment technology and a Masters in the management of business organizations. I continue to instruct students and water industry operators at the college level in water resources and distribution system design.

I am a seasoned water policy maker having been sought after to serve on numerous water boards throughout the San Gabriel Valley including the Chino Basin in the Inland Empire. I have earned the respect of my peers and currently serve on the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors, having been appointed to various committees most notably on the Colorado River Negotiating Team. I have chaired the Engineering and Operations Committee and I am the current chair of the Legal; Claims, and Personnel Committee. By this time next month, we will all know, if I was selected to lead the multi-billion dollar organization, as I am vying for the position of Board Chairman. Finally, for the first 4 years, I participated as one of the founding board member's on the Lower Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers & Mountains Conservancy, representing all San Gabriel Valley Water Companies.

The level of knowledge, commitment, and involvement that I can provide are the keys that allow me to make the best decision possible. The bottom line is I care about the water we drink. So if you live or have friends that live within the areas I just mentioned then I would appreciate your and their vote November 2nd. Again thank you for your time and May God continue to bless America!