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The questions were prepared by the the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Experience,
Finances,
Collaboration
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience or training do you have which would help the District meet its goals?
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Answer from Ram (Singh) Singh:
My education, research, and engineering experience have all been in the field of water resources, which is the task of the District. I am professor and head of water resources at San Jose State University. A large number of my graduates are making key decisions at the District in various positions there. One of graduate, Ron Esau, was general manager and CEO of the District. I have all the knowledge and expertise to contribute effectively to the operations of the District.
Answer from Rosemary Kamei:
I have over 23 years in water related and water resources management experience. As a small business owner and as a Director for 12 years, I have set water policy to acheive a better quality of life in Santa Clara County.
Answer from B. Terry Mahurin:
I believe my training and life experience as an engineer or engineering manager provides me with an ability to take on a global view of whatever situation I find myself confronted with. Logical thinking and a fair measure of common sense certainly helps. For the last two years, I became interestered in District finances and have studied Budgets, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, the Water Utility Enterprise Report and other District plans.
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2. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the District?
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Answer from B. Terry Mahurin:
After observing the District for two years, it is because of the financial condition that I decided to enter the race for the District 1 seat. After 5 consecutive years with water rate increases and the next 9 years projected for increases, I wondered where this extra money was going. From the District's point of view the financial condition is good. From the ratepayers point of view its a very different story. What I found more than annoyed me. You may get a flavor of this by going to http://www.terrymahurin.com. The web site comes with graphs and charts on how some of your money is being spent.
Answer from Ram (Singh) Singh:
I have seen the District grow from 40-50 employees in 1970 to 800 employees today. District's budget is well, but we need to cut duplications and wastes. Budget needs to be examined carefully on a regular basis, and economic optimization should be injected into the process. The Board can play a more active role with an expert as its member. We need to work with the management and the Board to enhance efficiency.
Answer from Rosemary Kamei:
While state and federal funding has been inconsistent, the District has been successful in acheiving community needs for water supply and flood managment as well as protection of our environment while being fiscally sound and responsible.
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3. In what ways would you collaborate with other governmental entities to achieve the District's goals?
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Answer from Ram (Singh) Singh:
We have to work with federal, state, and local agencies to avail their expertise and address their concerns. Many private organizations can also help with their experience and knowledge. Federal and State cooperation will also bring valuable resources and monies in executing various projects. We have to cultivate and maintain good relationship with them. I find they are more than willing to talk and cooperate.
Answer from Rosemary Kamei:
Collaboration with other governmental agencies is key to the success of moving forward with many of the projects that the District is involved with, such as: Water Resources Protection Collaborative, Habitat Conservation Plan, Guadalupe Collaborative, SCRWA water recyling project, Regional Desalinazation Project, Perchlorate Working Group and many more.
Answer from B. Terry Mahurin:
If I look at the list of governmental groups the District collaborates with, it seems to me that collaboration with the `other governmental entities' is well covered. However, that said, I believe the communication between the water retailers (the cities) and the elected officials is very important. A Board member should be able to articulate to its customers how their money is being spent and what the benefit is.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
