Candidate for
Board Member; Fresno Irrigation District; Division 4

I am currently Fresno Irrigation District's board president with over twenty years of policy-level experience in regional water management. I am also a third generation farmer in the Fresno area and understand the importance of having a reliable water supply for our farmers and for city residents. My top priority is representing my constituents on issues that are important to them like protecting their water rights, maintaining the canals, supporting community trails and school water safety programs.

The impacts of population growth on our water supply is an important issue facing the District. We need to be proactive in dealing with the increased water demands that this growth will create. I believe that the future water needs for this region are going to meet through creative solutions like the partnerships that Fresno Irrigation District has formed with the cities of Fresno and Clovis.

These partnerships have allowed us to add over 380 acres of recharge basins to help replenish our groundwater. Groundwater is of critical importance to everyone who farms and lives within the District. The District has worked hard to bring in grant money to accomplish these and other projects. I have supported these projects and bring my experience to the table to continue these efforts. I believe cooperation and partnership with local agencies and municipalities along with good strategic planning, is vital for meeting our current and future water needs.

It is important that the District maintains the water supply for the residents and farmers in this area while working with local fishery interests to maintain the health of the river. The District is involved in two fisheries agreements. Many local residents have heard about the historic agreement on the San Joaquin River to improve the fisheries. Fresno Irrigation District has also been a part of a fisheries agreement for the last seven years on the Kings River. Both of these agreements try to find that balance that is beneficial to everyone.

Finally, I believe it is important to have a sound fiscal policy. As board president, I have presided over the continuation of tight financial controls while maintaining operations and services without a tax increase for eleven years prior to the one this year.