Jen4VWD.org
Safety
My priority as your elected official will always be to provide clean, safe water to all the members of the public. True safety begins with public transparency. All customers should be continually updated with water quality test results - and not just once a year. Ratepayers should have real-time access to water quality data.
Sustainability
Water is our most precious resource, and it is finite. Extreme climate events over the past ten years have highlighted the fact that we must plan for multiple sources of water supply during extensive drought years, and we also must find creative ways to efficiently capture larger volumes of water during intense rainfall events. This is why I will strongly advocate for stormwater capture and groundwater recharge projects in our region. In the past two budget years, the State of California has dedicated over $8.6 billion to build water resilience in the state, including new stormwater capture technology and groundwater recharge. The high-level support and finances are in place. We need elected officials, like myself, who will seek out grant opportunities and collaborate with the state to support stormwater capture and groundwater recharge projects at the regional level.
Rate Affordability
Many of us in the region are struggling with increased energy costs, and according to the San Diego County Water Authority, wholesale water rates are set to rise next year. I understand the burdens that many families in our community face, and I will advocate for creative solutions to increase revenue before raising rates for citizens.
Keep Water Public
Did you know that 73 million people in the U.S. get their domestic water from privately-owned water utilities, with no citizen oversight? Alarmingly, recent trends point towards increased water privatization. Water is a fundamental human right and a critical resource necessary for life, public health, and economic development. It should be accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. This is why I firmly believe in keeping water public, ensuring transparency and accountability for all ratepayers. Investor-owned utilities, like SDG&E, have shown that corporations will always prioritize profit over people. As your representative, I will continually fight to maintain water as a public trust, safeguarding this vital resource for current and future generations.
Community Engagement
I believe that an informed and engaged community is essential to the success of our water district. As your Director, I am committed to keeping you informed with a bi-monthly newsletter and frequent social media updates. By fostering open communication, soliciting feedback, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, I will ensure that our decisions reflect the diverse needs and priorities of our residents.