Posted by: thepinetree on 07/26/2009 08:05 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 08/04/2009 12:43 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
:
CCWD Candidate Statement on Don Stump For CCWD Director District 3~With Video Interview
“Hello, my name is Don Stump and I’m running for CCWD director in District 3”. This sentence was how I introduced myself to over 1000 voters in District 3 when I walked through neighborhoods knocking on doors in the District, during the last six weeks. I felt it was important for me to hear what the voters were concerned about and give each voter the opportunity to ask me about my qualifications, my ideas for the future, and what I have done to prepare for this position. I decided 18 months ago to run for this office. To....
prepare myself for service as an effective and knowledgeable CCWD Director
from the first day on the job, I attended over 250 local and regional meetings, including many county-wide planning sessions, and I participated in the creation of the water element for the Calaveras County General Plan.
My four main positions are as follows;
Protect Water Rights
Calaveras County water rights are actively being examined by numerous agencies trying to calculate how they can claim them. The State of California is actively assessing and formulating plans and making determinations regarding their ideas of appropriate local water usage, regardless of our existing water rights or agreements. I will work hard to keep abreast of state governments actions statewide, to be able to position CCWD to protect our water rights.
Develop Regional Approaches
There is no single agency in Calaveras County with the financial resources, to create the needed changes and upgrades necessary to move us into the 21st. century. We must all work together to create a unified vision of our future and to take effective actions to achieve it. CCWD needs to work closely with the Calaveras County Supervisors and other local water and sewer districts to solve water issues on a regional scale. I have spent the last 18 months attending local water and sewer district meetings to understand their unique issues. I have met with individual board members and have formed a strong base of understanding to create regional answers for the issues we all face.
Replace Aging Infrastructure
There are very few plans dedicated for ongoing replacement of the ageing water delivery infrastructure. The State of California is continually creating new rules and regulations that mandate specific unfunded upgrades. We need to develop a cohesive plan to connect with our Federal, State and Local representatives, and to collaborate with those representatives and other agencies to find proactive and affordable solutions. I will ask that a legislative committee be formed at CCWD and that all activities be reported at monthly board meetings.
Provide Value to Customers
It is easier to provide good customer service when times are good, but times have changed. The employees at CCWD have been doing a good job but we are going to have to find innovative ways to utilize our existing staff to accomplish more without creating stress and turnover. I will ask that CCWD evaluate each of their suppliers and ask what additional cost savings and value they can offer. I will help develop an evaluation model that precedes hiring of any consultants. I believe the balance between consultants, sub-contractors and CCWD staff must be constantly monitored, evaluated and reviewed after each contract.
My wife, Jo Ann, and I raised two wonderful children in Calaveras County and have cared for and served our community in multiple organizations for nearly 30 years. My wide range of life experiences will help guide me through the challenges of the position. A career in Hydro Electric Generation at PG&E, owning and managing EDTECH (a successful technology business), and serving as a Fire Chief for Mountain Ranch, and as Battalion Chief for Central Calaveras Fire Protection District give me a unique skill set. I understand the needs of business and development and have skill in bringing people together and coordinating public service agencies. I invite you to explore my web page at www.donstump4ccwd.com to learn more about me.
As we enter a time of great change and challenges in Calaveras County, I look forward to being the catalyst for positive outcomes and to serving the citizens of CCWD District 3 with integrity and dedication.
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