Election 2012: Four Candidates Up for Three Seats on Water/Sewer District Board

Residents of Dublin and San Ramon will choose from two incumbents and two newcomers to fill three seats on the Dublin-San Ramon Services District board.

The candidates, as listed on the League of Women Voters website, are:

Rich Halket (Incumbent)

Priorities:

• Low rates, while building reserves and financial strength
• Increase water supply using innovative technology
• Plan for retirement of key district personnel

Halket said in his candidate statement that the district faces "critical financial issues such as refinancing debt and setting connection fees and rates," and is susceptible to the water crisis in the Delta.

Dwight L. "Pat" Howard (Incumbent)

Priorities:

• Continue my pledge to keep our rates the lowest sustainable rates in the valley.
• I support expanding water recycling thoughout the valley.
• I will work toward increased cooperation and integration of Tri-Valley water services.  

Howard in his candidate statement lauds the current board for shepherding the district through economic crashes which have left some districts bankrupt. 

Scott Hayes (Businessman)

Priorities:

• Sound Governance
• Bringing Together The Tri-Valley Water Providers
• Financial Sustainability

Hayes, who has never served in public office, said in his ballot statement that he would focus on "efficiency, cost control and long-term financial sustainability" and would be an agent for change.

Edward R. "Ed" Duarte (General engineering contractor)

Priorities:

• Ensuring district transparency for all board and staff actions
• Ensuring the financial sustainability of the district's operations
• Improving water quality and district operational efficiency  

Duarte, a longtime business owner in San Ramon honored as a Citizen of the Year, says in his statement that his experience working for municipal water agencies throughout Northern California would benefit the district.

To read the candidates' statements in their entirety, download the ballot and click to page 76.