Why are
you running for the CCWD Board?
Throughout my life, I have felt a desire to be personally
involved in shaping my community. Over many years, I've enjoyed holding
positions of responsibility as an appointed member of an Arts Commission, a
County Planning Commission, a Community
Plan Committee, and a Fish & Game Commission.
In 2006, I was elected to be the Fifth District Supervisor
of Calaveras County, representing
Copperopolis and the Rancho Calaveras Subdivision, near Valley Springs. I spent 4 years, working very hard to serve
the citizens of the District and Calaveras County, however, in November of
2010, the voters of the district chose another person to fill the
position. (We all know how that turned
out.)
Naturally, I was disappointed that I didn't have the
opportunity to continue serving Calaveras County, but another exciting
opportunity immediately became available.
Since January of 2011, I've been managing construction projects in
Mogadishu, Somalia, working with companies that serve the needs of the United
Nations Mission in Somalia --important work that is providing stability in a
nation that has been fighting a civil war for over 22 years.
In June, when I returned home from my last 13 months in
Africa, I learned that Dennis Dooley was not going to seek re-election to his
seat on the Board of CCWD. Others have
encouraged me to run for this extremely important seat, and I also view it as
an excellent opportunity for me to renew my efforts to improve my community. That's why I'm running!
What are your qualifications?
First, in the area of education: I earned a B.A. in Business
Administration from California State University Stanislaus.
In the area of job related experience: For over 20 years, I
was a masonry contractor and a leader in the masonry industry of California
--holding the office of President of the state-wide Masonry Contractor's Association.
I've also had many years of experience as a Management Trustee on Union Pension
Trusts and Health and Welfare Trusts. In
my capacity of being a union employer, I have negotiated many collective
bargaining agreements.
In the area of Public Service: I've listed most of my previous activities in
the previous answer, but here, I would like to stress the importance of my 4
years on the Board of Supervisors.
During each of those years, I worked closely with the board
of CCWD, building strong relationships, and working to formulate a Water
Element for the General Plan of Calaveras County. While I believe that my prior experience (and
training) as an elected official makes me a very qualified candidate, my
opponent has publicly expressed the opinion that voters should avoid electing
any candidate who has previously held public office. Since this particular candidate has made two
previous attempts, seeking a public office, I wonder how he would feel if he
had been elected?
Finally, voters should consider this: The fact that I've
spent the last several years, working in war-torn Somalia, should be a clear
indication that I'm not afraid of a challenge.
What will you do to protect our water rights?
What will you do to protect our water rights?
A very serious problem that will be facing the next CCWD
Board will be in trying to prove to the State's Regional Water Control Board
that Calaveras County has realistic, present and future plans to
"consume" many thousands of acre feet beyond the level of current
consumption. In my opinion, the only
easy way of proving that Calaveras County is justified in preserving our
existing water reservations (aka- rights) is by having a County General Plan
that designates areas within the county where significant population growth is
expected. Therefore, I will immediately
insist that the CCWD board must reach out (again) to the Board of Supervisors,
and hopefully, we can convince them to adopt a more aggressive growth policy. Clearly, we cannot protect water rights by
merely saying they need to be protected. We'll have to show how the water
is going to be used, and this can only be done with a collaborative effort.
Do you support the wild and scenic
designation of the Moke River?
I can support it only if the bill is
amended with specific language that gives guaranteed access to future water --
if needed. If these amendments are not
included, then I will oppose the bill.
What is your stand on fleet gas cards and accountability of CCWD vehicle use via GPS or other means?
What is your stand on fleet gas cards and accountability of CCWD vehicle use via GPS or other means?
I understand that there have been
some past cases where employees were abusing the use of fleet gas cards. I believe that the problem has been
solved, however, I will still insist on
keeping a watchful eye on the use of the cards.
Regarding GPS: I can see huge
advantages in being able to track rolling resources as they move around the
county. To me, GPS tracking would be an excellent tool to help maximize
efficiency, as well as safety.
Will investigation into the apparent disappearance of the reserve funds be a priority?
Will investigation into the apparent disappearance of the reserve funds be a priority?
Unfortunately, CCWD, like many other
entities, lost approximately $1.4 to $1.7 million that had been invested with
Lehman Bros. How could anyone anticipate that within a few terrible days,
the fourth largest financial institution in the world would be bankrupt? I don't believe that loss warrants an
investigation, however, I intend to find out more about how the new CCWD administration building was financed.
What new programs/policies would you like to see implemented?
In order to improve the county's
business environment, I'd like to investigate the feasibility of making changes
in the current policies that apply to the pricing and collection of new
connection fees. Instead of insisting of
collecting 100% up front, why not give a company payment terms?
In spite of past efforts by CCWD's
board to be perceived as "transparent and open" in their decision
making, the organization has a tarnished reputation among ratepayers. I will concentrate a large portion of my
energies toward improving that reputation.
.
What do you feel is working within
CCWD well and would leave alone?
I would cultivate the talented and
dedicated employees. I'd strive to create
an environment where each of these employees would feel comfortable
recommending positive changes within the organization.
Will you or will you not, push for the completion of the sewer line on Little John Road?
The contract for the installation of
the sewer line on Little John Road was in place years ago. I remember when the staking was completed and
the excavating equipment was trucked-in to commence the work. I also remember when CCWD engineers (at the
last minute) stepped in and forced the cancellation of the contract, pointing
to the harsh reality that the sewer flows from Copper Town Square would not be
sufficient to allow the pipeline to function properly. Instead of a pipeline,
the district designed a large holding tank that must be pumped weekly.
Yes, I'd like to see the sewer line
completed, and the developer has an obligation to see that the work is completed,
however, until there is more development, with more toilets available to
"flush" the system, the holding tank near Copper Town Square will
continue to collect waste water, and a truck will continue hauling the effluent
to the sewer treatment plant.
Do you support or oppose groundwater regulations?
In almost all of Calaveras County, except
in a small groundwater basin near Burson and Wallace, ground water is drawn
from fractured rock. (Under a long-established state mandate, CCWD has been
monitoring designated wells in the Burson/Wallace area for number of
years.) In my opinion, monitoring private
wells in Calaveras County would be an unjustifiable intrusion by government.
I am absolutely opposed to the concept.
Please explain the your
understanding of the North Fork Stanislaus River Hydro Electric Development
Project.
Many of CCWD's detractors are quick
to point out that CCWD should not have "given away" the North Fork project
to NCPA. However, when you consider the immense cost of the facilities, I
believe it is completely unrealistic to assume that CCWD was (at that time) capable
of building and maintaining the facilities.
Like others, I suspect that a more favorable formula could have been
negotiated, but of course, I wasn't there.
However, the NCPA contract and the FERC relicensing will be required by
2023, giving CCWD less than 20 years to get prepared to negotiate a better
formula for the next 50 years. That
preparation must begin immediately.
My Prepared Statement:
With the drought upon
us, we must work hard to build and preserve the District’s water rights for our
communities and the future of this County. We can do this more effectively by
building partnerships between the District, the County, its communities, and
neighboring districts.
I will work to restore
responsiveness and trust by reexamining the recent rate increase and business
practices of the District. Wasteful spending during these difficult times is
hurting our communities and businesses. My work experience combined with my
public service makes me the best candidate to serve you by bringing a business
approach to managing District affairs.
We must also ensure our
infrastructure is appropriately maintained in order to deliver the level of
service our communities need. The District’s poor leadership and changing
direction does not provide sound management of its resources. I will work hard
for you to bring back a steady hand and business acumen to restore hard work,
strategic direction, and integrity. Please work with me to bring back a
county-wide water district that can lead our County into the future. I would
appreciate your vote.
Sincerely,
Russ Thomas
Telephone: (209)
480-8968.
email:
rthos2020 @caltel.com
