Candidate Statement of EID Division 4 Director

By Thomas Robert "Bob" Fortune

The EID Board is responsible for many of the problems at EID, therefore, the election of effective Directors is critical.

I am running for Director of EID because there are some very serious problems at EID. Those problems start right in the Board of Directors, filter down, and show up in the performance of the EID management and employees. As a result, the future water supply of residents, businesses and agriculture is threatened. The current El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park water shortages are an example.

If the EID Board continues to minimize the risks of development without confirmed water resources and infrastructure, we all may be facing severe water shortages and cutbacks. Water shortages can lead to business failures, reduced property values, more bond debt, and skyrocketing water rates.

Water resources are not unlimited. Although El Dorado County has many streams and lakes, future water consumption from those resources is controlled by State and Federal Agencies. Other water needs in the state and for the environment stand in the way of county development pressures. I am not opposed to responsible development, but current residents come first. I favor a moratorium on the sale of permits and meters to the larger developments until it is confirmed that there are sufficient resources to satisfy all of these developments, without the threat of water shortages during drought years. Also, current residents should not be required to fund water projects for the sole benefit of developers.

EID has grown inefficient and ineffective. As a director I will push for reorganization of EID starting at the General Manager and working down. An experienced and effective management team can regain employee morale, accountability and performance. A streamlined EID operated with strong business principals will result in a lower cost of operations and, hopefully, reduced rates for all.

So what will I bring to EID that others have not, especially since I would be only one of five board members? I have the training and proven track record of bringing together hostile management teams, and completing successful programs that most others predicted to fail. That same management training and experience is applicable to the EID Board of Directors. I respectfully ask for your vote to bring accountability to EID.

If you vote for me, I promise honesty, and my very best effort to save EID and our water.