More residential customer representation on HCSD is needed!

By Kevin W. Bastian

HCSD board of directors should be controlled by its customers, not building contractors and others in the real estate industry

While I believe the board needs to ensure that our area is friendly to home builders and new construction, at the same time we need to be sure that new construction pays its way and that existing ratepayers aren't expected to subsidize someone else's new home or subdivision.

Two of the candidates on the ballot this year -- incumbent Mr. Noonan and challenger Mr. Bongio -- are in the construction business, and another member not up for re-election this year is a real estate agent. While I believe it's fine to have the construction industry represented on the board, and have no personal issue with either of these gentlemen, I believe the majority of the board should consist of average residential customers like myself, and not by those with conflicting interests such as homebuilders, building contractors, or others in the real estate industry.

If I am elected to the HCSD board, I will put the interests of existing homeowners and renters first, and will ensure that developers and homebuilders pay their fair share of hookup fees and capital expansion.