Dan Suchman - Reasons for Running

By Dan Suchman

Discussion of Important Issues Facing the EMID

I've been a Canyon resident since 1974, and raised 3 children here. Professionally, I am an Engineer and Program Manager. I have a Master's degree in Statistics with a minor in Business Administration. I currently run a consulting company and work out of my home.

I was a member of the EMID Board from 1978 until 1991. During the time I was on the Board, we transformed the image of EMID in the eyes of the County from "nothing but a homeowner's association" to a governmental entity they respected and felt comfortable dealing with. This was during the era when Bill Wallace was our Supervisor. While Bill and I often disagreed politically, we liked one another personally, and spoke fairly often. We used to breakfast together (at Brays) three or four times a year, to discuss any upcoming issues that might affect the District. In those cases where we agreed, EMID would testify in support of Bill's position. In those cases where we disagreed, we would testify against. It was always, however, done in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Over the last couple of years, this image of EMID as a professionally run entity has been replaced by one of a homeowner's association with some undeserved and unusual powers that is looking out for its own selfish interest at the expense of the rest of the County's residents. I am running for EMID again because I was asked to by several residents (old timers like me) who are familiar with what was accomplished during my time on the Board. I believe that EMID's relationship with the Country is a key element of its ability to function effectively. I further think, based on past history, that this is an area in which I can help make a difference.

While I was on the EMID Board:

· The District paid to have resident's garbage collected.

· We settled longstanding legal disputes with the Isla Vista Sanitation District.

· We renegotiated the about to expire Recovery Agreement with the IVSD. As a result, EMID collected significant amounts from other areas hooking up to the sewer lines we paid to have installed.

· We kept the Beachfront property from being developed as Condominiums, and negotiated the deal where the District would take over ownership of the 18 acres on Calle Real.

· We assisted in negotiating downsizing of the Bacara Resort, and were responsible for having a number of conditions placed upon the hotel development that were favorable to us.

· We got the District to a point of financial stability and self-sufficiency. I was the Finance Officer for about 9 years.

· We were instrumental in having the Urban limit line established on its present boundaries, making it harder for land to the West of us to be developed.

· We revised the CC & Rs to make them more closely reflect resident's wishes and lifestyles.

What do I think are the most important issues facing the District today? There are four:

1. Our relationship with other governmental entities. In addition to the problems with the County that I mentioned earlier, it is probable that this election will see the establishment of a new city of Goleta. A portion of this new city will lie within our boundaries. EMID is currently in disputes with some other government's regarding the share of tax revenues we receive from the hotel. I forsee potential problems in the future as Goleta enters the fold.

2. How do we pay for the 18 acre parcel? Currently we are paying interest only on the bonds. This amounts to $16,250 each year, which is about 8.5% of EMID's total operating budget. In addition, $8,000 is budgeted this year to maintain the property, making the total expenditure for this property 12.5% of the total. The principal, $250,000, comes due in 2008. How are we going to pay this off? The original plan was to set up a special fund using the increased tax revenues from the hotel. Because of various circumstances, this plan is no longer viable. The present Directors have not yet put forth a plan for paying the debt. I do have a plan, which I plan to put forth for your consideration at the EPOA Candidate forum. (It sounds sort of like Richard Nixon's secret plan for getting the US out of Vietnam, doesn't it?)

3. How do we manage future growth pressure? Al Dworman eventually is going to want to develop the avacado ranch. There are plans to try to put housing in Eagle canyon, to our West. The County (and the new city) are going to be under enormous pressure to provide additional "affordable housing". There will soon be an "affordable" project approved at the end of Hollister Avenue across from Sandpiper. The new EMID board will have to contend with all of these issues.

4. Are we serious about wanting to underground the utilities? The bond issue failed to win the needed 2/3 majority by only 2 or 3 votes. I personally favor the idea. Aside from the safety enhancement, several realtors have told me that utility undergrounding would add over $50,000 to the value of every home in the District. I would propose to resolve this issue once and for all in the following manner. 1) Formulate a plan for accomplishing the work and paying for it. 2) Provide the data to district residents. Present the benefits and the bad points. 3) Conduct a straw poll. 4) Based on the poll results, either kill the idea or move it forward to a formal election.

Not on this list, is the lawsuit regarding the Bacara revenues, which I believe should be settled before the new EMID Board takes office.

Anyhow, I am familiar with the district, its finances and its operations. I think I can help restore EMID to its proper place.

Several people have asked me whom I plan to vote for. Since I have this forum, I decided to answer the question. 1) Steve Penniman has been a diligent and competent Board member. He has earned reelection. 2)Lou Ventura is an ex-Board member who played a major role in getting the Community Center and playground built. He would bring a high energy level to a board that I think can use it. He would bring geographic diversity. In addition, because of his past experience, he would hit the ground running. 3) Pat McCarthy is an Attorney with extensive connections who is well thought of outside the District. Pat would represent us well to others. Past experience (Bill McLafferty, Ken Moes are examples) has shown that having an attorney as a board member has been good for the District. 4) Finally, I will vote for myself. If you choose to vote for me, I will do my best to represent your interests.

Please vote. If you agree with my positions, you can have them made into EMID policy. If you disagree, you can keep me from proposing them.