MY PRIORITIES: WATER CONSERVATION And ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WATER

By Laurie J. Kurilla

I am committed to conservative budgeting balanced with progressive capital improvements. I believe that the Goleta Water District can lead the community in water and energy conservation through example, education, and policy.

I was chosen from a pool of thirteen applicants, with impressive credentials, by the current Goleta Water Board. I'm told I was chosen based on my track record of innovative thinking and problem-solving with complex projects on limited budgets. A key attribute of all excellent boards is the diversity of business experience and insights it's directors bring to the board room. The Goleta Water District has a bright and energetic General Manager and several highly experienced, forward thinking civil engineers. The Board does not need another water expert, it needs members of the community who bring unique insights into policy setting and oversight of the District, through their own varied and unique business experiences. I bring 17 years of public and private enterprise management experience with scientific and technology expertise.

Goleta Water District is the largest special district in Santa Barbara County with over 75,000 residents. It spans 29,000 acres, and uses 230 miles of pipeline to distribute water to our customers. Our District spans from Hope Ranch to the Bacara, from the mountains to the sea.

My priorities are a clean, secure, reliable water supply - this is the mission of the Goleta Water District. But I'm also committed to this supply into the long-range future. I am committed to balancing the water needs of every segment of our society: residential, commercial, agriculture AND the environment.

The Goleta Water District is no longer in control of or involved in the "growth-no growth development" issues in our County. We are completely focused on the business of water quality and delivery. The reality is, however, that the California population will continue to grow. I believe we must seek to understand alternative methodologies and sources of water, and we must then actively seek these alternatives.

I believe the Goleta Water District must actively promote water conservation concurrent with continual improvements to the water delivery system.

I promote public involvement in the Goleta Water District. I am delighted to be a member of the District's Public Information Committee. Watch for the upcoming November quarterly newsletter which is the first of several to explain the needed capital improvements in our District.

I would be honored to continue as your representative on the Goleta Water Board.

Laurie J. Kurilla