Candidate for
Member, Board of Directors; West Basin Municipal Water District; Division 1

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP, PROVEN ABILITY: YOUR BEST CHOICE TO CONTINUE RECEIVING RELIABLE, CLEAN, SAFE, AFFORDABLE WATER--WITH TRANSPARANCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ON YOUR WATER BOARD.

Ronald C. (Ron) Smith has spent a lifetime preparing for this position. He has spent the past 4 years working diligently, as a Director on the West Basin Municipal Water District, implementing all that he has learned. Currently the Vice President of the Board of Directors at West Basin, Smith has accomplished a tremendous amount during his first term. Some of these accomplishments include:

--Initiated the first ever strategic planning session for Board members to establish the Policy direction of the Water District, resulting in West Basin's Strategic Business Plan.

--As Board Treasurer, instituted a community banking program.

--As Board Treasurer, hosted the first ever Small Business Vender Fair, bringing together local businesses to inform them of opportunities to do business with the Water District.

--Fought with State Legislators to defeat AB 640, a bill designed to alter the historic Uniform Water Rate Assessment, which would have added millions of dollars to the rates the entire West Basin Service Area would pay for water.

--Tirelessly participated in comprehensive community outreach to insure West Basin Constituents are informed about water issues and West Basin's efforts on their behalf.

--Promoted West Basin's Water Reliability 2020 program to create more local sources of water.

--Partnered with Cal State University Dominguez Hills to institute comprehensive water conservation program, retrofitting their entire student housing to save the University 3 million gallons of water per year.

Smith also currently represents West Basin on the Association of California Water Agencies--Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board-of-Directors and the National Water Research Institute's Board-of-Directors.

When not putting in more than part-time hours at West Basin, Smith serves in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is through his work in the Coast Guard Auxiliary that Smith learned about the importance of Mission. As a Water Board Director, he has used his expertise and leadership skills to help the Board live up to its stated Mission: "...to provide a safe and reliable supply of high-quality water to the communities we serve." In addition, and equally important, with his broad understanding of the Mission of West Basin, Smith is committed to ensuring the District shall provide adequate information and education on water issues to the public and...maintain close cooperation with other agencies serving our area" Ron Smith is dedicated to ensuring open access, transparency in all of the business dealings of the West Basin Municipal Water Board combined with constant and consistent communication with the public he serves.

As a business owner, Ronald C. (Ron) Smith understands the importance of adopting and integrating new technologies in order to achieve efficiencies and realize enormous cost savings. Smith has assisted in developing and implementing a plan consisting of innovative, and cutting edge/currently existing technologies that are greatly enhancing and assisting West Basin in its work and, more importantly, saving the public money.

The work of West Basin often involves negotiating contracts and dealing with complex financial instruments. Ron Smith's experience as a business owner affords him a decided advantage in helping to navigate the District through deep financial waters, arriving at the safest, most responsible and most secure destination for all constituents.

Smith believes in giving back. He has always believed one of the best ways to give back is to teach. Smith has taught Political Science and Business. Smith has instructed with the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, the California Association of Realtors and has taught the intricacies of Real Estate and Business to countless successful Realtors and Small Business owners. He still coaches tennis and conditioning and is an active instructor of the Martial Arts.

During his public and business life, Ronald C. (Ron) Smith has won many awards, accolades and endorsements. Although his list of endorsements is long and distinguished, he is particularly proud to be endorsed by The Honorable Laura Richardson--Congressperson for the City of Carson (and others), the Honorable Jenny Oropeza--State Senator for the City of Carson, the Honorable Rod Wright--State Senator for the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Honorable Warren Furutani--Assemblyperson for the City of Carson, the Honorable Bonnie Lowenthal--Assemblyperson for the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the Don Knabe--Los Angeles County Supervisor for the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

While awards and recognition are satisfying and humbling acknowledgements of a life dedicated to service, Smith believes none can surpass the love and support of his wife Cindy, his seven children and three grandchildren.

Ronald C. (Ron) Smith is your best choice to continue West Basin's transparency and visibility through continuous public education and frequent community outreach. He is your best choice to continue to implement West Basin's Water Reliability 2020 program, focusing on: the expanded use of recycled water for private, industrial and commercial applications; increased and enhanced water conservation programs; and the completion of an environmentally responsible ocean-water desalinization facility to insure local water autonomy and sustainable local water supplies for the foreseeable future.

Ron Smith is your best choice if you want your elected Water Board member visible, accessible and respectful to you the residents and businesses of the District.

Ronald C. (Ron) Smith is your best choice to continue the work of ensuring a safe reliable, clean supply of water through proven leadership, innovation, hard work, and experience.