League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Louis E. Becker Answers Questions Candidate for Director; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Division 7

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are the three top issues facing the Water District, and what are some of the solutions you believe will address the problems?

1. Establishing an adequate longterm supply of water for the county.

What I would do: Work for a solution in the delta that would meet the essential requirements of both the environmentalists and the water users. Also accelerate plans for recycling water.

2. Inadequate Cost Control resulting in accelerated pricing schedule.

What I would do: Make a detailed review of all expenditures that fall in the water rate structure. Then do an analysis on what items are essential. By identfying questionalble items, we can work toward a Board consenus on what items can be eliminated.

3. Increase Water Conservation:

What I would do: Work with staff to summarize conservation ideas such as: efficient appliances, efficient plumbing fictures, weather controlled irrigation systems, etc. Establish acceptable performance standards for these items and forward to cities with a request that they be included in all building codes. Also, continue District information policies and increse incentive programs.

2. What experience and training do you have which would help the Water District meet its goals?

I have a MS degree in Civil Engineering with special studies in hydrology, water supply, water transportation and dam design. I have served on the Santa Clara Valley Water Commission for over 10 years, including 2 years as chair. I am a former VP of a major supplier of communications hardware. I have also served on the Los Altos City Council for 12 years. I have extensive experience in both private business and government. I understand budgeting and cost control, and know how to establish policy and follow-up to make certain thing get done. I will bring much needed professionalism along with management and financial expertise to the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board.

3. How will you balance your constituents needs and interests with residential, agricultural and business needs of entire county while safeguarding the environment?

As a member of the Board of directors, I will be committed to becoming well informed on the issues. I will then support and vote for what I determine to be in the best interest of the overall community, while always safeguarding the environment.

4. What is your evaluation of the financial condition of the Water District and how would you ensure that maintenance of infrastructures remains a priority?

The financial condition of the Water District appears to be in reasonably good shape. Reserves appear to be adequate for the current budget level. However, there are risks. One of the dams (Anderson) may have a problem that will require costly repair. Also, there are existing lawsuits over pumping taxes that could expose the District to extensive expenses. The seriousness of these risks is currently unknown, and therefore must be watched carefully.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 9, 2010 14:44
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.