Why I am running for the VVCSD Board

By Charles E. Blair

A statement of my background and ideas. This is from my Flier

My name is Charles Blair, and I am running for a seat on the Vandenberg Village Community Services District (VVCDS) Board of Directors. There are several fine people also vying for these seats, including three incumbents. I have qualities that make me uniquely suited for one of these positions. Below is my Candidate's Statement from the November Election Voter Pamphlet:

"When the U.S. Air Force assigned me to Vandenberg AFB in August 1994, as Chief of Surgery, I chose to live in Vandenberg Village because I liked the area. When I retired in July 1999, I chose to remain here because I love this area. Having grown up in Paso Robles, I know California's Central Coast. Along with other community activities, I teach part time at Allan Hancock College and Chapman University.

Living in the Village has many attractions. It is a friendly and quiet area with rural charm and genuine natural scenic ambience, yet convenient to a wide array of cultural and recreational activities. I have been attending District Board meetings on a regular basis. I am acutely aware of the importance of safe, stable, and sustainable water resources to our quality of life. In 1991, District ratepayers declined State Water. We all need to work to preserve the integrity and independence of our ground-water supply to maintain our current water quality at a reasonable cost. Since I have a broad background in the medical and natural sciences, I feel I could be valuable to the community as a member of the District Board."

Let me elaborate on some of these ideas.

I strongly oppose considering State Water an alternative source for our area!! For very good reasons, voters in our three contiguous water districts twice declined State Water. To begin with, there is the expense. The City of Solvang is nearly bankrupt; Santa Barbara has had to abandon a potentially viable desalinization plant; and Vandenberg AFB has been hit with staggering costs because of this project. I also understand that it is a far less reliable source than initially promised. With the increasing and changing demands on and allocations of the over-all State water supply, it may not be available when we need it the most.

In support of The District's "No net increase in consumptive use" policy, I will work to keep our water resources under local control, and closely guard their sustainability. The cumulative effect of unchecked building could easily overdraft our aquifer and force us to accept state water.

I am in favor of the District holding its regular Board meetings in the evenings to allow more people the option of attending without having to take time from work.

I feel that the question of the District softening the entire water supply needs VERY CAREFUL STUDY of costs, benefits,potential problems, and real need before deciding whether or not to proceed.

Water issues are complex. Sound budgeting and management are critical to efficient operation. There are social and political aspects as well as scientific ones. Honest people of good will and common goals can differ in their approaches to these important concerns. I firmly believe in dealing with these differences in an informed, courteous, yet decisive manner.

I am a physician and teacher by training and a life-long naturalist by avocation. As a physician, I am acutely aware of the value of safe, reliable water to our overall health. In addition to teaching science, I am continually learning. I am studying our surface and groundwater basins as part of a California Geology Course. My regular attendance at District Board Meetings is keeping me abreast of on-going issues. I will bring my broad scientific background and on-going interests to bear as a Board Member.

Charles Blair, MD, FACS LtCol. USAF, MC, (Ret.) VVCDS Board Candidate 733-3189 blairce@sbceo.org