Candidate for
Board Member; Fresno Irrigation District; Division 5

Gena Nonini calls herself a "steward of the land", but to her neighbors she is known as an `organic' farmer. Gena views farming as an art form and a land steward (farmer) as a critical connection between nature and the health and well being of the people.

Given the rapid growth of the Fresno-area, critical agriculture industry, and the growing needs to meet area farming demands for water, Gena believes that it is time to expand and in some cases develop a thoughtful economic and environmental policy that encompasses sustainable management practices for providing water to the district.

The greatest challenge is finding equitable solutions given that urban and rural interests are critical to addressing and serving the people and industry in the district. Gena takes an inclusive approach and believes in building bridges in order to address the distribution and conservation needs of both farmers and urban residents. Strategic and long-term planning must continue in the area of water allocation, waste water management, and fresh water distribution. As the Fresno Irrigation District Director, Gena will find and promote workable solutions that solve present and future problems. And most of all she will represent the interests of those she serves -- the farmers and urban residents.