Candidate for
Board Member; Montara Water and Sanitary District

Better information makes for better decisions

Background
The work of the board members is part-time, meeting typically two to three times a month in full board meetings. I'm often asked whether the board members are paid. Yes, $75 per meeting.

Board members often meet several more times in committee meetings, or with staff and other agencies. Two of the board members also serve on the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside, a joint agency between MWSD, Granada Sanitary District, and the City of Half Moon Bay. Additionally, board members may serve as representatives to other agencies and associations on behalf of the District board.

Philosophy
Some of the decisions this board makes have tremendous impact on members of the community. That is why I place such a high value on gathering as much information as possible, and why thorough discussion at board meetings is so vital to the decision making process.

Through careful homework and thoughtful deliberations with the fine board members I'm honored to serve with, we have tackled big problems at far less cost than initially thought. Examining the underlying justifications for expert recommendations, challenging assumptions, and discussing alternatives has resulted in far better solutions.

I agree wholeheartedly with the Special District Institute's view of the responsibilities of a board member

Responsibilities of a board member

• Determine the organization's mission and purpose
• Select the chief executive
• Support the chief executive and assess chief executive's performance
• Adopt a strategic plan
• Ensure adequate resources
• Monitor organization's performance
• Enhance the organization's public standing
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability
• Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance
• Prepare for and participate at board meetings (source: Special District Institute)