Fair Representation and Good Business Judgment

By Art Starkovich

I am running to represent the wholesale water communities of Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, and Orangevale fairly with the retail customers of Granite Bay and North Folsom, and to assure that any proposed consolidation of agencies or services benefits all customers.

Most customers do not.

The Fair Oaks Water District, Citrus Heights Water District, and Orange Vale Water Company are wholesale customer agencies of the San Juan Water District. Each has its own Board of Directors. Each purchases most of its water from San Juan. But none of them has a seat on the San Juan Water District (SJWD) Board of Directors.

I am running to represent the wholesale water communities of Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, and Orangevale (80% of SJWD's population) fairly with the homes and businesses of Granite Bay and North Folsom + the individual retail customers who comprise 20% of SJWD's population.

Did you know that Board Members from the current San Juan and Sacramento Suburban Water Districts have been discussing a merger for nearly three years?

Most customers do not. But like those few who do know, I am concerned.

When you elect me as your Board Member, I will apply my business education (UC Davis MBA) and years of water experience to the discussion. I will assess the merits of any proposed merger, and assure that any consolidations of services benefit all customers.

I am running to serve my community. I've studied and worked on water issues for many years. The under-representation of our Fair Oaks/Citrus Heights/Orangevale community on the SJWD Board, and the encouragement of water professionals and community leaders drove me to run.

I am running to serve our region. Water may be the most important issue to our future. California's water rights system goes back more than 100 years. Today's decisions will affect our next 100 years. I participate with the Regional Water Authority and the Water Forum which give structure and strength to Northern California's collaborative water future.

I am running for my family and our future. Fair Oaks has been my home for over four decades. Our daughter is at a Bay Area college, our son is at a San Juan Unified high school, and my mom lives in Fair Oaks. We need a water supply that is secure, reliable, and well-priced to assure the well-being of our communities.

I would be honored to serve you on the San Juan Water District Board.