Response To Constituent E-Mail Question

By Larry Wilson

Larry responds to a constituents email questions regarding where to find Water District organizational charts, funding, and spending information. Constituent also mentions possible reductions in redundant positions and waste. Larry responds and answers request for more information on his short and long term goals.

Edited

To: larry@waterwilson.com Subject: June election - request for info Hi Larry,

You appear to have the qualification for the job. My question relates to suggestions that we need to reduce redundant positions and waste at the District.

Constituent

Response:

Constituent:

During my term on the Board, I have acted as chairman of the independent performance audit committee. This committee has completed three performance audits of various departments. Audits have been completed on the flood control programs, the Water Utility and the legal department. All of these resulted in improvements, including financial savings, accountability, and improved performance.

As chairman of the audit committee, I am now leading a fourth performance audit. This one is of the whole district. If there are redundant positions or waste, we will find it.

I should note that the committee is made up of three Board members and four member of the community we serve. All of the findings of the auditor are presented in open public meetings. This committee is aggressively questioning the way we do business with the Boards whole hearted approval. Will we find areas that need improvement? I certainly hope so and I am sure that we will. The Board will follow the outcomes of the audit to insure that all findings are properly addressed as we have in previous audits.

In addition to working towards improving the District my short term goals that would come to fruition in the next ten years would be:

- Complete the elements of Measure B: Clean Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program which includes flood control projects, trails and open space, and environmental enhancements.
- Water recycling use increased by the year 2010 to 5% of water supply and by 2020 to 10% of water supply.
- Complete the upgrading of our three water treatment plants by the year 2012.
- Continue working with regional partners in the eight northern bay area counties and the three southern counties on an integrated water resources management plan.
- Repair and replace the aging infra-structure. Examples: pipelines and treatment plants that are over 50 years old, dam outlet works that are over 70 years old.

Long term goals: By 2050

- Provide water for the anticipated growth of the community by aggressively pursuing water conservation, water re-use, and de-salinization.
- Find ways to respond to changes for our flood control needs and the counties environment caused by rising sea levels and temperature changes associated with global warming while making every effort to protect threatened and endangered species during the process.
- Always protect the groundwater basin from contamination.

As you can see, even my short term goals will obviously exceed my anticipated term in office! But, these are all things that I am working towards.

In answer to your questions about organizational charts, functions and spending, go to the Districts web site, valleywater.org. You should be able to find the information you want there. Click on financial information and about us

If you have further questions, contact me by E-mail or phone at (408) 377-2904.