Five candidates are running for two seats in the election for the Parker Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors.
Two incumbents, Darcy Beard and Merlin Klotz, are hoping for another four-year term on the board, as is former PWSD board member Mark Lewis. First-time candidates John Meardon and Valerie Holden want to bring fresh ideas that will help steer the district into the future with confidence. The top two vote-getters will be elected.
The five-member board of directors guides policy, approves the annual budget, creates long-term water strategies, establishes fees and charges, and develops new programming, among other duties. The mail ballot-only election is May 6. Ballots were mailed to eligible voters beginning on April 14.
Darcy Beard
Why are you running for a position on the board?
I’ve been actively involved in PWSD for six years in the effort to recall an ineffective board and as a board member striving to make changes. I have been instrumental in culture changes including: hiring a new executive team; discussion with partners to develop Rueter-Hess recreation; participation in WISE to address long term water needs; sale of surplus property, and termination of expensive consultants. There’s more to accomplish and I want to be a part of the process.
What is your professional background?
I am a CPA with 28 years of experience specializing in special district management and accounting. I currently provide services to seven special districts. I have gained perspective on the needs of customers through my work with small businesses and individuals.
If elected, what new initiatives/ideas would you bring to the table to benefit PWSD customers?
I will encourage more collaboration with neighboring districts on water and sanitation district projects. Through collaboration, costs for customers can be reduced. Residents were promised recreation at Rueter-Hess; I will ensure recreation at Rueter-Hess moves from discussion to reality.
What issues, if any, do you believe are not being properly addressed in the district?
The board must take a stand against the extension of Stroh Road across from Rueter-Hess Reservoir. The road as proposed would dissect the recreation area, endanger water supplies and reduce storage capacity of Rueter-Hess. The Washington, D.C., lobbyist behind this project stands to gain millions of dollars at the expense of the PWSD customer. The board needs to take a no-compromise position against the extension of the road as proposed.
Valerie Holden
Why are you running for a position on the board?
I love this community, it’s my home. Water is one thing we all share. I am not seeing teamwork happening with the board members. Without unity, the district will not progress without it.
What is your professional background?
I am the executive vice president of Champion Bank. The board needs to have a stronger finance expert. I’ve also volunteered for years in the community so I understand how organizational pieces need to fit together. Knowing your history is critical to making informed decisions. It’s all about knowledge. I strongly believe I offer skills that would benefit the district.
If elected, what new initiatives/ideas would you bring to the table to benefit PWSD customers?
Teamwork is essential. … I am a firm believer in working together for a common goal. As a board member, we are responsible for creating policy, determining legislation and approving budgets. Board members should be about the long-term greater good of the district.
What issues, if any, do you believe are not being properly addressed in the district?
I am not seeing any financial planning outside of the yearly budget. For the sustainability of the district, that has to be changed. The district needs long-term financial planning. Money needs to be allocated to begin funding the Rueter-Hess recreation plan sooner rather than later. I firmly believe we need a volunteer citizen/staff/board member coalition that can delve into all the potential recreational aspects of Rueter-Hess. It was what was promised to the voters.
Merlin Klotz
Why are you running for a position on the board?
To continue the amazing progress made over the past two years, including consolidation of facilities, refinance of debt, hiring of the best water district executive team on the Front Range, disposal of surplus property and implementation of cost-saving procedures.
What is your professional background?
I am a CPA with over 40 years of experience in public accounting and private industry. I’ve been involved in more than a dozen start-up or turnaround situations. My broad experience includes finance, information systems, construction, healthcare and printing among others.
If elected, what new initiatives/ideas would you bring to the table to benefit PWSD customers?
Attempt to refinance BABS loan on Rueter-Hess water treatment plant at more favorable terms; establish a separate long-term water resource enterprise encompassing mountain water and agriculture to metro investments to act like an endowed entity for obtaining water on a 20- to 40-year horizon; involve community in developing trails at Rueter-Hess Park; and encourage even more collaborative efforts like joint waste water plants that benefit customers and neighboring districts.
What issues, if any, do you believe are not being properly addressed in the district?
I’m running because issues are being addressed but not yet completed including: development of a recreational plan for Rueter-Hess Park with Douglas County and four municipalities; implementation of integrated management software system; long-range operational and financial plans; stopping attempts to steal right-of-way for an extended Stroh Road for the sole benefit of a developer not in the district, a Road that would impinge on development of Rueter-Hess Park.
Mark J. Lewis
Why are you running for a position on the board?
I’m horrified concerning the position of the present majority board members by increasing the rates for the Parker residents when that’s not what was originally promised. We were promised that the reservoir would pay its own way through storage rates and tap fees. That’s not happening nor will it in the future. The question is when will it stop and who is going to stop it?
What is your professional background?
I am one of the few elected (former) board members who actually has education, training, and experience in water law. Colorado law is “first in line-first in time” and was established long ago from the perspective that “whiskey was for drinkin’ and water was for fighting.” Parker has to respect other community’s water rights while continuing to establish water resources for future generations through conservation and cooperation.
If elected, what new initiatives/ideas would you bring to the table to benefit PWSD customers?
First, after “internal self examining” rates /income/ expenses, then we have to re-work our water policies, especially with the HOAs in Parker. We cannot continue to pour thousands upon thousands of gallons of our household water on Kentucky bluegrass that was seeded back in the ’80s. More alternative solutions need to be implemented such as Xericscaping while beautifying our community in other possible alternative manner(s).
What issues, if any, do you believe are not being properly addressed in the district?
With very little “new construction” from a past-depressed economy, then will further costs have to be thrust onto the ratepayers? We can’t personally carry the burden of more treatment plants for the $250,000,000 facilities. What about public accessibility to reservoir parks which were supposed to open by 2014? Where’s the recreation component? Who’s paying for additional roads? Where is the 2020/2025 plan? There are many unanswered questions.
John A. Meardon
Why are you running for a position on the board?
Based on interaction with PW&SD over the past few years, I have gained a respect for many of their programs and efforts in water resource management and conservation. I feel my background and experience could help serve PW&SD and constituents.
What is your professional background?
I practiced as a registered professional chemical engineer throughout my career. My latter experiences have been in resource conservation, water reclamation and reuse, and waste water minimization. I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering.
If elected, what new initiatives/ideas would you bring to the table to benefit PWSD customers?
Pursue/review water conservation strategy for the district to minimize waste in irrigation; review/consider potential grey water reuse programs within the district; and partake and contribute to an effective recreational development of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir.
What issues, if any, do you believe are not being properly addressed in the district?
PW&SD appears to function effectively.