Candidates Forum.
The forum organized by Marina in Motion featured three candidates for the Marina Coast Water District Board of Directors: Tom Moore, Stacy Fritz Smith, and Roland Lee Soltesz. The candidates discussed their qualifications, priorities, and the challenges facing the district. Tom Moore emphasized his extensive experience and the importance of maintaining reliable water and wastewater services, addressing seawater intrusion, and opposing Cal Am's desalination project. Stacy Fritz Smith highlighted the need for transparency, community education, and innovative water management solutions. Roland Lee Soltesz focused on fiscal responsibility, updating infrastructure, and safeguarding against external threats like Cal Am. The candidates agreed on the critical role of the board in ensuring safe, clean, and affordable water for the community while navigating complex regulatory and environmental challenges. As one of the three candidates I wanted give my take on some of the highlights. There is a link below. Feel free to watch the entire forum and comp up with your own opinion.
Roland Soltesz: • Has lived in Marina for 7 years • Is a practicing attorney with an office in downtown Monterey and Salinas • Previously worked as a financial advisor and senior vice president at Wells Fargo and Bank of America • Has a degree in economics from Pomona College • Has 40 years of civic engagement experience, including serving 6 years on the planning commission in Visalia, California • Was involved in planning and development of a major 120 Million dollar wastewater treatment plant project in Tulare County
Tom Moore: • Has lived in Marina since 1989 • Retired after serving on the faculty of the US Naval War College and the Naval Postgraduate School for 33 years • Currently serving on the board of directors of Marina Coast Water District and is chairman of the board of directors at Monterey One Water • Has over 30 years of experience in the military as a commission officer in the US Army and Army Reserve, retiring as a colonel • Has served on the Marina Planning Commission for 6 years • Has served as an alternate commissioner on the Monterey County Local Agency Formation Commission • Has been president of the Special Districts Association of Monterey County
Stacy: • Has lived in East Garrison, Marina for about 7 years • Works in commercial finance • Grew up in the local area • Has 27 years of experience in finance, budgeting, and contract negotiations • Has served on HOA boards and nonprofit organization boards • Has experience teaching enology classes on sustainable winemaking • Has worked with Cal Fire on protecting water tanks
The key points about the candidates' visions and goals for serving on the Marina Coast Water District board were:
Roland: • The top priorities are 1) Providing a safe, efficient, and adequate water supply 2) Doing so in a fiscally responsible manner 3) Maintaining vigilance against threats like Cal Am's desalination project. • The board needs to set the vision and priorities, then the staff implements that vision. • Fiscal responsibility and budgeting are critical duties of the board.
Stacy: • Priorities are 1) Increasing transparency and community outreach/education 2) Pursuing more sustainable and innovative water solutions 3) Being fiscally responsible. • Wants to bring her experience in finance, budgeting, and working with builders/contractors to the board. • Emphasizes the need for the board to listen to the community and be responsive to their needs.
Tom: • Top priorities are 1) Maintaining the reliability and safety of the water system 2) Water supply planning, including recycled water and groundwater sustainability 3) Complying with all the laws and regulations governing the district. • Highlighted his long experience serving on the board and his expertise in areas like water infrastructure, groundwater management, and water quality regulations.
Overall, the candidates expressed visions focused on providing reliable, safe, and affordable water, while also pursuing sustainability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. They highlighted the need for board members with relevant expertise and experience to effectively govern the water district. The discussion seemed civil and focused on the candidates presenting their qualifications and views on the duties of the MCWD board. There was not any inappropriate or unprofessional language or behavior between the candidates. https://youtu.be/NwBjv6mED2E?si=3_KsmqJhY5cxVJ8V