Why Experience Matters

Anyone who lives in a District can run for a seat on a utility Board, and ‘anyone’ often does. People have a variety of reasons for running: a desire to honestly serve their community, of course, but they may also have personal reasons, or even the possibility of financially benefiting themselves or their friends.

I’m proud to say that the Parker Water Board I serve on has been dedicated, first and foremost, to giving our customers—our neighbors—the best service possible at the lowest rates possible. The expertise necessary to make that happen only comes from experience.

What, in my experience, makes a good director?

·      Be present, not a bystander. Be there for the staff, recognizing their needs and delivering.

·      A director is not a decision referee, nor a manager of operations. Governance is enabling staff to deliver on the Strategic Plan, to meet policy objectives while providing good and clear guidance.

·      Directors must do their level best to ensure the utility finds and retains the best employees and business partners to support its mission.

Some of my experience, which directly benefits our utility and our customers:

·      Parker Water Board Audit Committee Member October of 2020; Board Member and Treasurer March 2022 to present. Perfect attendance at Board Meetings (unmatched by any other director)

·      Douglas County Water Commissioner – January 2024 to present

·      Aurora Water’s Citizens Water Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2020, served as Chair, 2018 to 2020

·      Member, American Water Works Association; Water Education Colorado; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Air and Waste Management Association

·      Previously served on the Saddle Rock South Metro District Board and Authority; currently serve on the Reata North Metro District Board; currently serve as Treasurer on the Idyllwilde Master Association, Inc. board.

With the benefit of my experience, these are some of Parker Water’s accomplishments that make me most proud:

·      Affordability is a main focus, through rate stability, efficient and tightly managed operations;

·      We are well capitalized, with a strong balance sheet (unlike many utilities PWSD weathered the pandemic well)--three quarters of a billion dollars in Net Position, low debt to assets, low tax levies (5.901 mills, 2024);

·      We have pursued long-term renewable water supplies, with the Platte Valley Water Partnership project underway, and recognition at all levels of government for our collaborative approach;

·      We proactively manage growth, 4-5% every year, with ‘growth pays for growth’ a core policy. We have $500 million in projects required over next 10 years, in a well-developed Master Plan for all to see;

·      Clean, safe water! We have added well water filtration over the last few years, and a state-of-the-art water purification plant for surface water and alluvial wells;

·      Wastewater too! We have highly capable treatment plants with advanced technology, compliance with all discharge requirements, and a competent and stable staff noted for treatment expertise;

·      We have outstanding engineering and project teams executing our ongoing rehabilitation and growth plans;

·      PWSD is committed to water efficiency and conservation: full time staff hired, Master Plan nearing completion in collaboration with community resources, and enabling, not mandating, customers to conserve. AquaHawk to help lead the way.