What you need to know about me and why I am seeking to retain my position on the El Toro Water District Board:
Hello, my name is Kathryn Freshley and I am a Licensed Professional Engineer with graduate management education and over 40+ years working in increasingly responsible industry positions in engineering, executive management, business and strategic planning and financial systems and controls. I have been putting my prior business knowledge to help address many public issues. I have been serving on the El Toro Water District board for the past 4 ½ years and as president during this year. I also represent the district on the South Orange County Wastewater Authority board. With the other members of the El Toro Water District board, we have made good progress in insuring that the district has the necessary funding to address the infrastructure challenges. In addition, with the retirement of the General Manager, Finance Manager and departure of the Engineering Manager, we have had to build a new executive team. I am pleased to report that we have a built a young and very well qualified executive team to ensure the El Toro Water District continues to be recognized as a "Water District of Distinction" by the California Association of Water Districts. This is an elite honor and is based upon superior performance regarding water quality, reliability and customer service.
I understand the Challenges
As expected, I am well aware of the status of current projects and the importance of maintaining ETWD's water and wastewater infrastructure. We recently completed a $50 million bond issuance to fund several key infrastructure projects to ensure our water supply and quality. This ensures that customers pay the lowest rates possible for both water, wastewater and recycled water services. The board recognizes the importance of keeping customers informed about District programs via proactive public outreach activities and encouraging working together with other agencies to ensure water quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Why I care
Water is a natural resource we often take for granted. However, in Southern California, this resource must be carefully managed for the benefit of all. This requires board members who have good technical and financial backgrounds and have demonstrated the capability to provide leadership through challenging issues when there are many stakeholders who have different opinions on what should be done.
Having served the last four years as the (alternative) Special District member of the Orange County Local Agency Formulation Commission, I have gained knowledge and understanding of the critical issues affecting both cities, special districts on water issues since we review the performance of these agencies.
My Promise
I promise to work with each of the communities served by ETWD, the other District's Board members and Executive Management team.
I respectfully ask for your vote
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