I met Amy Chen in mid-August when she canvassed my neighborhood. Spending 20 minutes with her then, and later over coffee, I realized not only the depth of her knowledge of water issues, but also her passion, commitment, and desire to serve Foothill Municipal Water District (“Foothill”) at a very critical time.
The Eaton Fire showed how quickly a disaster can stress our water system. Foothill, with four distinct water providers (member agencies) in La Cañada, and four additional water providers in Altadena, can accomplish more as a regional wholesaler than any individual water agency can do on its own. This includes playing a stronger, coordinating role among its member agencies on emergency planning, mutual aid, and hazard mitigation before the next fire or earthquake — as well as presenting a united front on legislative advocacy, regulatory guidance, grant funding, and shared planning.
Amy, with her decades-long experience in water policy and regional planning, brings to the table invaluable experience, technical and advocacy skills, and water proficiency. With two other board seats — Divisions 2 and 5 — also on the November ballot (and Division 5 will have a new director, as the incumbent is not seeking re-election), the Board’s composition will change, and Amy’s strong and independent water expertise is more critical than ever.
A Foothill Board member must understand the issues deeply enough to set direction, ask the right questions of staff, and make independent judgments, rather than deferring to staff or relying upon other board members for technical input. Amy is exactly the person needed in this role.
Amy has spent decades working across California water agencies. Her background means she will know the difference between genuine progress and a check-the-box approach — and will push for the former. Amy understands regional coordination, knows how state and federal processes work, and has the relationships and expertise to help Foothill play a stronger leadership role — from Day 1.
Vote Amy Chen, Foothill Municipal Water District, Division 4, by Nov. 3.
Cindy Lupica
La Cañada Flintridge