Letter to the Editor: Chen Brings Expertise
I never gave much thought to our community’s water supply until the Eaton Fire made me realize how vulnerable we can be when emergency coordination falls short. Some water crews were delayed from entering fire-affected areas because they lacked recognized emergency credentials. We were fortunate the outcome wasn’t worse, but the experience underscored the need for better preparedness and a more deliberate, forward-looking approach to protecting our water resources.
That is why I support Amy Chen for Foothill Municipal Water District, Division 4. Her professional background in public water service, rather than politics, makes her an excellent candidate. As a professional engineer with 40 years of experience, Amy brings expertise in water engineering, operations, rates, finance, infrastructure and regional water policy.
Unfortunately, there is no single water tap we can simply turn on to secure Southern California’s future water supply. Imported water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project face long-term uncertainty. At the same time, major regional water investments could cost billions of dollars, even as we confront the additional challenges and expenses of an aging infrastructure. Experience matters, particularly when the decisions made by the Foothill Water Board will influence what our community pays for decades to come, with the costs ultimately reflected in water rates and property taxes.
Responsible decision-making means asking fundamental questions: What problem are we trying to solve? What alternatives exist? Can the investment be phased over time? Could outside funding reduce the burden on ratepayers?
These questions require more than supporting a project because its benefits sound appealing. They require experience, sound judgment, and a willingness to examine trade-offs independently. I believe that Amy Chen has that experience, judgment and independence.
Pam Raymer-Lea
La Cañada Flintridge