Letter to the Editor: Support for Chen
I strongly and proudly support Amy Chen’s candidacy for Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) Board of Directors for Division 4.
First, I researched what the FMWD board members do. They set governing policies, approves the annual budget, and help guide the strategic supply of quality water. This five-person board makes decisions on water rates, infrastructure, hazard mitigation, risk management, and staffing. The current board includes members with experience in water industry, environmental issues, community involvement and government affairs.
When I talked with Amy, I learned that she has the experience and knowledge directly relevant to the position she’s seeking. She has extensive experience in water engineering and policy. My decision was straightforward: I chose the candidate whose experience I believe is most relevant to the work for the FMWD board.
I also talked to a friend of mine who is currently works at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California regarding my support for Amy. This person emphasized two things. First, having a balanced board is important when making critical decisions, and water knowledge among board members can strengthen the balance. Second, when consultants are hired by FMWD, consultants provide advice, but board members are ultimately responsible for the decisions. Board members can certainly develop water knowledge over time, but there is real value in having someone who already understands the subject well enough to independently evaluate recommendations, ask the right question, and contribute from day one.
Let’s not turn this election into a contest of name recognition or charisma. Let’s look carefully at the qualifications and experience each candidate would bring to the job.
Thank you.
Peggy Park
La Cañada Flintridge