Get to know candidates in Placer County special district races
Foresthill PUD
Two seats open among six candidates
CHASE DOWLING
Age: 40
Residence: Foresthill
Title/occupation: Father/Business Owner
Education: Graduated high school, 2002
Work experience:
- Project Manager for a renovation company, 2004-2007
- Underground and cable installation tech, 2009-2014
- Started my own forestry/logging/land management business, since 2014
Civic engagement: I have sat on the Foresthill Forum (Municipal Advisory Council for Placer County District 5) since 2012, and I am the current chairman. I am also the current chairman of the Foresthill/Iowa Hill Fire Safe Council.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
I believe the biggest issue is the representation of rate payer. Now I don’t necessarily believe that this issues is currently in jeopardy. I do, however, believe that our current board has too much turmoil within itself to be able to keep an eye on what is happening in the district and forgetting about making the district work efficiently for the ratepayer.
I believe I can bring stability and order back to the board and make it an entity the people within the district can trust again.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Peter Kappelhof, Dianne M. Foster, Bogdan Andries, Kenneth Hodkin, Jane Stahler
Nevada Irrigation, Area 3
Two candidates
KAREN HULL
Age: 67
Residence: Auburn
Title/occupation: Incumbent
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, business administration, Sacramento State
- Master’s degree, business administration, Sacramento State
Work experience:
I worked most of my career at UC Davis. I served as the associate vice chancellor of business services for five years and was then appointed as associate vice chancellor of human resources for the Davis campus, where I worked another five years. A focus of my career at UCD involved leading large and complex organizational change with the goals of reducing costs and increasing productivity and efficiency. After retiring from UCD, I became a commercial flower farmer.
Civic engagement:
I have served on the NID board since 2020. I played a key role in overhauling the district’s finances and instituting a comprehensive planning effort that provides the foundation for short- and long-term infrastructure investments. Over the past three years, I was also appointed to the AAUW Nevada County board, first as fundraising chairwoman and then co-chair of the program committee.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
The top issues for the future include:
Ensuring that we have an adequate water supply given changing weather patterns. We have an adequate water supply at this time, but there are things we can do in the near term to enhance our water supply should an extended drought occur. I support things like purchasing water from PG&E, installing higher weirs at Rollins Reservoir to enhance storage and implementing canal efficiency to prevent water loss. In the long term, we need to plan to raise Rollins Reservoir, which will create up to 91% more storage in Rollins. This type of large storage project is hugely expensive and would have serious impacts on customer rates. I support doing this project when we have a demonstrated need.
Invest in NID’s aged infrastructure. Our infrastructure is 50+ years old and we need to implement a systematic approach to replace that infrastructure before failures occur. We have multiple large projects that must be completed in the near term but, beyond that, we also need to address our 430 miles of treated water pipeline and 93 miles of raw water pipeline. We can’t just wait until costly failures occur because then the costs are even higher.
We need to protect our local water rights. The state Water Board has proposed changes to water rights that would have a catastrophic effect on NID and our customers. We need to protect our water rights while also providing reasonable environmental flows consistent with our new FERC license.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Brad Fowler
Placer Hills Fire
Three seats open among four candidates
ALEX HARVEY
Age: 70
Residence: Colfax
Title/occupation: Incumbent
Education:
- Graduate, Sonoma Valley High School, 1973
- State officer certified through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, 2002
- Well over 60 units in fire science through various colleges, 1973-2002
Work experience: Thirty-three years in the fire service; retired.
Civic engagement:
- Eight years serving on the Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council
- Four fire seasons working as a fire lookout at Mt. Howell
- Twelve years serving on the board of directors of the Placer Hills Fire Protection District
- Started our Firewise community at Sleepy Hollow Estates and still involved with the Meals on Wheels program
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Proper funding is always a top issue facing the fire service today. With the rising cost of wages and benefits, it’s essential that we keep and retain our dedicated employees. The cost of a new piece of equipment like a front-line fire engine costs well over $1 million today. So, to help address this problem as a board member we are in the process of reorganizing our department with Newcastle Fire Protection District this reorganization will help streamline the administration cost. Not only will it be a cost savings, but it will provide a much higher level of service, not to mention the addition of a paramedic on every first-out piece of equipment that will provide much-needed advanced life support. I will always work hard to give the citizens the best possible emergency service while trying to keep the cost to the hard-working people in our district as reasonable as possible.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Mark Wright, Russell B. McCray, Nicole Paskey
South Placer Fire, Area 2
Two seats open among three candidates
DIANE WILL
Residence: Granite Bay
Title/occupation: Business Owner
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, accounting, Golden Gate University, 2013
- Master’s degree, accounting, Sacramento State, 2021
Work experience:
I have both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting and have worked for CPA firms for more than 35 years. I am currently a partner in a local public accounting firm. I have prepared and reviewed financial statements and understand how these statements reflect an organization’s financial health. Many of the decisions made by the South Placer Fire District Board are financial or have financial consequences. My education and experience would be an asset to the board and the community in addressing the financial issues facing the South Placer Fire District.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
South Placer Fire District has already closed one Granite Bay fire station and has struggled from year to year to achieve positive cash flow. Consolidation of Loomis Fire District into South Placer Fire District in 2018 was required to be revenue-neutral, but no measures were put in place to make sure that happened. That has been a continuing strain on SPFD’s financial resources. Yet, the board seems to want to blame the Granite Bay community for the district’s financial difficulties. It’s time for that to end.
In 1980, we were in a severe recession. To fund firefighter salaries at that time, the Granite Bay community was asked to support a special tax of $70 per parcel. This temporary funding measure would be in addition to the amounts paid to the fire district out of our property taxes. The special tax was placed on the ballot and passed with more than a two-thirds majority.
More than 40 years since that temporary funding measure passed, the district now complains that it doesn’t have enough revenue because the special tax never had a cost-of-living allowance (COLA). In 1981, that special tax brought in a little over $300,000; today that revenue is about $700,000. But in 1981, the property tax revenue of the district was only $220,000. Today, the property tax revenue paid to South Placer Fire District, just by Granite Bay division, is more than $10 million; that’s your cost-of-living increase. The financial difficulties of the district have nothing to do with a generous gesture more than 40 years ago by the Granite Bay community or the fact that a temporary funding measure doesn’t have a COLA clause.
My goals as a board member include reopening Granite Bay fire stations and doing a better job managing the district’s financial resources.
GARY W. FLANAGAN
Age: 70
Residence: Granite Bay
Title/occupation: Retired Sheriff’s Deputy
Education:
- Graduate, Rancho Cordova High, 1972
- American River College, 1974
- Criminal justice, Sacramento State
Work experience:
- CVSS Sporting Goods, 1970
- Sears Sunrise, 1973
- Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, 1975-2000
Civic engagement:
- Placer County Fish & Game Commission, 2007-2020
- Granite Bay Mac, since 2020
- Placer County grand jury alternate
- Co-founder of Friends of Auburn Ravine
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Keeping South Placer Fire District local, reopening our closed fire stations.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Daniel Bajtos
South Placer MUD, Ward 1
Two candidates
STEVE MAKIS
Age: 54
Residence: Rocklin
Title/occupation: Rocklin Businessman
Education:
With associate’s degrees in both liberal arts and marketing from Sierra College, I have a strong foundation in the communication and business strategy, which has supported my long-term success in the local community.
Work experience:
As a Rocklin businessman for over 20 years, I’ve gained extensive experience in collaboration and growth of local businesses. My leadership in the community demonstrates my ability to network and foster relationships. I’ve served on several boards, where I contributed to strategic initiatives that drive economic growth.
Civic engagement:
I’ve been deeply involved in the community for many years, serving in leadership roles such as Executive Board Member of Placer Valley Tourism and President of Business Network International, Rocklin Founders Chapter. My commitment extends to public service as a Rocklin Park and Recreation Commissioner, and I also served on the boards of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce and the Rocklin Youth Soccer Club.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
The most important issue is costs being charged to residents and businesses in our community. The South Placer Municipal Utility District is in the middle of a multiyear, 24% increase in monthly fees that is hitting residents as they face record electricity prices. For businesses, SPMUD’s fees to connect to the sewer system are exorbitant the highest in Placer County and one of the highest in the greater Sacramento region. These high fees run into the tens of thousands of dollars for family-owned restaurants and even more than $100,000 for some businesses, making it harder to attract economic development in our city. And, importantly, there is no immediate cost to SPMUD when these connections occur those costs are on the business, too. In addition, every new housing unit even a studio apartment is required to pay nearly $15,000 to connect to the sewer system. SPMUD has collected tens of millions of dollars in these connection fees that sit today in reserve. These rates drive up the cost of housing and harm our residents. My goal is to lower these connection fees and make Rocklin attractive for businesses that want to locate here.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Jerry Mitchell
South Placer MUD, Ward 5
Two candidates
WARREN JORGENSEN
Age: 66
Residence: Rocklin
Title/occupation: Retired Government Manager
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, government, Sacramento State, 1981
- Secondary teaching credential, social sciences, Sacramento State, 1983
Work experience:
State of California, 1988-2020. I started as a claims analyst for the Board of Control in the Victims of Crime Compensation Program. I also worked as an analyst and disability hearing officer for the Department of Social Services in the Social Security Disability Program. Finally, I worked as a region chief for the Department of Health Care Services in the Medi-Cal Eligibility Division.
Civic engagement:
- Member, Rocklin General Plan Update Committee, 1989-1991
- Member, Front Street Historical Committee, 1991-2001
- Member, Redevelopment Agency Citizen’s Advisory Committee, 2001-2012
- Member, Community Recognition Commission, 2018-2024; four years as chair
- Leadership role, Loomis Community 4-H Club, 2012-2016
- Senior project judge, Del Oro High School, 2011-2014
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Since I have attended all of the SPMUD Board of Directors meetings since 2020, I am familiar with the issues facing the board and constituent concerns. I see the following as the most important:
1. The hiring of a new general manager who will begin in 2025. I will work with the other Directors and staff to ensure that the new general manager’s main objective is to serve the people of the District with integrity, transparency and financial responsibility.
2. Maintaining low sewer rates and excellent customer service by the SPMUD staff. Currently, the SPMUD customers are experiencing an integral rate increase in sewer-wastewater fees from July 1, 2023, until July 1, 2027. As a director I would monitor how successfully the rate increase is working into 2027 before any action is taken on a fee reduction or increase.
3. Working to lower sewer connection fees while planning the financial resources to replace aging sewer infrastructure. The SPMUD is a special district that is independent and financially self-sufficient and it has to rely on its own revenue sources to operate. The SPMUD is part of a joint powers agreement with the city of Roseville and Placer County with Roseville operating the wastewater treatment plants. These are some of the factors that need to be considered in the study of appropriate connection fee levels.
JACK ARNEY
Age: 61
Residence: Rocklin
Title/occupation: Local Business Owner
Education: Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering, Santa Clara University, 1987
Work experience:
- Management consultant, 1987-1991
- Application software and consulting, 1991-2004
- Mortgage broker, since 2004
- Chief Growth Officer, Travel & Retail Loyalty Marketing, 2024
Civic engagement:
- Rotarian, Rotary International, since 2007
- District Governor, Rotary International, 2018-2019
- President, Rotary Club, 2012-2013
- Co-chair, Leadership Rocklin, since 2023
- Board member, Arthritis Foundation, 2007-2008
- Member, Community Engagement Council FBI, since 2023
- Member, Rocklin Chamber, since 2017
- Member, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, since 2011
- Volunteer coach, Del Oro Football, since 2015
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
SPMUD sewer connection fees are the highest in the area, and the perception of them is poor in the business community. My focus will be to work to reduce fees for businesses and homeowners while instilling in them the importance of SPMUD as a crucial stakeholder in a thriving business community. The utility’s success can’t be measured solely by awards received or the amount of rainy day reserves amassed; it must also be tied to the success and vibrancy of our small business and new homeowners whose home prices include the connection fees that are the highest in south Placer County. We also need them to be more discerning and thoughtful when businesses expand or move to a new location and when youth sports parks want to add the ability to sell food at youth sports events. I will bring a thoughtful fiscal focus that aligns with the community and its needs.
Tahoe City PUD
Three seats open among five candidates
ELLIE BEALS
Age: 59
Residence: Tahoma
Title/occupation: Incumbent, Small Business Founder/Owner, Bookkeeper
Education: I take the role of board member seriously and have taken dozens of classes and have earned numerous certificates, including special district leadership and emergency preparedness. Other education includes Sierra College and State University of New York
Work experience:
- Dental assistant and office manager for Drs. Dickson and Morgan in Tahoe City
- Bookkeeper, owner and partner, Ellie Beals Bookkeeping
Civic engagement: I previously served on the boards of Meeks Bay Fire Protection District and my property owners association. I volunteer my services to my property owners association, and love contributing to our unique community.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Our community needs improved water capacity infrastructure to provide adequate water and flow capacity for firefighting needs. I have been in support of numerous projects to address this, such as replacing aged and undersized water mains, installing additional fire hydrants, and constructing a new water treatment plant (using Lake Tahoe surface water as its source) which produces up to 650 gallons per minute a permanent and drought-resistant water source. Any fire in the basin is a threat to all communities and having adequate water capacity to quickly extinguish a fire is essential to our safety and economy.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Judy Friedman, Dan Wilkins, Blake Herrschaft, Greg Mickiewicz
Truckee Donner PUD
Three seats open among seven candidates
DOW COSTA
Age: 62
Residence: Truckee
Title/occupation: Wireless Project Manager
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, psychology, University of Illinois, 1985
- Master’s degree, finance (MBA), Southern Methodist University, 1993
Work experience: Sales/Marketing/Management/Strategy/Project Management, Southwestern Bell/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile, 1987-present
Civic engagement: Active in community theater since 2017; coached high school girls basketball, 2013-2021
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Reliable service at reasonable rates for the long term. Sustainable resources with a focus on affordability.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Barney Dewey, Jeff Bender, Steve Randall, Courtney Murrell, Mark Hydar, Cristobal Martinez
Truckee Tahoe Airport
Three seats open among six candidates
TERESA O’DETTE
Residence: North Lake Tahoe
Title/occupation: Incumbent
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, Sacramento State
- Graduate, North Lake Tahoe High School
Work experience:
Speaking to her entrepreneurial spirit, Teresa established O’Dette Mortgage Group in 1999 and, over the last 25 years, she’s developed a professional and friendly work environment that instills service as the No. 1 priority.
“I am very determined to help my clients. My objective is to help people acquire their dream homes, and I am happy to do it,” she says, reaffirming her love of helping people to fulfill their dreams of homeownership.
O’Dette Mortgage Group is consistently ranked in the Top 200 Loan Originators in the country by Mortgage Originator magazine.
Civic engagement:
I am currently a board member for the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, since 2016 and I served for eight years as a publicly elected board member on the North Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Since 2004, I have been heavily involved with Kiwanis, Queen of Hearts Foundation (founding member and on the leadership council for two years) and my service on North Tahoe Fire Board. I am active and committed to our community and give back to many organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe Little League and North Tahoe AYSO.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
My top priority is to operate the Truckee Tahoe Airport, as I believe we need a thriving and efficient airport to support the general aviation needs of the entire region. My goal is to serve to the best of my ability and be a good steward of the remainder of the district’s allocation from property tax dollars. This allows the board to invest and fund initiatives that improve and enhance safety, quality of life and economic growth and support affordable housing to the benefit of the Truckee and the North Lake Tahoe communities equally. I ask myself daily: “How can we spend money to make us safer?”
I can’t get anything accomplished by myself. I have to continue to build and enhance relationships in Truckee and the North Lake Tahoe communities, while building constructive and positive relationships with my fellow TTAD Board members to gain consensus to get airport operations and community initiatives funded for the betterment of the entire region.
BILL GREENO
Age: 54
Residence: Truckee
Title/occupation:Small Business Owner
Education: Bachelor’s degree, parks and natural resources management, Chico State, 1993
Work experience:
- Small business owner, since 2009
- Operations manager, Shaffer Paving, 2005-2009
- Forester, Quality Enterprises, 2000-2005
- USFS Interagency Hot Shot Fireman (summer), 1993-2000
- Ski industry management (winter); Boreal, Alpine Meadows, Mt. Rose; 1993-2000
Civic engagement:
- Board member, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, since 2018
- Planning commissioner, Nevada County, 2020-2024
- Finance chairman, Church of the Mountains, 1999-2009
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
The Truckee Tahoe Airport District needs balanced direction from its board of directors. This balance must include local representation from individuals who see the big picture of the region’s economics. I am a 37-year resident and a 15-year local small business owner who understands the importance of the airport, its infrastructure, our community and public safety. The airport can and must see to these things. If elected, I will see to it.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Candidates who did not respond: Birch Entriken, David Diamond, Timothy P. Devine, Greg Horvath
Alpine Springs County Water
Two seats open among three candidates
Albert Clement, Richard Holak, Robert Tetrault
Auburn Area parks
Three seats open among four candidates
Mike Lynch, Jim Gray, Gordy Ainsleigh, Casey Brown
Foresthill Fire
Three seats open among six candidates
Keith Drone, Beau Perry, Daniel Grant, Linda Salvador, Derrick J. Perry, Chris Reams
Heather Glen CSD
Two seats open among four candidates
Stephen H. Adams, Charles A. Williams, Rhonda Rajaofera, Max Bailey
Tahoe Forest Hospital
Two seats open among three candidates
Bob Barnett, Alyce Wong, Robert Darzynklewicz
Truckee Sanitary, short-term
Three candidates
Josh Ruppert, Paul Purchard, Michael R. Salmon
This story was originally published October 6, 2024 at 4:55 AM.