VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLET – CANDIDATE'S STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
The following pages may not contain a complete list of candidates.
For a complete list of candidates please refer to the Sample Ballot pages located at the beginning of this booklet.
Candidate statements are voluntarily written by the candidate and printed exactly as submitted.
Statements are printed at the expense of the candidate, unless the governing body has agreed to pay the cost.
Statement of KATHERINE SWEET, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Market Research Consultant Age: 54

Education and Qualifications: I will bring needed balance to the Soquel Creek Water District Board. Only one new appointee to the current Board has held power for less than a decade.

While serving on the District’s Public Advisory Commission, I learned the severity of our water problems. We confront escalating, serious issues. Soquel Creek Water District pumps more water from the aquifers than nature replenishes. The risk of saltwater intrusion increases daily. Continuing urban growth adds to future demand and our immediate shortfall.

Mid-County residents deserve responsible management of our water supply. We must thoughtfully plan for the future without harming our creeks and watersheds and with careful examination of costs versus benefits of any proposed project. Expensive solutions now being rushed forward need creative public participation and scrutiny.

With a business background and a 30-year commitment to volunteering in my community, I will offer fresh perspectives in finding answers to the issues we now face.
  • Member, Soquel Creek Water District Public Advisory Committee

  • Member, Santa Cruz County Housing Commission

  • Member, Save Soquel Steering Committee

  • Santa Cruz County resident since 1962

I appreciate your support and welcome your questions
E-Mail SoquelCreek@AOL.com      Fax 475-0309.

Statement of BRUCE DANIELS, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Computer Scientist/Businessman Age: 51

Education and Qualifications: The Governor trusted me enough with important water decisions to appoint me as Santa Cruz County's only representative on our California Regional Water Quality Control Board. I hope to earn your trust, too.

As an MIT-educated scientist, my job is high-tech research and my avocation is hydrogeology. Attending most Soquel Creek Water District Board meetings since 1998, I've observed that complex water science problems cannot be solved by engineers and money-men alone. Diverse solutions are the essence of good science and industry, but a Board that has reappointed itself for decades lacks the diverse perspectives of our community.

We live in one of few counties that maintains our own water supply. We have rare, healthy watersheds where wildlife can survive and creeks actually flow to the sea. As chair of the Water Resources Committee of the Sierra Club, I have worked to preserve water resources for our community and for our great-grandchildren.

As founder and president of a computer software business, I learned to balance technology with fiscal responsibility. Simple solutions often out-perform expensive engineering feats. I commit my creativity and my experience to solving the serious problems facing our Water District.

I welcome your comments and concerns: Bruce.Daniels@alum.MIT.edu

 

 

Statement of GARY E. HAZELTON, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Chief Deputy Assessor/Soquel Creek Water District Director Age: 52

Education and Qualifications: B.S., Business Administration, San Jose State University, 1975. Currently I am Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Soquel Creek Water District. As a director for the past 10 years, I have developed a sound management plan to meet our water needs while maintaining among the lowest water rates in the County. I have participated in the long-term planning and approved funding for projects that will ensure reliable water service for our customers' domestic and fire protection needs. I understand our water situation and the threat of saltwater intrusion. Because groundwater is currently our only source of supply, the District continuously monitors conditions to protect our wells from contamination from seawater. I am dedicated to assuring continued sufficient, quality water for our area by advocating conservation as well as pursuing the overall best alternative sources of supply whether desalination, drawing water off Soquel Creek during high winter flows or conjunctive projects with our neighbors. Improving water quality, providing a reliable system, developing alternative sources of supply and providing excellent overall service will continue to be my top priorities to better serve you, our customers.

Statement of JEFF ECKLES, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Director, Soquel Creek Water District,Vice President – Investments, Salomon Smith Barney Age: 36

Education and Qualifications: Water is our most precious natural resource, and protecting the long term health of our water basin is my chief concern. We must carefully balance the amount of water we take from the ground with the needs of our community. If additional water supplies are needed, the district should be proactive in finding supplies to both protect the existing water basin and meet the (future) needs of the community. I am well qualified to serve as your director:
  • Served on the Water District’s Public Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC was comprised of diverse community groups (all volunteers) and spent nearly two years assessing the water district’s demand and supply options.
  • Selected from a field of 16 candidates for the vacant Board seat in March, 2000.

I am the outgoing President of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and have volunteered for numerous educational activities (Principal for a Day, Career Day Speaker, etc.) at our local schools. My wife, Karen, and I own a home in Aptos.

My commitment to you is simple: to ensure a lasting and quality water supply at a reasonable price to all the customers of the Water District.

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VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLET – CANDIDATE'S STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
The following pages may not contain a complete list of candidates.
For a complete list of candidates please refer to the Sample Ballot pages located at the beginning of this booklet.
Candidate statements are voluntarily written by the candidate and printed exactly as submitted.
Statements are printed at the expense of the candidate, unless the governing body has agreed to pay the cost.
Statement of JAMES J. VICTORY, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Registered Professional Engineer Age: 69

Education and Qualifications: Over the past fifteen years I have observed tremendous grouth in Santa Cruz County. To meet the water needs of our increased population. We must implement plans that will continue to provide adequate, excellent quality water at an affordable price to consumers. This will be accomplished by developing additional storage capacity, increased conservation and, or addition of desalination plants.

My background as a Professional Engineer spans forty-five years of working on projects in the water environment. Prior to retirement Iwas founder and President of Aptos based Kvaerner Hydro Power and Victory Engineering Inc. Both companies were dedicated to the proper and efficient use of our customers water resources. My experience and dedication to sound management practices will be a definite asset if I am elected to the Soquel Creek Water Board.

My past professional associations include the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, The American Society of Naval Engineers and the American Oceanographic Association.On a personal level I am married with two grown children and two grand children. I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Korean War. I am a member of Resurrection Church, The American Legion, Aptos Seascape Mens Club.

Statement of BOB VATUONE, Candidate for
Director
Soquel Creek Water District

Occupation: Retired Lawyer Age: 70

Education and Qualifications: Our population has outgrown our water supply and there is a serious water shortage. We are running on overdraft which allows saltwater into our aquifers.

Engineers, experts and PAC (Public Advisory Committee) propose viable solutions that must be implemented by the Board of Directors despite differences of opinion among the many factions in the county.

I am a retired lawyer. By virtue of my background and experience as an advocate, negotiator, and mediator, I am qualified to serve on the Board.

I was born a second generation native in San Jose in 1930; graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and University of Santa Clara; taught at the Law School for several years; then entered private practice in 1957. My wife I moved here in 1991 and commuted to San Jose until I opened an office in Santa Cruz in 1995. After 40+ enjoyable years of active practice (civil, family law and lawyer malpractice cases), I retired in 1998 and devote my time to our large family, friends, community service and many interests.

   

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