Candidates for Berkeley Board

Background:

I was born and raised in Colorado. As a young single woman, I chose to invest in this neighborhood in 1997.  I love Berkeley Gardens and have set deep roots here including building a food forest on my property, using permaculture/regenerative agricultural practices to create an oasis that provides food, habitat, and a community gathering/educational space.   

I’ve worked in healthcare quality improvement as project manager to improve the quality of health and healthcare delivery in Colorado, and nationally for 25+ years.  I provide training/ coaching in leadership development, quality/process improvement,  building effective teams, and patient activation to healthcare professionals, community members, and change leaders. 

Experience:

I’ve been the President of the Berkeley Water and Sanitation Board of Directors since 2020.  I chose to run as a way to serve my community and be a good steward for current and future residents.   I’ve learned the critical importance of a water and sanitation district, how fortunate we are that our district is locally operated, and that water and sanitation is the first step for developers and planners who impact our community – positive or negative.  As board members, we are not only making decisions about the yearly budget and capital improvements, but also about rate setting and policies that have impact long into the future.  I’ve come to respect the skills, knowledge, and commitment of the district staff who stay on top of not only maintenance/repair, and rules/regulations, but also exploring actions or innovations we need to take now to ensure the system works well for future generations, and that the district stays financially healthy.

In my time on the board, we’ve consistently voted against rate increases, voted for staff wage increases in order to keep and attract talent, enacted policies that are always resident centered, and have made responsible low/no risk investments which have increased our reserves significantly each year, while still completing capital improvements. 

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I’m committed to keeping this district local, experienced, resident-centered, forward looking and affordable.  Every time we are asked to vote on a decision, I ask what the implications are for current and future residents.  I have first-hand experience on how a decision made 15 years ago can negatively impact someone’s property today.  I’m proud of the work we’ve done; I have great respect for my fellow board members and the momentum, stability, and teamwork we’ve developed.  We do our homework, come prepared, ask questions, and aren’t afraid to share differing opinions and explore all options.  We have a great mix of backgrounds, diverse experience, and perspectives, which is what a board of directors needs in order to be representative of the community.  

Whether you re-elect me or not, as a resident of this district, I ask that you vote for those who bring the greatest diversity of perspectives and experiences, and be will stewards for the long term environmental, and fiscal health of the district, while doing their part to keep Berkeley affordable for our residents.

Background:

With nearly 40 years of residency in the Berkeley Water and Sanitation District, I possess a wealth of experience in the construction and renovation of older homes. Furthermore, I have honed my expertise in the engineering and facilities management fields, having worked at the University of Colorado Hospital where I oversaw the maintenance of all buildings within the system, including water and sanitation systems. Alongside my technical skills, I bring a strong financial acumen and a track record of successfully owning and managing multiple businesses. All these experiences have equipped me with strategic skills and insights that I believe will be invaluable in serving the community of Berkeley Water and Sanitation District.

Experience:

As a previous Board Member and President with Berkeley Water and Sanitation, I have extensive knowledge of the district's operations and the skills necessary to be an effective board member. Additionally, with over 50 years of experience installing and maintaining building systems on both residential and commercial levels, I have developed a strong understanding of how to effectively manage resources and ensure their longevity. As a coach for youth hockey, soccer and a leader in the Cub and Boy Scout organizations, I have keen leadership skills and understand the importance of collaboration and effective communication. I believe that these experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to be an asset and serve the needs of our community.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I want to join the board because I'm passionate about our community and want to represent our members in managing the evolving needs of Berkeley Water and Sanitation. I'm a natural leader with strong problem-solving skills, a commitment to accountability, and safety. I'll work to foster open communication between the board and residents and ensure that staff have the necessary resources to maintain a safe and efficient system. With my skills and dedication, I believe I can make a positive impact on the board and for our community.

Background:

Colorado native, tax payer in the Berkeley Water and Sanitation district since 1999. Proud father of three children, grandfather of ten grandchildren, and great grandfather of 9.75 great grandchildren.

Small business owner in Adams and Arapahoe County’s. Providing service to almost of all the utility and utility contractors in the Denver metro area including water and sanitation districts.

Experience:

Board member of Jackson-105 fire protection district, 4 years

Board member Adams County Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council, 8 years

Board member Berkeley Water and Sanitation Board, 8 years

Youth soccer coach.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

One of the first things we did as the Berkeley board nine years ago was change to a read and bill with, Denver Water, this change has saved the district a lot of money every year. That board was also a factor in getting Clear Creek Park open,making the land usable for all to enjoy.These two major accomplishments, made me proud to be a board member.

We need to get Berkeley Water and Sanitation district to run like a business. Continue to provide the needed service with the most efficient and cost-effective procedures available.The cost of service must decrease over the years not increase like all the other service providers.

Background:

I have resided in this District since 1977 and have no plans of leaving it. I am a family man and believe in trusting God. I have four generations in Colorado since the 1800's. My parents have been living in the District for over 45 years and have taught me the values I have today. They taught me to be respectful and honest towards other. I come from a very close-knit family that cares about other peoples' interests.

Experience:

I have been on the Board for over three years. The Board voted me to be a Board member on the Metro Water Recovery Board. My job is to relay the information from my meetings with Metro back to the Berkeley Board. It is very satisfying to know that I can be a part of that so Berkeley can work for your interests as well. That's why I feel I am a good candidate for the Berkeley Water and Sanitation District Board.

I was in the Navy for four years and learned and applied discipline throughout my life. I have also started many businesses such as insurance, car sales, carpet cleaning, and carpet installation for the families in this District.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I want to sustain the future of Berkeley Water and Sanitation in the interest and well being of this District. My last three years have been spent working with my fellow Board members to keep the cost of service down for this District. It is also important to ensure that we invest in the infrastructure of our sewer system since it is now over 60 years old.

Background:

As a long-time resident of the district for 65 years, I have an intimate understanding of the community's needs. My parents' service on the Berkeley Water and Sanitation Board of Directors instilled in me a deep knowledge of its operations. With a background in healthcare, I have worked at multiple hospitals in the metro area. I have also served on accountability boards in the school district and currently, I am self-employed, managing renovations and properties. My entrepreneurial spirit has led me to own and operate several small businesses in the district, demonstrating my dedication and financial responsibility. I'm excited to contribute to the board's efforts and continue serving my community.

Experience:

As a former Girl Scout troop leader and PTA President, I have developed strong leadership skills and collaborated with others to promote integrity and effectiveness. Serving on the Accountability Committee for D50, now Westminster public schools has reinforced my commitment to accountability and transparency. As a Board member of the Historic Berkeley Regis, Board member for Berkeley Neighborhood Association, and neighborhood liaison for events like the annual cleanup, I have demonstrated dedication to my local community. With these experiences, I am confident in my ability to bring the skills and dedication necessary to serve as a board member for the Berkeley Water and Sanitation District.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I'm passionate about promoting honesty, integrity, and accountability, and I believe I can foster these values within the current team. As someone who values discretion and confidentiality, I'm committed to working transparently and collaboratively with the board members and staff. With the district's rapid growth, I recognize the importance of keeping pace with evolving regulations and ensuring that our community's needs are met. Finally, as someone whose parents served on the Berkeley Water and Sanitation Board, I'm deeply committed to continuing their legacy of community service and their dedication to the Berkeley area. I believe my skills and values make me an ideal candidate for serving on the board.

Background:

Experience:

Served on the Berkeley Water and Sanitation Board for 8 years. Our family business works closely with others in this industry. I have gained knowledge about water and sanitation because of those relationships with our customers. I have a working knowledge of our district and the area surrounding it. I also have a working knowledge of how our local government works and I can build relationships with those in other districts.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

Our community deserves to have knowledgeable people who can work well with others to better the district and the people who live in it. In my first tenure on the board we went from read and bill district to a total service district. There fore we were able to keep our services at a lower cost for our district. We as a board also, through policy and agreements, helped get the Clear Creek Valley park opened with water for recreation and irrigation. I would like to serve just so we can do more good for the community just like we did in the past.

Background:

Living in the district for 40 years, I’m an active volunteer in the community.  I have served with the Berkeley Neighborhood Association, paint-a-thons of senior’s homes, and the Berkeley Clean Up (our biggest yearly event) held every may.  As a graduate from Regis University with a degree in Business Management and Finance, I also bring office management and accountability experience that has also been a part of my career in several metro area hospitals.  I am dedicated to the district’s success and eager to serve the community with my skills on the board.

I've lived in the district for 40 years and hold undergraduate degrees in Business Management and Finance from Regis University. I'm an active volunteer in the community, having served with the Berkeley Neighborhood Association, paint-a-thons for seniors' homes, and our biggest event, the Berkeley Clean Up every May. With experience in office management and accountability, I've worked at several hospitals in the metro area. As a long-time resident and community member, I'm dedicated to the district's success and am eager to bring my skills and experience to the board.

Experience:

• 20 years of experience maintaining and improving fiscal functionality in an ever changing healthcare environment.
• Involvement with the planning and execution of various events in the Berkeley neighborhood.  This includes, most notably, the annual cleanup. 

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I'm passionate about bringing a fresh perspective to the board and ensuring that our community's needs are represented. As someone who values determined, decisive, and dependable leadership, I believe that a new voice is critical to improving the district's operations and building trust with our residents. With my management skills and commitment to transparency, I'm confident that I can work effectively with other board members to keep rates low, prioritize repairs, and ensure high-quality services for the district. As a third-generation candidate, I'm proud of my family's history of service to the district, and I'm eager to continue that legacy by representing our community's needs on the board.  As a resident, I am committed to giving voice to the residents this board serves.

Background:

I am a 25+ year-long resident in the Berkeley Water and Sanitation District. My background is in higher education as a professor, including fiscal management and managing a successful business within Community College of Denver. I then, transferred to Mayors Office of Workforce Development before retiring. I currently operate a small business focusing on photography, paintings, and woodworking.  I am a great behind the scene person capable of pulling all the parts of a project or event. With my skills and many years of experience working with various people with diverse backgrounds, I am very comfortable in most circumstances and environments.

Experience:

Experience-wise, I’m a teacher, artist, and entrepreneur. On a volunteer basis I have served on multiple boards of directors including: AARP Comite, History of Colorado Museum, Latina Legacy Circle at the Corky Gonzales Library, Women Behind the Lens, Printing & Imaging Association Mountain States.

Having served on boards of directors, I recognize the need to be a conscientious steward of the critical resources overseen by any board of directors. This requires diligence, commitment, and accountability. I am able to work within a budget and on a timeline.

Why do you want to be on the Board:

I believe that I would offer the District fresh and common sense perspectives on behalf of my fellow District residents. I will be a well-informed board member able to research and understand the many issues and undertakings pertinent to the water and sanitation needs of the District. I promise to offer innovative and creative, yet practical, recommendations and ideas to matters overseen and managed by the Board. I will be open-minded and, as is my nature, solution oriented.

Most importantly, I am committed to fostering the best public health conditions for my fellow residents. This includes fair and equitable stewardship of available water resources, healthy drinking water, and efficient sewage disposal. Thank you for considering my Board application.