Letter: Why you should vote Nick Exline for South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board

My name is Nick Exline and I am asking for your vote on November 6th for the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board as I will bring a higher level of commitment, leadership and vision to the STPUD Board.

Working in the private sector as a Senior AICP Land-Use Planner, I have extensive experience with Tahoe's regulations and its many agencies from the local to the federal level. All of the projects I lead bring a significant return on investment, demonstrable environmental benefits and are protected from our greatest threat, fire. I am asking for your vote to bring this private sector, fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious approach to the STPUD Board.

Huge Rate Increase on the Horizon: A Different Approach

The current STPUD Board has not budgeted for the repair of our water system and has been deferring maintenance for years. The lifespan of our existing pipes is approximately 50 years and they are now nearly 60 years old. Below is a 2018 STPUD budget graph showing the Community Improvement Project Budget from 2018-2037. You might notice something interesting. Between 2027 and 2028 the budget needs jump from $1.6 million dollars to $18.9 million dollars. How are they going to make up that $17.3 million dollar shortfall? You've got it.... RAISE YOUR RATES!

(See graph at the top of the story)

There is a different approach. Through more efficient land use practices and investment in renewable energy (solar, wind and hydro) we can simultaneously lower our cost burden, begin to generate revenue through selling off any excess power generated and significantly lower our carbon footprint. We will use those savings to repair our failing infrastructure, expand fire safety to every area in STPUD’s jurisdiction that currently doesn’t have it and keep our rates low.

Small and large utility districts throughout California, such as the Turlock Irrigation District and San Francisco Public Utility Commission, have been utilizing renewable energy for years to reduce their energy bills and generate additional revenue. These utility districts have been doing this for the same reasons we must, because the cost to maintain/replace our existing infrastructure is growing faster than people can afford to pay and you can’t keep raising rates if people can’t afford to pay them. Our community simply can’t afford it.

I was part of the volunteer group that worked with the City of South Lake Tahoe and the School District as they made their 100% renewable electricity commitments. The City has just approved its first solar project at the airport, the School District is saving $250,000 on their energy bills and we are now completing a solar assessment on all City and School owned facilities. The local private sector is also moving in this direction when last year Vail Resorts (Heavenly) made their own 100% renewable electricity commitment. I am asking for your vote to bring this financially and environmentally responsible approach to the STPUD Board.

Proven Track Record Of Expanding Fire Infrastructure With No Rate Increases

Many in our community don’t know that some fire hydrants on the South Shore do not have the adequately sized STPUD water lines connected to them. What this means is that when fire strikes we won’t have the water pressure needed to fight the fire. If this summer has taught us anything, it is that fire is the greatest threat we face.

I have recent professional, private sector experience developing fire infrastructure projects with no rate increases. Historically, there was not any fire infrastructure between Uppaway (south of Glenbrook) and Cave Rock. Utilizing my knowledge of regulation and professional contacts I was able to develop an innovative system to ensure that every home in this area of Tahoe will be protected from fire.

Cooperation & Solving Our Community Challenges

Our community faces real challenges from the shortfall of affordable housing, the current state of our roads and STPUD’s aging infrastructure. For too long those in power have fed this lack of cooperation leading to projects becoming more expensive, a community feeling that money is being wasted and bad blood between neighbors. This is not how we will improve our community and solve the challenges that face us.

As your STPUD Board member I will work collaboratively and creatively to bring about positive change that we so desperately need.

Board Participation

As a STPUD Board member you have a unique opportunity to do something that will help people financially through keeping our rates low and improving security by expanding fire safety infrastructure. I have watched every STPUD meeting for the last 3 years and I became increasingly disappointed at the lack of participation and more importantly the attendance of a current Board member (seeking re-election).

http://www.southtahoenow.com/reader-content/08/04/2018/stpud-board-membes-need-to-show-up-time-change

I am asking for your vote because I will be a dedicated, hard-working board member who attends and contributes to every board meeting. I have been knocking on doors several evenings each week, discussing my campaign with as many community members as possible and listening to your issues ensuring that I will be the voice of our community on the STPUD Board.

Using my planning experience, I will provide creative solutions and ensure that core services of water and sewer are not continually compromised. I am grateful to call our community home and as an active community volunteer I will work tirelessly to serve you by keeping our rates low.

Nick lives in South Lake Tahoe with his wife Kelly and two children Callum (8) and Mia (6). Nick received a Master’s Degree from the University of Nevada in Land-Use Planning. Nick is currently a Senior, AICP Land-Use Planner with Midkiff and Associates, Inc, Chairman of the City of South Lake Tahoe 100% Renewable Committee, founder of the Tahoe Climate Change Action Network and member of the School District Renewable Energy/Sustainability Committee.

Nick brings innovative ideas and an understanding of the complex regulatory environment in the Tahoe Basin to facilitate projects that create a significant return on investment and demonstrable environmental benefits.

WWW.NICKEXLINE.COM