STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

Vying for the two-year seat are Margie Kovarik-Maxhimer, Jennifer Peterson, Geraldine "Gerri" Grego and Shane Romsos.

The three candidates for a four-year term, their responses are below in alphabetical order (voters will vote for two):

David Peterson

1. Why you are running? I grew up in SLT in the 1960s and 70s. My father (Marvin Peterson) started up Alpine Animal Hospital on Highway 89 in 1965. We lived in the Keys, and I ski raced for Heavenly Valley. I left Tahoe in the mid-1970s and became a civil engineer, specializing in water resources. I’ve been married to Lianne since 1981, and we have three grown children.

For my entire career, I’ve worked in private engineering practice. Nearly all my work has been for public agencies; cities, counties, special districts, and the Corps of Engineers. In 2005, a partner and I started up an engineering firm in Folsom (Peterson Brustad Inc.), and we’ve employed 10-15 steadily since then. We have worked for many of the mountain communities, but have never worked for STPUD.

My wife and I bought a house in the Keys in 2012 as a ramp to retirement, and we have spent as much time as possible here. In April of this year, I sold my company stock and retired. SLT is now our primary residence, and this 8-year ramp has been a coming home for me.

I have a fair amount of board experience. I was a director on the San Juan Water District for 11 years, and have also served on the boards of the Association of California Water Agencies, National Water Resources Association, and Water for the West Foundation.

Now that I am retired, I have the time to devote to public service, and I feel my background and expertise would be useful to the ratepayers of STPUD.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? I’ve been a civil engineer specializing in water resources for nearly 40 years. My entire career has been in the business that STPUD is in, and I believe that it is critical that a utility board include at least one board member that really understands the technical issues, and can challenge staff recommendations as appropriate. My experience has been that a good board of directors will include a wide range of expertise and background, and will tap into that experience in considering decisions. With the loss of Randy Vogelsang and Jim Jones, the board now lacks that engineering expertise.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? Do my homework to understand the issues brought before the board, listen to staff, board, and public input, speak my opinions, and vote. Outside of board meetings, much of the work of the district is conducted in committees and outside connections with other agencies and individuals, and I will represent the district well in these interactions in order to promote the policies and priorities of the district.

4. Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

(1) Make sure STPUD is sustainable from both an infrastructure standpoint, and a resource management standpoint. This means tackling replacements and upgrades in a proactive manner to minimize emergencies and service outages, make sure long term water supplies are secure, and make sure wastewater does not degrade our environment, and is in fact being recycled in a sustainable and useful fashion.

(2) Make sure rates and fees are fair and reasonable, and planned over many years to avoid rate spikes that are hard for ratepayers to handle.

(3) Hire and retain good people that work hard and care about this vital service they are providing. A good corporate culture is vital for organizational effectiveness.

(4) Plan and implement a full energy recovery project for the Luther Pass wastewater export system. This would produce in the neighborhood of 1MW of carbon free hydropower, and could be configured for peak power production, fetching top energy prices and working in synergy with interruptible solar and wind.

(5) Resolve the PCE groundwater contamination issue, from a resource management perspective, an infrastructure perspective, and a fiscal perspective, with as little impact to the ratepayers as possible.

5. If there is anything else you'd like to add, please do so here. I am supported by the Tahoe Chamber.

Kelly Sheehan

1. Why you are running? I chose to run because I am concerned with keeping continuity on The Board in these unprecedented, challenging times we are experiencing.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? Serving on The Board these past nine years has given me a valuable understanding of the complex issues that The District faces. We are the only 100% recycled plant in the country responsible for the pipes, tanks, and fire hydrants to keep our community safe from forest fire. We are responsible for providing our customers with safe, reliable water and wastewater services. All the while being mindful to strike a balance between rates and infrastructure. As the owner of a small local business, I truly understand the economic struggles facing our unique community. I have no personal agenda, my votes are based on the best interests of our customers. I am currently Vice President of The Board, as well as serving on The Finance committee. I represent The District as a Board Member for The El Dorado Water Agency.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? The Board is responsible for providing legislative leadership to maintain the highest quality of services to the customers. The Board of Directors establish procedure, goals, and adopts policy. The General Manger answers directly to The Board and as such, we offer guidance. The Board represents the entire community, all decisions should be made with this in mind.

4. Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

(1)Provide reliable, safe, and affordable water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment.

(2)Improve operational efficiency while prioritizing infrastructure replacement.

(3) Be good financial stewards, striking a balance between rates and infrastructure.

(4) Maintain transparency, keeping our community informed of all District activities.

(5) Maintain a knowledgeable and efficient staff.

Duane Wallace

1. Why you are running? I have had a long relationship with the District. In 1972 I studied the District in my biology class in College. At that time, STPUD was famous for having the only plant in the world where pure drinkable water was the result of the sewer plant process. I moved to Tahoe in 1974 at age 21 to open Happy Steak Restaurant. I remembered what I had learned and reached out to learn more once I was here. I met the original Board members of the plant mostly as my steak house customers. In the mid-1980s I was part of a community forum on affordable housing and was assigned/volunteered to study the reason for the cost of connecting to the Utility services. In 1990 I was encouraged to run for the Board. Since then my respect for the stewardship involved in guiding the District has grown ever stronger. I have been fascinated by the science and engineering principles involved in the system. For 20 out of the past 30 years I have worked hard to represent the public’s interest to the Board and to bring a business-like common-sense approach to the decision making.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? Most of all I bring a business-like approach and steady prudent guidance to the finances of the District. I have a BA in Business Administration and am a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management USD and a graduate of the Leadership Institute. I have invested myself in further education having earned certificates in special district governance/communication/finance/ and ethics. I bring a knowledge of the history of the District. I have worked with the past three General Managers and have become part of the positive culture and camaraderie of the organization that has won the District so many honors, several times as California plant of the year, twice designated by the EPA as number one plant in the United States and now known as one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that is 100% recycled even generating electricity and growing alfalfa as well as supplying water for ranchlands. The District CAFR, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, has won top honors for the past twenty years and the organization won the top award for transparency in government. Our crews on the ground are our strength with no waste-water permit violations for the past 25 years. There are hundreds of years of experience in Utility District operations.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties?
- Be responsible to the public ratepayers for the finances of the District
- Hire the best General Manager possible. They are the only employee that the Board should direct.
- Provide the necessary tools and policies so the GM can do their job
- Set overall goals and long- term plans and ordinances for the District in order to keep the pipes and tanks in good repair and protect our environment.
= Not micro-manage or interfere with the professionals who are trained to run the District.

4. Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

(1) Financial stewardship of the District. Live within our means.

(2) Provide clean safe drinking water to every customer.

(3) Protect the community from catastrophic wildfire, by upsizing water lines, having enough water tanks and numerous fire hydrants.

(4)Provide for the replacement and repair of the aging infrastructure.

(5)Recognize the needs of and be responsible to the ratepayers who are the owners of this public utility.

5. If there is anything else, you'd like to add, please do so here. I’m proud to have been recently appointed by the current Board to fill the seat of long -time valued Board member Jim Jones who passed away. Together as a Board we have fought to protect the groundwater by suing 32 oil companies over MTBE contamination and we won a settlement to protect our environment. I’m proud to have developed contacts in Washington DC that have helped bring millions to the District for needed projects. I’m proud of the way we stood fast in getting TRPA to recognize our true plant capacity and I’m proud of how our crews were so instrumental in putting out the Angora fire in 2007. I have taken action and got results. I pushed to get our sewer connection fees cut by 50%. I pushed to offer Covid relief for those residents and businesses in need allowing 50% relief of the quarterly bill. I pushed to have no transfer charge for affordable housing sewer units. And we waived the late fees for bills. Still we have the lowest overall fees in the entire Tahoe Basin.

As community members, my wife Tamara and I have raised 5 children here, Ryan, Miles, Allyssa, Christopher and Riley, as well as having been a foster family. I was co-founder of Leadership Lake Tahoe, a founding member of Lake Tahoe Education Foundation, and a LTUSD School Board member. I truly enjoy substitute teaching and am the CEO of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. I helped start Clean Tahoe, have been a football coach, wrestling coach for 25-years, a church youth group leader, and was the CEO of 4 Boys and Girls Clubs and a teen center. We love our town and I’m not done yet working to make Tahoe the best we can be.

The four candidates for a two-year term, their responses are below in alphabetical order (voters will vote for one):

Geraldine "Gerri" Grego

1. Why you are running? I have served our community in multiple ways in the past, including the South Lake Tahoe City Planning Commission and I was the City of South Lake Tahoe appointee to the El Dorado County Commission on Aging. Not only was I able to be of value in each position, but I have personally been edified by my service. From School Site Councils to dance club officer I have offered my time and talents to multiple organizations in Tahoe over the last 40 years.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? I have found that I have a very logical approach to decision making. After reviewing the facts my decisions are based on the end goal of whatever group the decision affects. While I find joy in service, my decisions are based not on political correctness, but on the best course of action for our community.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? I retired after 21 years as a resort manager where I received direction from a Board of Directors, and I was also responsible for educating the Board on the matters put before them. I totally understand the difference between being a Board Member and a Manager. As a Board Member my duty is to study the materials, ask pertinent questions, and work with the Manager to be sure that the District is operating the most efficiently and as effectively as possible, while providing a superior product. I am well known for doing my homework.

4. Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

(1) Fire Safety is an urgent matter. We never know when the next fire will threaten our community and we must be as prepared as possible. There are areas of our community that do not even have fire hydrants, and much of our waterlines are sixty years old and are not up to the challenge of providing enough pressure for firefighting. Our town was saved from the Angora Fire because of upgrades made to the Gardner Mountain area the previous year. We need to make sure that these important upgrades are completed without delay.

(2) Fiscal responsibility is a matter of concern to everyone. The District staff has had phenomenal success in applying for and receiving grant monies to expedite different projects, saving our district from picking up the tab. We want to be sure that our monies are spent wisely. In this time of crisis the Board recently voted to provide relief to those affected by COVID and I support this action. This was possible because of prudent fiscal planning by the current Board.

(3) Staffing is an issue that has always been difficult in our community. The District has over 100 employees, and many of these positions require significant qualifications. Once employed by the District many stay until retirement. Well, we are at the crossroads where we will be facing a number of retirements and we will need to find suitable replacements. While I would prefer to hire from within our community and established residents, there may not be available candidates with the right qualifications.

(4) Housing doesn’t sound like a water/sewer issue, but it affects everyone and every business in our community. The District has stepped up to be part of the solution by coordinating efforts between agencies to make it easier to build and house our workforce. We need to be prepared to make concessions for the benefit of our community in expediting various types of housing in our area.

(5) Infrastructure Replacement is a serious matter. The longer we wait, the more leaks and spills will be seen. Obviously we cannot replace the entire community in a couple of years, but we can prioritize the replacements, replacing the most at risk elements first. The District has a ten year plan in place for the upgrades of the systems. However, we cannot simply make a plan and not consider changes within the ten year period. Life is what happens, when you are planning something else. We need to consistently monitor and evaluate the plan and make pertinent changes as needed.

5, If there is anything else you'd like to add, please do so here. If elected, I will bring a wide range of abilities to the Board, from effective listening, a desire to study all pertinent facts, the ability to work with conflicting interests, and a history of working well on boards and commissions. I have the time, proven leadership and abilities to serve the citizens of our community. You can learn more at www.gerrigregoforstpud.com.

Margie Kovarik-Maxhimer

1. Why you are running? I have been planning on running for this office for the last 10 years. Timing is now right as I've retired from my retail businesses at Stateline, and Max, my husband, has been retired from the District for about three years.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? I am a seasoned board member after serving on several different boards for our community in the last 28 years. I have experience running a successful multi-million dollar retail company at Stateline. I have first hand knowledge of the different departments involved in operating the District. The boards I have served on include the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Turning Point, Give Tahoe (formerly the South Lake Tahoe Cabinet for the El Dorado Community Foundation), and Trustee of Myers Library Trust.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? As a board member our duties are as follows:
We are to hire the general manager and give direction to that person.

We are to make sure our technical, managerial and financial capacities are up to specification. Financial capacities would include a) we have debt reserves for one year, b) operating reserves for 45 days, c) emergency reserves and, d) capital improvement reserves - we are to be able to replace the largest asset if it failed. AAs a board member it is vital we listen to each other and focus on the mission of the District "furnish our customers with reliable water and wastewater services..." Components for sustainability will be to set rates accordingly and keep our customers well served.

4. Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years? Number one is to fund the Capital Improvement Plan they have set in place - the employees and the general manager worked hard to determine the needs and the risks of the District and what should come first. Unfortunately, COVID has pushed this back a year. Fire hydrants and fire flow are a big part of the CIP and the rate payers have expressed this as a priority. As the Big 5 sewer stations are rehabilitated more efficiencies and cost saving will come to bear fruit in less electricity costs and a safer system to protect or lake ecosystem. The last of the water meters are about to be installed so the focus can move to how much water we are losing between homes and neighborhoods. Again, saving our precious resources of drinking water and electrical costs of getting the water into our homes.

5. If there is anything else you'd like to add, please do so here. I'm asking for your vote to provide continuing support on the rebuilding of infrastructure, increasing pipe size to hydrants and providing equitable rates which affect us and to ensure the financial health of our District.

Jennifer Peterson

1. Why are you running? I am running for the Director position because I enjoy having a say in matters that affect me and my community. STPUD is funded by the ratepayers, including me. I want to be part of the decision-making process to determine how the District should allocate its revenue and which priorities it should focus its resources on.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? With nearly twenty years of experience as an attorney, I am well-versed in reading and understanding complex laws and regulations, assessing and managing risk, identifying objectives and creating strategic plans to obtain the best results. By utilizing these skills, I will bring a valuable and unique perspective to the STPUD board.

I know what is required of board members since I have been on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe since 2015. I truly enjoy the respectful dialogue and exchange of ideas that happens in board meetings where people are working together with a common goal and bringing their perspectives and strengths to the table. I don't expect people to always agree on everything and I don't take it personally if someone disagrees with me. I understand that no one is going to get everything that they want all of the time, particularly when there are budget constraints. I want to see the District continue to move in a positive direction toward attaining its goals, even if we are only taking small steps. My focus is on progress and getting things done.

Meeting preparedness for Directors is key and I intend to be fully prepared for all board meetings. I will do a thorough review of the complete agenda packet in advance of meetings so that I can intelligently discuss the issues before the board at the meetings. I will also join committees within the District so I can have more targeted discussions about certain issues that I am particularly interested in, such as workforce housing and negotiations with Alpine County.

I firmly believe that elected officials must have transparency, accountability and operate at the highest ethical standards in representing the communities and districts that they serve.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? High-quality, clean water and reliable sewer systems are essential components of our community and I want to ensure that the District is equipped to continue to provide these services to the community in a fiscally responsible, equitable and sustainable manner.

Directors work with staff to formulate the policies and goals for the District and ensure that the District implements those policies in order to reach those goals. In furtherance of the District’s objectives, the board determines how to allocate the resources of the District and prioritize projects. With a limited budget, not every project can move forward at the same time. Directors help decide which things the District should focus on and ensure that the District is operating within its budget. Directors are responsible for representing the community that elected them and they need to be prepared for meetings, show up and do the work that they were elected to do.

If elected as a board member, I will always be guided by what is in the best interest of our community as a whole, taking into account a diverse range of perspectives, financial considerations and the need to plan for the future. In acting on any request for an expenditure, the questions that must be answered in the affirmative are: (1) Is this something that is in the District's budget? and (2) Is this something that is in the best interest of our community? In my opinion, those are the most important questions.

4, Listed from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

(1) Upgrading Infrastructure: STPUD has to be proactive in undertaking the replacement of its aging infrastructure components before there is a failure. It has already allocated approximately $150Million over a 10-year period for capital improvement projects and evaluates this plan annually.

The District has been using artificial intelligence (software programs) and acoustic devices to help identify weaknesses in its systems so that it can target the areas that are at higher risk of failing and prioritize the replacement of those components. In our sensitive environment, we have a zero-tolerance policy for sewage leaks. By replacing deteriorating pipes before a failure (pipes bursting, sewage leaks, etc.) we can control the cost of the improvements that we need to make. If we wait until there has been an emergency, we cannot control the cost and we will have to deal with collateral damage resulting from the failures which increases the cost as well as the District’s liability. I support the use of technology to help the District determine where to focus its efforts so that the upgrades can be done in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

(2) Incentivizing Affordable Housing Projects: Our community has a serious shortage of affordable housing. The recent influx of new residents has exacerbated this problem. We need developers to build affordable housing projects so that we can accommodate more of our low-income and moderate-income residents. These are the workers that keep our community going. Developers typically shy away from these types of projects because they are not profitable. I support utilizing incentives such as lower connection fees and reduced rates in order to help motivate developers to undertake these projects in our community.

(3) Investing in Renewable Energy Projects & Prioritizing Sustainability: STPUD spends approximately $70,000 per month on energy costs. Its long-range planning must focus on ways to provide for STPUD’s energy needs in a more sustainable and affordable manner. I think collaborations with other agencies are the most cost-effective and viable way for the District to pursue these initiatives. The solar project that the District is working on with the City of South Lake Tahoe and Liberty Utilities is a fantastic example of agencies working together in a way that will ultimately benefit the entire community. The District is also part of the Solar Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Fund which includes several public agencies that have been collaborating to explore the viability of solar projects in the Tahoe region. The District is contemplating moving forward with a vendor for a solar project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and I fully support this initiative. I would like to explore other opportunities for the District to utilize renewable energy sources.

I also support the transition of the District’s fleet to electric vehicles as older vehicles and trucks need to be retired. Not only will the District save money on fuel by transitioning to EVs, but it will also reduce its carbon footprint. Sustainable planning needs to continue to be a priority for the District.

(4) Expanding the Fire Suppression System: The District needs to expand its fire suppression system so we are better equipped to respond to fires. This will require some waterline replacements, addition of new waterlines, fire flow improvements and more hydrants. The District has already allocated money over a 10 year period for these improvements and is working with the South Shore Fire Security Task Force (CalFire, Forest Service, City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Valley Fire Dept.) to prioritize these necessary upgrades. I want to continue to support these efforts so that we are able to quickly and effectively respond to fires in our community.

(5) Effectively Handling the PCE Contamination Situation at the Y: PCE has been identified in 4 wells down by the Y. Two are part of the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association Water Department and two are part of the Lukins Brothers Water Company. While the PCE contamination has not affected any of the STPUD wells, STPUD is going to need to help TKPOA and Lukins handle the clean up efforts and provide water to their customers while these wells are closed. Fortunately, because of its size, Lukins is eligible for grants to help with these costs. They are still trying to determine the exact location and extent of the contamination so they know how best to proceed. There are alot of decisions that are going to need to be made about how to deal with this situation and what role STPUD is going to have in servicing these customers and other matters. My hope is that 10 years from now, the PCE will have been completely eradicated from the water supply and the wells will be functional again. However, I do not know if that is a realistic outcome. I want to make sure that if the treated water is pumped back into STPUD's supply that it is safe for drinking and will not cause an increase in STPUD's rates.

5. If there is anything else you’d like to add, please do so here. Everyone in our community shares a common goal: we want to continue to enjoy the high-quality, clean drinking water and reliable sewer systems that STPUD currently provides. As a Director, I will work to ensure that STPUD can continue to provide these services while making necessary upgrades to infrastructure and planning for a more sustainable future.

Shane Romsos

1. Why you are running? I would like to directly serve the community of South Lake Tahoe and believe the District’s mission to “Furnish our customers with reliable water and wastewater services, and provide those services safely, efficiently, and cost effectively” aligns well with my personal interests and professional background.

2. What can you bring to the STPUD board? The District’s responsibility is to reliably provide quality drinking water and wastewater services to the South Lake Tahoe community. This is a complex task due to topography, weather extremes, natural hazards, public/private land ownership patterns, and large seasonal variation in visitor numbers. The challenge is to operate and maintain the integrity of the water and sewer system, so it continues to serve South Tahoe’s community and does no harm to Tahoe’s unique environment. Because of these complexities, I believe those that serve on the District's Board must represent the interests District constituents and possess the technical competencies to make informed decisions.

I will bring over 28 years of experience in natural resource policy, research, science, monitoring, and management - most of that experience gained here in the Lake Tahoe Basin. I received a MS in Natural Resources Management and BS in Wildlife from Humboldt State University. I have worked in private, non-profit and government sectors involving a wide range of issues, including wildfire risk modeling and mitigation, environmental monitoring, land use policy and planning, air and water quality, forest carbon offsets, fish and wildlife habitat management and more. Through my experience, I have gained a solid understanding of the programs, plans, and regulations in place in the Tahoe Basin and those that affect the District at the State and Federal levels. I know staff at key agencies and community leaders that the District regularly interacts with and understand of how decisions are made in the Basin and the importance of partnerships to get projects done. I believe that through my education and professional relationships and experiences I will add to the diversity of skill sets needed for the board in the form of technical expertise related to the management of natural resources.

3. As a board member, what do you see as your duties? The primary responsibilities the Districts board members are to represent rate payers’ interest and needs, to engender fiscal accountability, and provide strategic direction to staff in carrying out the District’s mission. As a Director, I pledge to be well-prepared for board meetings and will support initiatives that contribute to our community’s well-being, support our local economy, and protect Tahoe's environment.

4. List from most important to least, please tell us what you think the five priorities of STPUD should be going into the next ten years?

If elected, I will pursue and support smart projects at STPUD which make financial sense, increase system reliability and resilience to natural calamity, such as wildfire. I will support STPUD efforts to leverage State and Federal grant funding, all in the effort to reduce costs and improve the sustainability of the District’s operations. The following are my top five priorities.

(1) Provide Exceptional Water and Sewer Service: Reliable water and sewer services are foundational to our local economy and community well-being. I will support District efforts to deliver affordable, reliable, and high-quality water and wastewater services. This includes supporting District efforts to upgrade water systems to accommodate fire flows, repair leaking sewer infrastructure, and improve the efficiency of system operations. As a board member, I will support the pursuit of Disadvantaged Community and other grant funding opportunities for water and sewer system improvements and will work with District staff to prioritize their 10-year Capital Improvement Program to ensure that the highest priority system upgrades proceed within a given budget. In addition, reducing discretionary spending and finding ways to share costs by leveraging partnerships with the local, State and Federal entities could potentially provide cost savings as well. For example, can the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Unified School District and STPUD share staff and equipment for certain functions like vehicle fleet maintenance?

(2) Reduce Vulnerabilities to Fire: Recent mega-fires across California provide a stark reminder that the effects of drought, past forest management and climate change are occurring and can devastate communities. I support the District's engagement with Basin partners to reduce wildfire risk through forest fuel reduction projects on District lands and adjoining partner lands. Reducing vulnerabilities to wildfire also serves to improve the reliability of the District’s water and sewer system.

(3) Support Creation of Affordable Workforce Housing - Affordable workforce housing is desperately needed in our community. There are a couple of ways that STPUD can help to facilitate the establishment of affordable workforce housing, both of which would reduce the upfront costs of these projects that tend to stifle development or creation of affordable housing. First, I believe the District could contribute unused/banked sewer units which could eliminate the $2,745/sewer unit fee. Secondarily, for water and sewer connections, STPUD could either reduce administration and connection fees or work with developers to spread these fixed costs over, say a 10- or 20-year horizon. If elected, I’ll will support all efforts to reduce barriers to the creation of affordable workforce housing.

(4) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources: Reduced energy use will reduce the District's carbon footprint and save the District money. I will support retrofitting District facilities with more energy efficient technologies. Additionally, California legislation has established a timeline to reduce carbon emissions across several economic sectors. I will support projects that reduce the district's dependency on fossil fuels ahead of these deadlines through fiscally responsible investments in sources of renewable energy - with the goal of offsetting 100 percent of the District's greenhouse gas emissions. The cost of these investments can be compensated through rebates, grants, and power purchase agreements.

(5) Environmental Conservation, Open Space and Public Access: The scale of STPUD’s water and sewer system operation presents many opportunities to shine as a conservation leader. At STPUD’s Diamond Valley Ranch (DVR) property, I believe there is a great opportunity to reuse treated effluent water to establish wetland habitat (similar to the Arcata Marsh in northern California). If established, this could be a wildlife refuge where people could visit to bird watch, hike, reflect, or otherwise appreciate the outdoors. Such a project would also provide STPUD with more capacity to manage its treated water – potentially opening markets for its treated water through sales to ranchers and/or through the creation of a wetland habitat mitigation bank. Another opportunity I think the District could explore is the establishment of a biomass facility at the DVR property, where biomass from fuel reduction treatments in Tahoe (and elsewhere) could be processed into marketable compost, biochar, and other wood products. For District lands in South Lake Tahoe, I believe there are opportunities to establish bike trails on District right of ways and a potential for establishing a community parks (e.g., at corner of Black Bart and Pioneer Trail).

5. If there is anything else you'd like to add, please do so here. My family (the Romsos and Underhill clans) has lived in South Lake Tahoe for almost 50 years. My Dad was an electrician and built houses in Lake Tahoe starting in the early 1970s, where I attended Meyers Elementary and South Tahoe Middle School. I attended high school in Southern California, and following ski bummed in Steamboat Springs and Crested Butte, Colorado. After undergraduate studies, I lived and worked on several wildlife research projects on San Clemente and Catalina Islands for couple years. After graduate school, I permanently settled back in South Tahoe in 1997, my wife, Mollie, and I married in 2000, and have raised our two children, Lars and Lauren, in South Lake Tahoe. Our kids attended Bijou Community School and were among the first to be enrolled in the two-way bilingual immersion program. This Fall, our oldest started attending the Honors College in Engineering at Oregon State University and our youngest attends South Tahoe High School.

As a family, we quietly contribute to our community – a highlight of some of our past community and volunteer involvement, includes: Community Volunteer - Forest Stewardship Day since its inception in 1998, TAMBA -South Lake Tahoe Bike Park, Bijou School Beautification Committee workdays.

Youth Sports Volunteer - Youth hockey coach for 3 years (earning one State championship and one runner up, two-time champs of the Pacific Region Silver Stick Tournament). AYSO soccer coach for 3 seasons.

Participant –Lake Tahoe Community College Vision 2020 forum and South Tahoe Economic Development Task Force. 2014 graduate of the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Lake Tahoe Program.

Served on TRPA Advisory Planning Commission (while on the planning team at the US Forest Service)

I'm currently a Senior Research Scientist for a small environmental research firm called Spatial Informatics Group where we do some interesting and novel environmental research. Prior to my employment at Spatial Informatics Group, I worked for Basin agencies on the Pathway 2007 Planning effort, for the US Forest Service on the LTBMU Forest Plan Revision, and the 2012 TRPA Regional Plan Update. I have also served as a Fisheries and Wildlife Program Manager, and Science, Monitoring and Evaluation Program Manager.

I'd be honored to earn your vote!

Please learn more on Shane’s experience and where he stands on the issues - www.shane4director.org

Shane was recently endorsed by the Tahoe Chamber - - https://tahoechamber.org/tahoe-chamber-announces-election-endorsements/