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CO$T
MMWD Candidates Knell & Tapia Earn CO$T's Endorsement
The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers endorses
Joby Tapia and Greg Knell for
Marin Municipal Water District Board
CO$T’s directors have repeatedly voiced concerns about MMWD’s dramatically escalating water rates, excessive personnel costs, and failure to prioritize fuel load reduction in the district’s vast watershed. It’s time for change.
Knell and Tapia are two independent candidates (not a slate) with some
similar appeal. Each has extensive financial and budget experience.
They vow to bring much-needed fiscal discipline to the board and an
increased emphasis on fuel load reduction in the watershed.
MMWD’s entrenched incumbents aren’t likely to challenge the status quo.
If reelected, Jack Gibson’s reign would extend to 28 years and Cynthia
Koehler’s 18. Tapia is challenging Koehler in division IV (Mill Valley
and Sausalito) and Gibson in division I (Sleepy Hollow, Terra Linda,
Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Northgate, and Santa Venetia).
To effect change at MMWD, it's essential to elect new directors. Even if you don't vote in division I or division IV, the election's outcome affects you! Defeating an incumbent takes money. Make a difference! Donate to Tapia and Knell.
More Reasons to Vote for Tapia, Knell, and Change for the Better….
-Pause the rate hike spiral.
Moderate-use residents’ water bills have increased 40-66% since 2016,
with 2 more rate hikes totaling 14.5% teed up for July 2019 and 2020.
Tapia and Knell contribute fresh eyes and financial restraint to the
budget.
-Bring financial experience on board.
Knell has served 4 terms on the San Rafael school board. Tapia has run
a multi-hundred million dollar real estate business. Both have a keen
eye for numbers and demonstrated commitment to fiscal discipline.
- Prioritize fuel load reduction.
Knell and Tapia will redirect MMWD's spending priorities and
methods, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in our watershed.
Most of MMWD's vast lands haven't had any fuel load reduction in many
years. It's a tinderbox. Wildfire is the biggest risk facing Marin’s
population, water quality, and ecosystem. .MMWD’s board irresponsibly endorsed Marin County’s plan to acquire the San Geronimo golf course in order to “re-wild” it, adding to Marin’s already-huge wildfire danger. (CO$T supports a ballot initiative requiring voter approval for any change to the golf course's land use.)
- End MMWD Directorship as Lifetime Sinecure.
MMWD board members’ total compensation can reach nearly $40,000
annually for what’s a very part-time gig. This is wildly excessive
relative to most other Marin boards. Board members frequently phone in;
some board meetings last only a few minutes. Ceasing to pay MMWD
Directors’ family health insurance would reduce costs and encourage
Directors to step aside to make room for those with new ideas and
skills.
Learn more and donate to Joby Tapia and Greg Knell campaigns at:
Vote4Joby.com