Thank yous and parting thoughts
Last weekend, I was reminded of how precious life is and how short our time is in on this earth. This life and death experience gave me a pause to reflect on my time at the Imperial Irrigation District. Since my colleagues did not allow me the opportunity to say my thank yous or share my parting thoughts, I am taking this moment and medium to do so.
I want to begin by thanking you, the voters. The simple act of going to the polls or attending the town halls, being engaged in the process made all the difference. Without your support, I would not have been able to serve. I must also thank those who helped me on my career path — mentors and family whose shoulders I stand on. I want to thank each of you who continue to believe in me and the power of the new generation of leaders and change in this small community.
Among the many things I learned during my tenure as a voting board member of IID, the one very important thing I learned was that private citizens have more power than they know, and if we all got involved, we can find a way to fight the corruption that has infiltrated the top echelons of decision-making at the IID. The IID belongs to all of us in this county, and if we realize this very fact, not only because we all pay water and power rates here, but because this government entity, just like our cities and states, belong to the people.
Threats, new in kind or degree, constantly arise, and I know it’s difficult with our everyday responsibilities to pay attention and get involved, but if we continue to look the other way, there is a potential for a disastrous rise of misplaced power that currently exists and will persist.
The culture at the IID has and will to continue to approve millions of ratepayer dollars on bloated contracts to close friends and relations, disregard policy except when it is convenient, and allocate millions in wasteful spending. The nepotism and sweetheart deals must stop. Currently IID has four out-of-county public relations teams, three out-of-county legal teams, and other services that are duplicitous to what IID departments perform. It is time for IID to change the culture when it comes to legal battles and look for resolution, before raging costly legal battles where the only entity making money are the lawyers. The IID owes this to the ratepayers. It is their money.
To that end, I want to leave you, the ratepayer, with an assignment: Follow the money. File public requests for information, as well as attend and voice your opinion during board meetings. I also encourage the public to demand these meetings be held at hours when public can attend, NOT in the middle of the day when everyone is working. I also want to encourage that the employees of the IID demand that the board create an employee’s bill of rights. You are the backbone of the organization should be appreciated and valued. I think they know exactly what I’m talking about.
I am very proud of my tenure, I worked against this culture by focusing on bringing strong leadership, forward vision, and real change. History will look back and see my work and legacy including:
• First in history of IID community town hall meetings in the three cities of Division 1.
• Beginning the dialogue around transparency, accessibility and fiscal responsibility.
• Creating a campaign to transform the IID into a utility of the 21st century, bringing the agency closer to our community, improve customer service and emphasize local service contracts.
• eGreen Solar Program that will help reduce energy costs for 15,000 low-income families and senior citizens.
• An agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to act to ensure the restoration of the Salton Sea.
So — in this my last piece to you as your IID Division 1 Board member — I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service. I encourage you to stay involved and continue asking questions, demand that we have a utility of the 21st century, that we collaborate and look for solutions, take actions and implement those plans. I thank the 1,500 IID employees who wake up every day to make this organization a better one, you are my great beacon of hope. The future of our community is at stake.