Vote Chris Hobbs for Marin water board

It is disappointing that the Marin IJ editorial board “reluctantly” endorses Larry Russell over Chris Hobbs for Marin Municipal Water District District 5 board seat and then goes on to explain why Russell shouldn’t be re- elected (“Lubamersky a good pick for water board,” Oct. 11).

Being subject to a former campaign disclosure violation should disqualify any candidate from office.

Financial mismanagement has occurred under his rule leading to numerous rate increases that can be linked to overly generous pensions and the platinum health care board members receive for no logical reason.

The editorial board fails to disclose how he often does not attend meetings in person or past accusations that called in from unusual locations. In 2019, IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood wrote that MMWD board members, “including Larry Russell and Cynthia Koehler, have phoned in from such diverse sites as the Admirals Club at Phoenix’s airport, Puerto Vallarta, ParisLas Vegas Casino, Harrah’s New Orleans and Austin, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Spotswood has noted that a potential reason for not televising board meetings is because many board members don’t show in person which would make them look bad. They do now but only after Spotswood and the Marin IJ made the public aware of their lack of transparency.

It’s time for a new voice in Hobbs, who understands the recreational value of our watershed and has strong financial skills to guide MMWD out of its fiscal crisis. Ratepayers need a person who is looking out for them instead of Russell who is looking out for himself. Do people really think Russell understands the needs and interests of the thousands of young families that have moved to Marin over the last decade? I don’t think so.

Vote for Chris Hobbs.

— Karl Spurzem,

Corte Madera