Name: John Swift

Place of residence: Amador City

Present water source: Amador Water Agency

Years in district: 15

Employment situation: Self-employed owner of Amador Forest Products, a landscape material supply company. I also manage Sutter Hill Storage, a family-owned business.

Education background: I am a 1986 graduate of California State University, Chico with a degree in manufacturing management and a minor in business.

Reasons for candidacy: I am seeking re-election because I am proud of the water agency's accomplishments over the past eight years. The 30-inch transmission pipeline is in. Buckhorn has a new water treatment plant. Ione has a new storage tank and a new 16-inch water main through town. The Camanche area has a new well, upgraded automation systems, new tank liners and numerous distribution improvements.

Changes you would make: I support completion of the Plymouth pipeline, solutions for solving Camanche area wastewater issues and continued improvements to the Camanche water system. I strongly believe in protecting Amador's limited water supply, and will support the beneficial re-use of wastewater and conservation to further our supply. I enjoy representing District 2, and want to continue working on current agency projects and issues.

What private sector jobs have you held and for how long?

After graduating from Chico State in 1986, I went to work for P&M Cedar Products in Pioneer. My employment with P&M ended in 1999 with the mill closure. I immediately began my own business and continue today.

What public sector jobs have you held and for how long?

None.

What are your "hot button" issues?

I would never describe myself as a "hot button" kind of guy. That being said, I am bothered by those who delayed the pipeline project for six years through litigation and are not accountable for the millions of dollars in additional costs. Amador Water System customers are estimated to be paying about $2 to $3 extra per month for the next 30 years. Ken Berry and the Friends of Jackson group are using data obtained from (AWA District 1 candidate) Bill Condrashoff to sue the agency again. A lawsuit, filed in Amador Superior Court on Sept. 29, has the potential to drive water agency costs even higher and could limit the options canal property owners have to restore their land after the small diameter pipe is placed in the canal.

Do you think there is adequate water for future growth in Amador County?

Engineering studies estimate our current water supply is good until about 2030. The pipeline project was the first step in securing more water for Amador County. The next steps need to be conservation and beneficial re-use. By beneficial, I mean entities need to provide properly treated wastewater to customers that are currently using potentially treatable raw water. Beyond 2030 we need to look at future supply projects. I like to think of our water supply like a retirement account - you want to live comfortably and still have something left over for your kids.

Do you favor a federal classification of any part of the Mokelumne River as "wild and scenic"?

I have serious concerns about the future ramifications of any wild and scenic designation on the Mokelumne River. Specifically, I am concerned about the impact to future storage expansion, diversion points and impacts to the private landowners within the proposed designation. In April, the agency board delayed opposition until such time as these issues could be mutually addressed with the Foothill Conservancy. Unfortunately, the Foothill Conservancy continues to oppose even the concept of expanding Lower Bear River Reservoir. I would only support wild and scenic if all those concerns are addressed in the legislation and local environmentalists do not oppose expansion of Lower Bear or some other alternative storage project. If managed incorrectly, wild and scenic could most definitely affect future water supplies.

Do you belong to any local organizations?

Jackson Rotary Club, Sutter Amador Hospital Community Advisory Council.

How do you feel about the water agency's involvement in wastewater systems?

When small projects like Gayla Manor and several others were approved with community wastewater systems, there were no other agencies or service providers with the expertise or willingness to own and operate them. The agency was plunged deeper into wastewater when the county recognized the water agency would be a superior operator of wastewater systems in Camanche and Martell and gave the systems to the agency. Anyone following the news knows all the cities in Amador County, and most throughout the foothill region, have wastewater challenges. To the extent the agency can help solve the cities' issues, everyone benefits. By cooperating with the cities to beneficially recycle wastewater, we can preserve and extend our limited water supply.

Should the water agency get involved in the land use decision making process, or should it maintain its existing policy of simply responding to requests for water and/or wastewater service once a project has been submitted or approved?

Land use planning is not one of the delineated powers of the water agency. It's a non-issue.

Are you either supporting, or endorsing, any other water agency board candidates?

Madonna Wiebold is approachable, honest and committed to representing her constituents. In her short time on the board, she has demonstrated she is a consensus builder and potential problem solver. She does not bring any specific political agenda to the board. I first met Don Cooper in about 1992 when I was the manager of P&M Cedar Products in Pioneer. Don was a PG&E commercial account representative. The programs and ideas he presented helped reduce P&M's energy costs. I believe he will use his utility background, professional engineering credentials and public relations skills to the benefit of water agency customers. His expertise will be particularly valuable as the agency moves forward with the gravity supply line project in Pioneer and energy efficiency programs throughout the agency. Paul Scott has over 16 years experience as a water agency director. He has a financial background and is sensitive to water rates and agency costs. In the short time he has been back on the board, Paul has helped advance issues of mutual interest between the city of Sutter Creek and the water agency.

Have you been discussing your campaign with any other candidates for the water agency board?

I have had conversations about campaigns with Madonna Wiebold, Paul Scott, Debbie Dunn, and Don Cooper.