Name: Debbie Dunn

Place of residence: Pine Grove

Present water source: Ground well

Years in district: 19

Employment situation: Owner of High Sierra Tickets; Ledger Dispatch contributor

Related experience: Amador County Recreation Agency board (5 years), Airport Advisory District 4, Pine Grove Council (1 year), Upcountry Community Council (2 years), Volcano Theatre board (8 years), Amador Child Care Council (6 years), American Lung Association Board of Directors (5 years)

Educational background: Over 60 college units

Reasons for candidacy: Next step in community involvement for this resident who really cares about Amador County.

Changes you would make: Stronger collaborations with county and city governments and a greater transparency to the public.

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

Ford Aerospace (11 years), Kaiser Electronics (8 years), Surrey Junction Veterinary Clinic (3 years), TSPN (3 years), Gold County Tobacco Coalition (2 years), American Lung Association (2 years), First 5 grant writer (3 years), West Point Publishing - Upcountry News (2 years); Sutter Creek retail store partner (2 years), Ropes Course business (3 years), Volcano restaurant owner (1 year), Internet ticket box office (almost 1 year)

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

Amador County (5 years part time), Amador County Unified School District Ropes Course (10 years )

What are your "hot button" issues?

In general, I'd like to see a stronger "We the people" style of government return to the county and, specifically, the water agency. Ratepayer or not, this is a special district designed to be owned and run by the people. The elected representatives on the board are mandated to carry the concerns of the people and make the best decisions for the county and sustainability of the agency as a whole.

I believe the agency needs to develop a stronger partnership with the local governments. Standalone agencies in Amador County need to become a thing of the past. Regional practices and collaboration are the keys, and that should includes our sister county Calaveras. We share the same river that is also a source of water for millions of residents below us. How strong would the county become if we followed Calaveras' lead and added an optional element of water to our general plan update? Add Alpine to the mix, the source of our water and you have created a force to reckon with. The state would take notice. Developers also have to carry their full weight fiscally and through strict mitigations to avoid current ratepayers bearing any of the burden on their behalf. I'd like to see the gravity supply line remain as a strategic priority. Ground water upcountry on fractured rock systems is unreliable. Fire protection stands as an equally important demand to follow through on the implementation of this project.

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

I think that has to be determined with every project, every location, every time. Water never stops moving, contracts get renegotiated and storage capacities can always change. The management of our water resources has to be managed carefully and comprehensively, as does our growth if we want to maintain our beloved rural way of life here in Amador.

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

Yes. I see the classification as something that protects the river and the surrounding landowners on both sides of the river.

What local organizations do you belong to?

Member of the Volcano Theatre Company, Upcountry Community Council, Pine Grove Council. I have an application in for the Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor 1. Member of Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

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

If you're providing water and you are expected to manage that valuable resource, then you have no choice about being involved in wastewater systems. Part of an efficient cost effective system involves water conservation and reuse.

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?

AWA is a service organization, not a land use agency. On the edge of all six entities updating their general plans, the agency should be forthright in facts and forecasts to allow the strongest policy possible regarding water. Water is a land use determinate, but the agency should only provide facts for the decision makers.

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

No endorsements. It appears every candidate has their level of competency.

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

I have spoken to all of the candidates at one time or another.