On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, I filed candidacy papers for the November election. The events of the last several months have deeply concerned me in that I believe that they are evidence of the CCSD and the current Board being out of touch with the community. As many of you know, I was active in the Prop. 218 efforts because I believe that the CCSD’s proposals were excessive and that the proposal submitted to CCSD by the first protest group (CFRCCSD) was appropriate. In addition, my review of some CCSD information has identified a number of areas where the CCSD could realize sizable operational savings.
                                                                                                                                                                            
Over the last several weeks I have given the prospect of running for the CCSD Director position considerable thought, and some of you have encouraged me to do so. Several events since July 14th have convinced me more than ever that it is imperative for there to be changes in the operation of the CCSD and the composition of the Board. More specifically, I believe that the handling of the latest Prop. 218 protest is unacceptable. I also believe that the behavior of several CCSD Board members in the last several public meetings was undesirable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
For these reasons and others, I, and hopefully others, will be running for the three positions in the November election. I have had discussions with other potential candidates and the future looks promising. Many of you know where I stand on a number of issues, but you can be sure that during the campaign I am prepared to fully discuss my thoughts on all that concerns us as fellow Cambrians. After owning property in and regularly visiting Cambria since 1983, my full time arrival in Cambria three years ago puts me at my “final destination,” and completes a 25 year plan to retire here.  I’m here for the long haul, and, if elected, will act for the benefit of Cambria and Cambrians.
                                                                                                                                                                            
I have reprinted below some background information that will appear as a Candidate Statement during the upcoming election. I thought you might like to view it at this time.

Occupation: Retired Government Manager, Cambria Tax Return Preparer, Notary Public
Education and Qualifications: Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from U.C. Berkeley – BA Political Science, licensed CA real estate salesperson with loan officer experience, and Enrolled Agent

I supervised a staff of 75 to 100 IRS employees, including 7 managers, responsible for auditing tax returns and collecting delinquent taxes. I balanced the IRS’ goals with the public’s rights, ensuring that the interests of all were protected. I used interest-based negotiations and mediation on a daily basis to resolve internal and external conflicts. I was also an IRS community outreach official, working regularly with professional organizations, such as the California Bar and the California Society of CPAs. For two years I was IRS’ National Hiring Coordinator, responsible for the hiring of thousands of professional employees per year.

I am committed to ensuring that CCSD operates in a transparent, fiscally responsible manner through controlling expenses, eliminating waste, and spending ratepayers’ dollars on essential services that serve the community. I will be accessible to the community and responsive to inquiries by citizens. As CCSD Director, I will serve Cambrians in a manner that instills in the citizens confidence in my ability to properly represent them by ensuring that I am attentive to the community’s needs.

 

Last 5 posts by RichDavega