New Goleta Water Board Looks to the Future

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After Tuesday's election, the Goleta Water District will have three new members on its Board of Directors. Lauren Hanson and Bill Rosen—relative newcomers to a scene that often involves conflicts lasting for years—and Larry Mills, who served on the board from 1991 until 2004. Hanson and Rosen, who campaigned more aggressively that the other candidates, garnered the most votes—27 percent and 24 percent, respectively. The remaining three candidates—Mills, attorney James Marino, and incumbent Harry DeWitt—trailed with very close percentages. Mills received 17 percent of the vote, Marino 16, and DeWitt 15. "I think the Water Board election basically went the way of the money," said Mills. "Harry DeWitt didn't run a campaign and he came in last."

Paul Wellman

Winning Goleta Water Board candidate Lauren Hanson

Rosen, who walked through every voting precinct served by the Goleta Water District, posited that aside from his physical exertion, his and Hanson’s Democratic Party backing played a big role, as the two were able to ride the coattails of a nationwide Democratic sweep. "I'm gratified that so many people selected myself and Lauren," he said. "I guess that everybody who said that the status quo is alright got defeated." Rosen said that the votes sent a clear message that district customers want reform brought to the board. One of his main concerns is assessing the status of the water level in the central basin.

In contrast to what has been an often volatile atmosphere over the past couple of years, the new directors have all stated a desire to bring a more professional approach to board meetings. "We're all put in this thing where we have to work together," said Rosen, who was endorsed by current board member Bert Bertrando, and received a congratulatory phone call from Jack Cunningham, the board's president.

Paul Wellman

Goleta Water Board candidate Bill Rosen (left) and son Mattehw check the early voting results at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse

"I think it's going to be interesting, because I really don't know what [Hanson and Rosen's] expectations are," said Mills. "Once they get in and see what kind of shape the district is in, I think everything will run smoothly." Mills also said that although he feels that Goleta has the healthiest water district on the South Coast in terms of water and money, the district faces a few challenges, the first of which will be the selection of a new general manager and chief engineer, to replace Kevin Walsh, who resigned this year.

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