Candidate Statement: Chuck Gibson for Santa Margarita Water District

Below are links to candidate ballot statements for all candidates for the Santa Margarita Water District board.

Santa Margarita Water District (vote for 3)

• Candidate ballot statement for Fred Carr
• Candidate ballot statement for Stan Dziecielski
• Candidate ballot statement for Betty Olson
• Candidate ballot statement for Charley Wilson

Charles "Chuck" Gibson
Occupation: Businessman

As president of my Ladera Ranch homeowners association over the last six years, as well as a former planning commissioner and policy advisor to many public and private agencies, I have an acute awareness of the cost of water. I appreciate how the well managed Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) delivers a clean and reliable supply of water. I pledge to continue the district’s high standard of service, applying my 35 years of experience in business, operations, and governmental finance to this mission.

I have the endorsement of the president of the SMWD board, Bill Lawson, as well as many other community leaders who know my background.

Throughout my career I have been instrumental in building partnerships between experienced, reliable businesses and public agencies to deliver cost effective services. I have advised a variety of utilities including water agencies providing cost-benefit analysis of public private partnerships and alternative operational arrangements. Examples include: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Southern California Gas Company; Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; City Utilities of Springfield; Southern California Gas Company; and Southern California Edison. As an independent analyst serving the Los Angeles Harbor Commission for five years, I evaluated capital construction projects, financing arrangements, budgets and organizational issues.

I’ve also led initiatives to improve local governmental operations, budget and finances in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties. In my home community within southeastern Orange County, I helped establish civic organizations like Ladera Ranch Civic Council in addition to serving as a director on the Board of the environmental and land use related Ladera Hope. I’ve been the recipient of many community recognitions including the Ladera Ranch Golden Eagle award and Man of the Year Award, both of which I am very proud.

My educational background includes a BA in Political Science, a Masters in Public Administration - both from UCLA, as well as a community college teaching credential. I’m committed to South Orange County and believe “It’s not only what you know in your mind, it’s what you know in your heart”.

At this critical time when interests outside our area are trying mightily to influence our future, I believe my experience and commitment to the community of southeastern Orange County have prepared me to serve as your member of the Santa Margarita Water District Board.

I respectfully ask for your vote.