Well-informed candidates are best for water board

EDITOR,
One of the most important elections facing the San Lorenzo Valley this year is for the San Lorenzo Valley Water Board. After attending the recent candidates forum, I am convinced there are only two candidates qualified to fill the two open seats — Margaret Bruce and Randall Brown.
Incumbent Margaret Bruce not only has an extensive background in water management issues but before joining the board, she served on the district’s education committee.
Randall Brown spent many years researching the history of the water district before writing “The San Lorenzo Valley Water District: A History.” He has attended a number of water board meetings, and his answers to written questions from the audience prove that he is well informed on the crucial issues facing the District.
By sharp contrast, the other two candidates not only seemed uninformed about many of the challenges facing the district, but were even unaware in many instances that these critical concerns existed. While I applaud their desire to serve the community, I think they would better serve us all by putting in the work it takes to learn about important water-related issues that require well informed decisions. 
Margaret Bruce and Randall Brown, as well as all the current members of the board, are not career politicians. They are dedicated members of our community who have taken the time from their busy lives to become extremely well informed about the many important matters requiring their thoughtful deliberation. 
As the wife of Fred McPherson, the outgoing water board member, I am well aware that there is always more to learn about the operation of the water district. However, I feel strongly that we need water board members who are at least well enough informed to deal with the basic issues of providing the quality and quantity of water that we depend on.
Roberta McPherson, Boulder Creek