SMWD Begins Processes to Fill Vacant Director Seat

• Board vacancy is a result of the passing of long-time director Sam Johnson
• SMWD accepting résumés from residents to fill vacant seat
• New Board officers elected at recent Directors meeting

Las Flores, CA (Feb. 29, 2008) – The Santa Margarita Water District Board of Directors has determined to begin the process to fill a vacant board position left open by the recent passing of long-time director Sam Johnson. If the Board makes an appointment, it must by law do so no later than April 15th.

Candidates and any résumés received will be reviewed and may be interviewed by the four members of the Board. The Board will then vote to appoint a single member to finish Johnson's term, which expires in December 2008. An election will be held in November 2008 to elect a director for a full four-year term.

"The SMWD Board voted to seek a qualified candidate to fill this seat to ensure that our customers are served by a complete complement of board members," said John Schatz, SMWD General Manager. "Without this appointment, there would be an eight-month vacancy, which the Board believes is too long."

At its February meeting, the Board followed its long-standing practice of rotating Board officers. The position of Board President, which was held by Johnson at the time of his passing, is now held by Director Roger Faubel. Saundra Jacobs was elected Vice-President and Betty H. Olson was elected Treasurer. Charley Wilson is immediate past president and serves as a Director-at-large.

Residents within the District's service area interested in serving on the Board may contact the District and submit a résumé to General Manager John Schatz, 26111 Antonio Pkwy., Las Flores CA, 92688. In order to provide sufficient time for review, it is suggested interested citizens contact or provide a résumé to the District no later than Monday, March 31st.

SMWD Directors are responsible for establishing policies for purposes of the District supplying clean, affordable and reliable water, wastewater and recycled water services and approving capital projects, rates, charges and budgets.

SMWD is Orange County's second-largest water district, serving a customer base of more than 150,000 residents and businesses in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores and inland southern Orange County, including the communities of Ladera Ranch and Talega.

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