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Gene Hernandez- New YLWD Director
Opinion
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It comes as no surprise to anyone who follows the continual antics of the Yorba Linda Water District that career politician, Gene Hernandez, who is currently serving on the City Council, was recently chosen to serve on the water board. Hernandez stated in his monthly Mayor's Corner address in December of 2023 that he would fill out his term on the Council which ends in November 2024. Plans change.
Law Prohibits Holding Two Elected Conflicting Positions
State law prohibits elected officials from holding two elected positions if there is a “possibility of significant clash of duties or loyalties between the offices.” If the two offices are deemed “incompatible” by the courts, then the official is considered to have effectively forfeited the first office upon taking the second.
Incompatible offices can only be challenged with permission from the California Attorney General’s Office. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed several of these “quo warranto” lawsuits over the last decade against individuals who simultaneously sat on water boards and city councils.
Most recently, the D.A.’s Office sought and received permission in January to sue La Puente Councilman David Argudo (https://www.sgvtribune.com/2023/01/31/district-attorney-pushing-to-remove-la-puente-councilmember-from-office/), who also sits on the La Puente Valley County Water District. That case is still pending.
Hernandez to be Seated, January 11
Hernandez will be seated at the regular YLWD meeting on Thursday, January 11, in the seat vacated by former Director Wayne Miller. Miller stated that he resigned his seat because he did not have the support of the other directors, leaving some to wonder why you need the support of other elected officials to do your job.
Choosing Hernandez to fill out the remaining 10-month term of Miller, sets the stage for Hernandez to be re-elected in November 2024 and serve indefinitely as there are no term limits at the YLWD. Unless something better comes along, expect Hernandez to be a permanent fixture.
Big Power and Money Needed to Run
If you were thinking of running for one of the two water board seats in 2024, against Gene Hernandez and the current President Trudi DesRoches, recent former Director of the Diemer Water Plant, be sure to bring big power support and large sums of money. Otherwise, Outsiders Need Not Apply.
Another Plus for Hernandez
In 2022, Hernandez was a proponent of the failed high density housing Measure Z initiative, rejected by 75% of voters. The revised Measure Z - 2.0, to be re-named, will again appear on the 2024 ballot. Hernandez is less likely to be forced to deal with his high density support now that he has a seat on the water board.
Hernandez had already been endorsed by Directors Brett Barbre and Tom Lindsey for November 2024, despite the fact that Lindsey supported the dismissal of Barbre as YLWD President in 2022. Positions change.
Hernandez- Consistently Supported YLWD Rate Increases
The YLWD put off a proposed rate increase in October 2023, most likely due to the upcoming November election. But you can expect a rate increase following election when the directors are re-elected and secure. And, to add rate increase support to the YLWD Board, Gene Hernandez as the Council Representative to the water board, has consistently supported their rate increases.
YLWD Rate Increase Expected in 2025
A future rate increase should receive five votes from the board who consistently support recommended actions rather than fact-finding or other options. If all goes as planned, all five directors will be safe and secure for another 2-4 years and ready to support all suggested rate increases.
The YLWD saga continues!
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Read More
Yorba Linda Water District Meeting, January 11
https://yorbalindawdca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/390/files/2425
Agenda item 7.1
Yorba Linda Public Funds Go Up in Smoke
Brett Barbre and the $43,735.00 Spiral Staircase for Cigar Smoking
https://conta.cc/45HXBis
2023 Proposed Rate Increase
https://conta.cc/46OfZXI
No Rate Increase
https://conta.cc/46UYSnd
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