Letters: A Geologist for SLV Water Board

I am writing in support of Gail Mahood for SLV Water District Board of Directors. She has a wide array of skills and knowledge that would be of great value and help to our water district, especially at this time.  Her experience as Professor of Geology at Stanford University for 40 years has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to deal with post-fire contamination, water run off and debris clean up. Over the past year, she has been actively participating in service to the Water District as a member of the Engineering Committee and has demonstrated a great understanding of the importance of working with other agencies who share our underground water supply by participating in Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency meetings. 

I’m also very impressed by the number and wide variety of people who have endorsed her, including Assemblyman Mark Stone, Supervisor Bruce McPherson, past president and current member of the Board Lois Henry, former board member and Camp Joy founder Jim Nelson, VWC Environmental Committee President Nancy Macy, and a host of others. There are so many qualities to recommend Gail for this important position, including budgetary and fiscal knowledge gained while working as chair of the Stanford Faculty Senate and the university’s budget and strategic planning group.  

Check out her many qualifications on her website www.gail4slvwd.com.  People who are in the difficult position of having to rebuild after the fires are being advised to consult a geologist.  Imagine the advantage of having one on our Board. My husband, Fred, served on the Water Board as well as its Environmental Committee for a number of years and continuously stressed the importance of understanding geology in order to effectively deal with issues concerning our water. He would have been thrilled to have someone of Gail Mahood’s caliber on the Board.     

 Roberta McPherson, Boulder Creek