At last night’s candidate forum sponsored by the Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce, five hopefuls vying for three seats on the Joshua Basin Water District Board of Directors answered questions previously submitted from a variety of sources. Moderator and reporter Mike Lipsitz has this report …
The subject of land use and development is a hot button issue in the district and candidates squirmed each time the subject was broached. In their responses, incumbents Bob Johnson and Mickey Luckman suggested that upholding the duties of office must prevail even when in conflict with personal wishes. Johnson spoke of the undue pressure of following county planning policy and providing water when requested regardless. Luckman affirmed the district’s mission is to provide water and described its lack of land use authority as a very troubling issue. Challengers Douglas “Buck” Buckley and Geary Hund acknowledged the District is not a land use agency but both held out hope of exerting some control, in order to protect existing customers and do what’s right for the community. Former board member Richard Fountain spoke of the issue in practical terms saying the board must make sure big developers pay their fair share and that the district must collect every penny owed.
JOSHUA BASIN WATER CANDIDATE FORUM LAST NIGHT
