Tom Cruz: Two candidates seek to represent South County on water district board
Published in the August 24 – September 6, 2016 issue of Gilroy Life
By Tom Cruz
Tom Cruz
I am running for the Water District Board, District 1, because two years ago I ran for this seat and I received an impressive 45 percent (20,573) of the vote and you deserve to be fairly represented for water projects funded by your tax payer money of a $524 million annual budget. I will do that for you!
As a resident for almost 20 years, I promise to be an advocate for water projects. I bring a business perspective with my background as a 2016 California Democratic Party delegate and current positions as an appointed Mineta San Jose Airport Commissioner representing nearly 100,000 San Jose residents and board member of my homeowners’ association. For the past nine years, I devoted myself to public service as a County of Santa Clara employee. This allowed me to give back to the community and to see the areas that need improvement and accountability.
I am the best qualified candidate to represent the South County due to my agricultural roots and proven commitment to representing the community in my current political positions as a California Democratic Party delegate and Mineta San Jose Airport Commissioner. Growing up as the son of a military veteran, my upbringing included being raised on my grandfather’s farm. I will advocate for the South County agricultural community and bring the same level of hard work and dedication that I was raised with to you.
My priorities include ensuring that the 15-year voter-approved Safe Clean Water projects are completed as promised, provide stringent oversight of the $524 million annual taxpayer-funded budget and hold the water district to the highest standard of financial accountability, advocate for increased supply of recycled water to South County, ensure effective groundwater management, ensure seismic retro-fit projects including Anderson Dam are completed within budget, push to make aging pipeline infrastructure repair a priority, and pledge to restore wildlife habitat and increased open space.
The Expedited Purified Water Program is a billion-dollar project to supplement groundwater recharge. I promise to represent the South County community and have your voice heard.
I am committed to advocating for your rights to water projects in our community, and that is why I decided to self-fund my campaign. I would be honored to earn your vote for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Director, District 1.
Tom Cruz works for the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. He enjoys spending time with friends, family and his rescue cat, He also enjoys cooking, reading, photography and travel. His website is www.votetomcruz.com.
