TurlockCityNews.com Questionnaire
Joe Alamo, TID Division 3 Director Candidate
How do you feel about merit pay for select TID employees? Reference- http://www.turlockcitynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=496&Itemid=26&joscclean=1&comment_id=965
I feel merit pay should be reviewed and discussed openly. I know merit pay has brought about division amongst TID employees. There should be an open dialogue from all concerned parties. I will keep an open mind on this and all issues until I know all the facts. After I know all the facts, I will make a decision which I feel will best serve the Turlock Irrigation District.
Would you vote to hold a special election or have the TID Board appoint someone to fill the Director position left vacant by the unfortunate passing of Phil Short and why? If you would have the Board appoint someone, should it be the current Board or the new Board including the two newly elected Directors and why? Reference- http://www.turlockcitynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=876:tid-board-vacancy-op-ed-by-dj-fransen&catid=53&Itemid=45
I would vote to have the TID board appoint someone to fill the vacant director position. We do not need the added cost of a special election in these economic times. I would vote to have the new board appoint the director. The new board will be working with the director for the next 2 years. The new board can interview and select the best candidate for the position.
Would you be in favor of changing the TID Board Meeting time from 9:00am to a later time such as 5:30pm so people who work can attend? Why or Why not?
I would be in favor of changing the board meeting to a later time if that would increase attendance and not add cost. However, if attendance did not increase I would be in favor of moving the meeting back to regular business hours.
STANDARD QUESTIONS:
For those of us who don’t know, what is TID and/or what is it about?
TID is Turlock Irrigation District. A locally controlled utility company that supplies power and water to its customers.
What do you feel the duties of a TID Board Member are?
To make policy that will best benefit current TID customers and future TID customers.
What made you decide to run for a TID Board of Directors’ position this election?
I believe in being involved in the community. I am running for director to maintain reliable and affordable power and water to our customers.
List Top 5 Biographical Highlights:
Graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor of science degree in Ag Business
Member and past president of Central Counties Dairy Heard Improvement Association
Board Member of Cal Poly AGR Alumni Association
Committee Member of Western United Dairymen
Director of Turlock Pentecost Association
List Top 3 Priorities:
To maintain reliable and affordable power
To maintain affordable and adequate water for our farmers
To keep TID fiscally sound
What do you feel you have to offer that the other candidate may not?
I am a hard working individual that is willing to step forward to bring about needed change. I have a can do attitude and am not afraid of getting things done through hard work. I am willing to listen to all stake holders including TID employees and rate payers to ensure that there is affordable and reliable power and water. I have a desire to learn so I can make the correct decisions as your director if elected.
Do you have anything to add or contribute to the current TID Board of Directors?
Prosperity grows where water flows! I feel the founding fathers of the irrigation district had amazing foresight and we need to get back to the tradition of providing the lowest possible rates for water and power.
What issues do you feel need to be addressed more than they already are? Are there any problems or is there anything that you feel needs to be fixed/ changed concerning TID or TID customers?
The issue of protecting of our water rights on the Tuolumne River. Especially with the upcoming federal re-licensing of Don Pedro Reservoir, many different groups will be expressing their interest and wanting our water. We need a strong board to stand up to these outside pressures.
Key Endorsements (up to 5):
Michael C. Berryhill, Sr. (TID Director)
Richard Clauss (former TID Director)
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau
Paul Caruso (former Stanislaus County Supervisor)
Ray Souza (Western United Dairymen, President)
Complete List of Endorsements (as of time submitted):
Candido & Fernanda Borges
Geri & Jon Ottersbach
Esther & Leo Foletta
Greg & Yvette Nunes
Sharon Gioletti
Gerry Washam
Manuel & JoAnn Alvernaz
Heide & Wendel Trinkler Jr.
Marge & Ted Betschart
Dustin Soares (Local Warriors Club, President)
Tony Diniz ( Turlock Pentecost Association, President)
Kevin Blount ( Mt View Fire Chief, Chatom School Board Member)
Marchy Dairy
Eloise & Robert Gioletti
Jeanne & Ed Lytle
Mideland Farms
Linda & Tony Betschart
Dan Peterson
Fran & Jim Carvalho
Lyons Investments & Mapes Ranch
Position Papers (specific views on specific issues) or Candidate Statements (equal to an intro at a debate or a short speech of what you’d like to communicate without being edited):
Joe Alamo—Candidate Statement
Growing up on a dairy in my current district has taught me the importance of accountability and the value of hard work. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Ag Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I also took course work in irrigation management. I returned back to the farm where I currently work in a dairy operation with my two brothers. I am married to Nelia and have three children.
As a dairyman and agribusinessman in Stanislaus County, I manage employees, care for animals and make sure we have fiscal integrity. I will work just as hard to keep the Turlock Irrigation District responsible to all parties including farmers, city residents and TID employees. I am a current member and past president of the Central Counties Dairy Herd Improvement Association. I am also on the Board of Cal Poly AGR Alumni Association. Other organizations I belong to include Stanislaus Farm Bureau, Western United Dairyman, Turlock Pentecost Association, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
I am running for the TID Board because I feel the customer needs a voice. I have been a water and power customer for over thirty years. I am willing to listen to others and get involved with our community to bring about change. My top priorities are to protect TID water rights on the Tuolumne River and to ensure that future electric power is reliable and affordable. It is also a priority to make sure farmer’s irrigation water is available in all years at a reasonable cost. I plan to work hard to bring about the necessary changes to make the Founding Fathers of the irrigation district proud of this organization today.