Tigard NOW Endorses Burke for Re-Election
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE
Welcome to my website! I am honored to serve as one of your Tualatin Valley Water District commissioners. Although I've served since 1999, I am focused on the future of our district, and how to make it better.
Water Rates. TVWD's wholesale water costs have increased by 131% and we have had to save money for a new water source while maintaining our existing infrastructure. None of this is free. But by developing our own water source, we will be able to control our water pricing. This is a great opportunity that will support economic growth and family-wage jobs.
You and I Are In the Same Boat. TVWD commissioners do not get free or discounted water, any salary, PERS benefits, or health benefits. We're ratepayers just like you! These are essentially volunteer positions, so our interests are the same as yours - to secure safe, abundant, and affordable water for our families and businesses.
Satisfied Customers and Securing Our Water Future. I am proud of my accomplishments and those of our board and staff. TVWD boasts an over 90% customer satisfaction rating, unheard of for a government entity. We are about to launch construction of a new water source, which will give us more control over our economic future and water rates instead of being at the mercy of wholesale water providers.
A Staff and Board That Works Well. Our staff is award-winning, and our politically diverse board of commissioners all work collegially without ideological polarization to do what is right for the district. As we are about to make decisions that will affect our region for the next 50-100 years, continuity, experience, and stability are important. So I hope you will re-elect me and fellow commissioner Jim Doane so I can work with all concerned to see can make the right moves as we forge ahead.
Below you will find a copy of my voter pamplet statement and, below, a link offering responses to some statements made by my opponent regarding water rates. At right, you will find some links telling you more about our water district, it's facilities and resources, related sites, and information about water's role in our economy, community, and each of our lives.
If you have questions, please email me by clicking here. I enjoy serving as one of your water commissioners and hope you will vote for me in the May 19th election. According to the Washington County Elections Office, ballots must be returned by 8PM, May 19. Thank you!
Tualatin Valley Water District
VOTER PAMPHLET STATEMENT
OCCUPATION: Information Consultant and Public Policy Advocate, 2000 – present.
OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Computer Network Consultant, 1989-2001.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: B.S., Social Science, Portland State University, 1989.
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Elected TVWD Commissioner, 1999-present, current TVWD board president; Chair, Bull Run Regional Drinking Water Agency, 2002; 15-Year Member, American Water Works Association; Legislative assistant, Oregon State Senate, 2001; Elected Local School Committee member, Beaverton School District, 1994, 1997.
RE-ELECT
RICHARD
P. BURKE
“PROVEN PERFORMANCE”
➤ Continuity and Stability
TVWD is protecting our region from natural disasters and other hazards by developing multiple water sources. While maintaining access to Bull Run water, breaking Portland's monopoly will save more than $1 billion over time and enhance our region's economic independence. This will also attract investment and family wage jobs. I've worked on this project since 1999 will use my experience to see the project through for the benefit of us all.
➤ Saving Ratepayers Money
I took the lead in weaning TVWD completely off property taxes, which was accomplished in 2005. TVWD operations are now funded by water rates, not property taxes. Despite annual increases in the price of water we buy wholesale from Portland, TVWD has kept water affordable while encouraging conservation, improving water quality, and maintaining our water delivery infrastructure.
➤ Responsive to the People
Before supporting the development of new water sources, I insisted that TVWD conducted an extensive public input process. As board president, I increased the time each person is allotted to testify on any issue. I fought to ensure that no outside agency imposed changes on fluoride policies established by our ratepayers. I've presided over many public hearings on conservation, fluoride, water safety, and other issues. I have always remembered that we work for you.
It is an honor representing you as a TVWD commissioner. If re-elected, I will continue working with our board, staff, and ratepayers to secure clean, safe and affordable water for ourselves and future generations. Thank you.
