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Figueroa, the maverick voice of the Palmdale Water District

Posted by: Maven on June 1, 2009 at 6:06 am

From the Antelope Valley Press, this last installment in a series of articles profiling Palmdale Water District board members:

In the 5½ years since Palmdale Water District Division 4 Director Raul Figueroa first won a seat on the board, he has witnessed various changes – some he approved and others he opposed, including the recent rate hike.

In particular, Figueroa fought a decision by a board majority of Jeff Storm, Dick Wells and Dave Gomez in December 2007 to place longtime General Manager Dennis LaMoreaux, a staffer for nearly 20 years, on paid administrative leave and then force his resignation. As a newcomer to political races in November 2003, Figueroa defeated incumbent Lynn Coffey who was running for a third term.

His community involvement began when he joined forces with a group of residents who blocked development of a proposed apartment building on the city’s east side. He also served as co-chairman of the city’s parks bond committee, and sat on the citizens oversight committee.

Figueroa, who was re-elected in November 2007, is the longest seated water district board member. His four-year term ends in December 2011.

But, it’s his post on the water board where Figueroa has shown the most fortitude, often being the lone voice against the practices of his colleagues and frequently the only vote to oppose board majority actions that he contends do not benefit the agency’s ratepayers.

Read more from the Antelope Valley Press by clicking here.

June 1, 2009 · Filed Under Southern California

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