It wasn’t quite a debate for Lakehaven Utility District position 3 candidate, Peter Sanchez. Sanchez was once again the lone attendee for his position at the Mirror’s candidates forum on Oct. 7.
Richard Peterson, Sanchez’s opponent, had to cancel for work related reasons.
Sanchez was asked a series of questions by community member with topics ranging from his budgeting experience, aging infrastructure and his plans.
During his opening statement, Sanchez thanked the members of the community and Commissioner Charles Gibson.
“Had he run, you wouldn’t know my name,” Sanchez said of Gibson.
Sanchez said he’s attended all but two regularly scheduled commission meetings since he began running.
He missed those because one was rescheduled and he had a previously scheduled vacation with his family during the other.
Sanchez was asked about failing infrastructure and how Lakehaven would continue to maintain a competent system.
“The specifics I can’t say, but they do have a program for upgrading both the water and wastewater side,” Sanchez said. “Everything is getting older, like we all are and buildings are, and they do have a finite life. We had a water main break on First Avenue and nobody expected it. The professional staff at Lakehaven will keep us up to date and make sure we try to keep things running as best we can.”
He was also adamant about keeping the utility district separate from the city was the best option for everyone involved.
“You go to other cities and municipalities and you pay a whole lot more than what you’re paying here,” Sanchez said. “It works for the ratepayers. It’s not a tax. If you think that the city could do a better job, look at the rate you pay in Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn. It’s twice what you’re paying now, sometimes three times as much. I don’t think it would be wise for the city to take over. The utility is being run extremely well.”
An audience member asked about the higher rates per cubic foot for larger families even if they use less water and if it was a punishment to them.
Sanchez stated that it was just the cost to provide the service and that compared to other cities, it is still relatively inexpensive.
When asked about financial reserves for addressing problems such as the one on First Avenue South, Sanchez stated that he was not sure about specifics on finances, but he believed they had the money.
He stated that in his current district, they have it there and it would surprise him if they didn’t have the money at Lakehaven.
Sanchez was asked about his financial background compared to his opponent.
Peterson has stated that his background gives him the upper hand over Sanchez for this position.
“I don’t know the cost to run a cemetery,” Sanchez said. “I know it does cost money, but I also have been involved with Southwest Suburban Sewer District in their budgeting process. We have a multi-million dollar a year budget just like Lakehaven. While I’m not the finance guy, I’ve had my input. I understand that it’s matter of prioritizing what you can get done, what you have to get done and what you’d like to get done.”
When asked if Lakehaven was committed to building a $600,000 water park in Town Square Park, Sanchez stated that it was the first time he had heard of a project like that.
Sanchez was asked why the community should vote for him and what makes him different from his opponent.
“This has been what I’ve done for a living for over 33 years,” Sanchez said. “Granted, it’s been on the wastewater side and not the water side, but what people need to remember is that clean water and wastewater treatment are two sides of the same coin.”
Another priority of his, if he is elected, would be to increase education about wastewater within the community, particularly among children.
Sanchez closed by thanking the community members that voted him in the primary elections.
“I was very humbled when I saw the results,” Sanchez said. “I’m not going to tell you I didn’t expect to do well because I did. If I’m elected I promise to do my best to draw on the experience and the knowledge that I have to help continue to guide Lakehaven into the future and continue to have it be the top notch utility that it is.”
Terrence M. Hill 