Michael Braun, a criminal justice professor at San Diego State University Imperial Valley, is running for the Walnut Valley Water District Board Division 2 seat.

Braun, who holds a Ph.D., faces one other certified candidate, Brian Worthington, in the nonpartisan race on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Candidate information

  • Name: Michael Braun
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Office sought: Walnut Valley Water District Board, Division 2
  • Profession: Criminal justice professor, San Diego State University Imperial Valley

On the issues

Braun outlined these positions in a candidate questionnaire submitted to the Pasadena Ledger. They reflect his own statements.

Water security: Braun said the district depends heavily on imported water and needs a plan for drought and demand looking 10 to 20 years out, "not just this cycle."

Infrastructure: Braun said hundreds of miles of pipes, reservoirs and pumps depend on careful oversight of every capital dollar. He called for addressing deferred maintenance rather than postponing it.

Transparency and oversight: Braun said that when rates rise, ratepayers deserve to know exactly where the money goes, "project by project, dollar by dollar."

Water rates: Braun said rates should reflect the demonstrated cost of reliable service, with every increase clearly and publicly justified.

Endorsements

The following endorsements appear on Braun's campaign website:

  • James Crawford, Metropolitan Water District director
  • Jorge Marquez, Three Valleys Municipal Water District director
  • Scarlett Kwong, former Walnut Valley Water District director
  • Juan Garza, Central Basin Municipal Water District director

Candidate responses were collected through a structured questionnaire. The Pasadena Ledger plans to provide the same coverage opportunity to all candidates in this race.