ROBERT (BOB) CHURNSIDE
OCCUPATION: Superintendent for Moore Excavation, Cattle Rancher.
OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Construction of underground utilities.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Rex Putnam High School.
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE : Taxpayer
I'm a native Oregonian who grew up in Milwaukie and has lived for many years in Corbett.
My occupation is installing large underground water systems for districts with large budgets like the City of Portland. When they need something done, they just set aside millions, and someone does the work for them. That won't work in Corbett because we have only 1,000 customers and twenty miles of pipe that is beyond its design life.
To get pipe replaced before it will no longer carry water, I support the District's Do-It-Yourself approach. This involves identifying locations where existing pipe is leaking badly and having District Staff install new high-quality pipe that will last a century. In 2008 they installed 8,000 feet at modest cost. That's wonderful.
Some construction jobs are just too big for District Staff and will need to be contracted. I support further upgrades to our Water Treatment Plant (finally replacing all primitive filter ponds) and replacing the large pipes going to and from the treatment plant. But let me add a note of caution. I don't support going overboard with loans from Federal Stimulus money. That is not free money, and it will impact rates!
If the District can obtain a grant to replace pressure reducing stations with hydroelectric generators to sell power to PGE, I think we should seize the opportunity.
Although my experience with water systems is a plus for the District, I realize that my fundamental job is to protect the public's money by supporting wise decisions and demanding complete accountability. We are fortunate to have an excellent staff that is well paid for excellent work. The years when some took advantage are behind us now.
With your support, we can continue rebuilding our water system to be modern, efficient, and cost-effective.
I ask for your vote.
(This information furnished by Robert (Bob) Churnside)
The above information has not been verified for accuracy by Multnomah County.