As Discovery Bay’s governing body, the five-member CSD board oversees water, sewer, landscaping and recreation services to the community. This year, five candidates are running for three open seats – including one two-year term. They are incumbents Ray Tetreault, Mark Simon and Jim Mattison, and newcomers Bill Pease and Mike Temby.
Pease, a former Fremont city councilman, believes being the new face in a familiar crowd offers an advantage. “I think I bring a fresh perspective to the CSD board,” said Pease. “And I think I have some new ideas that would be helpful. I’m a true believer in giving back to the community and helping in any way you can, and I would certainly like the opportunity to do that.”
Pease said his number-one priority is to prudently approve expenditures for Discovery Bay’s water, wastewater, parks and landscaping. He said he understands how the public decision-making process works and will ensure that the town’s tax dollars are managed in the most fiscally responsible manner.
Simon, who has served on the CSD since 2008, said during his tenure on the board, the town has –among other things – hired a new general manager, a new finance manager, upgraded the office and budget processes, and restored the beauty of the town’s landscaping.
“As we near the final days of election season, I’d like to thank my fellow residents for all the support they have given me over the past four years,” said Simon. “I have kept every campaign promise I made four years ago. I will never promise what I can’t deliver. Any candidate can make idle promises during a campaign. I hope voters will support those with a proven track record.”
Tetreault hopes so, too. As the longest-serving current CSD board member, Tetreault – who is running for the two-year seat – has served Discovery Bay in various capacities over the years, including president and treasurer of the CSD board; trustee of Reclamation District 800; member of the Sheriff’s Municipal Advisory Committee; commissioner of the East Diablo Fire Protection District; and member of the Discovery Bay Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.
“I have been on the board for 10 of the past 12 years,” said Tetreault, who moved to Discovery Bay in 1998. “And as a member of the budget committee I have played an important role in bringing you a balanced budget along with setting up reserves for the first time in our town’s history … As a retired longtime resident of Discovery Bay, I have the time available to deal with the many challenges facing our community today.”
Jim Mattison, who was appointed to the CSD board in April of this year following the resignation of Director Brian Dawson, said he’s excited to be a part of guiding the town as it moves into the future.
“The board, working alongside our great town staff, has worked hard to develop and approve our first complete master plan for the community,” said Mattison. “This 10-year master plan is comprehensive, and I would like the privilege of serving for the next four years so that I can ensure that the plan is implemented.”
The longtime resident has served as a coach and athletic director for CYO for many years and is an active presence in the local Lions Club. He cites the town’s commitment to its infrastructure and recreation programs – including the creation of a community center – among the board’s many strengths.
“Our town does best when we work together,” said Mattison. “Since I have been on the CSD board, I see more unity now that has been in many years. Our present board is made up of a group of diverse individuals who have jelled and truly have the town’s best interests in mind.”
Temby, who is running for the two-year term against Tetreault, declined to comment on the election.
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