Editor:

I am writing in response to last week's letter written by Bob Schwenke regarding the recent CSD forum held at Discovery Bay Elementary School.

In the letter, Mr. Schwenke stated that he observed a number of statements made by the candidates that were made that have nothing to do with the CSD's charter, even though the CSD is charged with MAC duties by LAFCO. He then implied that I had made specific statements during the forum, when in fact, all items that he quoted were taken from my flyer.

These were not quotes from anything I or other candidates stated during the forum. With all of the recent letters (to the editor) submitted by individuals that have not participated in this process, it makes me question if Mr. Schwenke actually attended the event.

The CSD's responsibilities are to provide water, wastewater, landscaping and recreation services to the community, in addition to maintaining municipal advisory (MAC) powers. This gives the CSD the opportunity and the responsibility to utilize its duty on a broad variety of issues and concerns impacting citizens in our community; this includes all of the issues I discussed in my flyer.

Does this mean that the CSD has the opportunity and responsibility to work with the county to finally get our community center built? Yes. Developers are contractually committed to provide significant funding and resources to the community center.

Does this mean that the CSD should work with the county and other nearby agencies to ensure that Discovery Bay's perspectives on Delta waterway issues are heard? Yes. A current example is a Delta project in Frank's Tract that could be linked to a peripheral canal.

Does this mean that the CSD has both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that developers pay their fair share? Yes. The CSD is directly responsible for making sure that developers pay for the needed upgrades in our community. The CSD can and does negotiate for infrastructure, services and amenities that benefit the community. History demonstrates that both the community and county rely on the CSD to perform this function.

Does this mean that the CSD should strengthen its partnership with the school district? Yes. Partnering with the school district strengthens our community, and is a money-saving model used across the state. Currently, our CSD and school district are exploring a cost-saving opportunity (joint-use facility) that will bring improved amenities to a local park.

Does this mean that the CSD, the community and local business have a mutually beneficial relationship worth supporting? Yes. Businesses in unincorporated areas pay tax dollars to the county, and the revenue generated is used directly in unincorporated areas, including Discovery Bay. Residents enjoy the convenience of shopping locally and the creation of additional job opportunities.

Mr. Schwenke's letter attempted to imply that I do not understand the role of a CSD director.

 In his attempt to parse the details, he missed the bigger picture: the Discovery Bay CSD Board serves as our town's local government. It is expected that the CSD directors will either respond to these issues by directly taking action or where appropriate, communicate on behalf of the community to the county to ensure that issues are resolved. I believe it is incorrect to presume that these concerns of the community are not my job.

On Nov. 4, voters will have the opportunity to decide who they feel is best suited to serve the community as a whole and focus on what they can do as opposed to what they cannot.

Jennifer Finetti

Discovery Bay