A Message from Joe Grindstaff: Leadership and Commitment in Sustainable Water Management

Dear Friends,

Water is at a critical junction in California. We have done a great job in many ways, but vital decisions about our future are going to be made over the next few years. The California Bay-Delta has been at the center of controversy in California for decades. The State of California has recently released an Environmental Document proposing to build a tunnel under the Delta, allowing us to move more water south as climate increases demand and reduces supply. Contracts and commitments to pay are going to be negotiated soon. Several water storage projects are reaching key decision points. The Colorado River remains a vital supply source, which also demands urgent action concerning potential shortages. What was once thought of as an ironclad source of water looks to be shrinking as we move into the future. At the same time, water quality issues make it harder to provide water that meets the standards we all want. All of this is costly, and the price will only increase going forward. The decisions we make now will impact our communities for many generations.

My name is Joe Grindstaff, and I am running for the Eastern Municipal Water District Board to help address these issues. I have been in the water industry for 40 years, starting as a lab technician when I was in college. In the years that followed, I continued to advance in my career, playing pivotal roles in shaping key water management initiatives as General Manager at local and regional agencies, as well as initiating state water policies as the California State Deputy Secretary for Water Policy in the Natural Resources Agency under the administration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I have worked for and been appointed by both Republicans and Democrats, always striving to let the needs of our communities be my foremost concern. I would like to offer the experience and knowledge I have gained over the four decades I have served in the water industry. I am passionate about water, which will become evident if you have some time to browse the blogs I have begun to add. The conversation about water should be ongoing because it is critical to our way of life. There will always be much to discuss on the subject, and I ask for your vote this November to continue the conversation as the newest board member of Eastern Municipal Water District. Please feel free to dive deeper into my experience, accomplishments, and philosophies concerning water on here on my website. I also welcome you to reach out with questions and/or input in the comment section. Or, just call me! Chances are, I’ll talk your ear off, or at least, that is what my grandkids would say!

Thank you for your vote and your support.

Joe Grindstaff