DIVISION 1: MATT SAMSON
MMWD is overdue for a change.
Includes Sleepy Hollow, northwest portion of San Anselmo, Terra Linda, Santa Venetia, Marinwood, Lucas Valley, and portions of San Rafael near Highway 101 in the Lincoln Avenue and Dominican areas.
As a life-long resident of San Rafael and a leader in the fire service for 23 years, Matt understands decisions can’t be made on the fly when an emergency occurs. His job is to not only respond to emergencies, but to take steps to prepare for and avert crises. Matt believes MMWD “will greatly benefit from concentrating on solving problems before they occur, both from a cost standpoint as well as efficiency, environmental responsibility and public safety.” Matt intends to work to secure our water supply and expand regional partnerships to make Marin resilient to both drought and wildfire.
A lack of policy, direction and decision making has placed MMWD residents in a perilous place in terms of water resiliency and security. He emphasizes we can no longer rest on singularly focused solutions and 20th century infrastructure. Matt brings a fresh perspective to meet the demands of the 21st century.
DIVISION 3: RANJIV KHUSH
Meeting the consequences of climate change
Includes San Geronimo Valley, incorporated Fairfax plus unincorporated Fairfax neighborhoods, portion of San Anselmo not including northwest area, Ross, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Kent Woodlands, and portion of Larkspur north of Corte Madera Creek and west of Highway 101, portion of Larkspur
Ranjiv lives in San Anselmo. He has a PhD in Biology with an emphasis on water science. He founded The Aquaya Institute in 2005, which is now one of the top independent research organizations dedicated to water and sanitation planning in the developing world. His staff of 35 have worked on water and sanitation planning in 25 countries. Previously, Ranjiv was a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of the Science Advisor to the US Secretary of State in Washington DC. He was also a researcher in Stanford's Medical School and with the French national research agency (CNRS) in Paris, France.
As a water supply professional, he is deeply concerned by the vulnerability of Marin's water supply and by the poor planning that has led Marin to a water crisis in the Fall of 2022. He is seeking a Board position to drive new water supply development that will ensure Marin has drought resistant water resources. His collaboration with scientists, policy experts, and the public will make smart water infrastructure investments possible as will partnering with regional water agencies to diversify and increase Marin's water resource options.
Ranjiv lists among his priorities a commitment to re-establish the vision that made MMWD California's first water district and that inspired Marin to invest in the water infrastructure and watershed protection that helped make it the best place in the world to live.
DIVISION 4: JED SMITH
Action-oriented Leadership
Includes incorporated Mill Valley and all surrounding unincorporated neighborhoods west of Highway 101, the area east of Highway 101 and north of Tiburon Boulevard and west of Tiburon and south of Corte Madera, Sausalito, Marin City, Muir Woods, north and south slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, watershed land south of Fairfax-Bolinas Road and up to Division III boundary, and Fort Baker, Barry, and Cronkhite and portions of Golden Gate National Recreation Area lands within the district's service area.
Mill Valley resident, Jed Smith, is a pioneering investor in sustainability, health and education initiatives. He prioritizes on giving back, with a focus on social justice and expanded access to opportunities for under-served communities.
Jed brings 25 years of action-oriented board leadership with proven results in multiple industries and not-for-profit efforts. Within 4 years of becoming a Director of MMWD, he plans to help deliver a short-, medium- and long-term plan to solve our water sourcing, storage and supply needs in the face of historic climate change and drought.
Jed views fiscal responsibility as a prerequisite to achieving these goals including making critical infrastructure investments, reducing waste, caring for our spectacular watershed, habitat and fire protection needs. With his history of organizational leadership, financial acumen and a unifying approach, Jed will partner with the staff, board members and community to sift through the plethora of opinions and develop metrics for success and true actionable solutions.
He is looking forward to applying the creative and analytical skills that made him a successful entrepreneur and investor to working as a Board Director for MMWD and tackling Marin’s water challenges.
As an avid outdoorsman who treasures this beautiful land, it is his intent to be a good steward for Marin.