DeAna Verbeke Wins, Promises Fair Water Rate Structure

Tuesday night at Golden Hall, DeAna Verbeke showed the confidence of someone who has been there before in awaiting the results of her race for re-election to the Board of Directors.

Verbeke, the incumbent who was first elected in 2005, was facing Jordie Lehr,  a Grossmont High School teacher, and Stephen Last, a local koi breeder.

She earned nearly 60 percent of the votes in a relatively easy win.

"I actually thought it might be a little closer," she admitted, "but I did expect to win. I have a knowledge of the water district and of water issues, and I think people voted for me because I have represented them well in the past."

She said that her campaign platform to try and keep water rates for residents as low as possible was something that the voters resonated with. She also said that she wants to give residents a fair rate structure.

Helix Water District currently operates under a three-tiered system, in which customers who use the most water pay higher rates, regardless of lot size or conservation technique used.

"The rate structure is very important in my division because I have the majority of residents with big lots," said Verbeke. "Even when they conserve, they naturally use more. I want to come up with a fair rate structure."

She also said she is committed to finding other reliable water sources, and continuing to advocate for water conservation.

"Educating people on how to collect rainwater in large barrels for use in irrigation is something else that I want to look into."

Lehr finished second with 27 percent of the vote. Last earned 13 percent.