LVMWD appoints new president

Hidden Hills resident Charles Caspary has been appointed the new president of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) Board of Directors.

The 50-year-old Caspary replaces Calabasas resident Vernon Padgett, who resigned abruptly on Jan. 14.

Caspary will serve the remainder of Padgett’s two-year term, which expires next January.

"I feel like one year is enough," said Padgett, who was elected to the board in 1998.

Padgett said he felt "frustrated" in his role as president and that he wanted to turn his attention to the campaign this November when he faces reelection.

The water district lowered drinking water rates by 10 percent during Padgett’s term as president.

Caspary, who was elected in 2000, said he would serve only one four-year term.

Veteran boardmember Ann Dorgelo remains as the LVMWD Board of Directors vice president. Board Direcctor Glen Peterson was elected secretary.

LVMWD presidents serve on a rotating basis for two years. The board discussed the possibility of changing presidents after just one year—similar to the local city councils—but took no action.

Board director Glen Longarini said the one-year presidential term would give the board an annual fresh start, but another boardmember disagreed.

"It’s not broken," said Peterson. "I think the two–year term makes sense." But Peterson suggested the board have the power to remove an officer "at will."

Peterson and Dorgelo opposed Padgett’s election as president a year ago.

Now semi-retired, Caspary is the former owner of Atlas Refuse Removal and Las Virgenes Disposal.

He served on the California Refuse Removal Council, the Greater Los Angeles Solid Waste Management Association, and was a trustee of the Viewpoint School Educational Foundation.

LVMWD serves commercial and residential customers in a 122-square mile area from the West San Fernando Valley to Westlake Village.

—John Loesing