To vote or not to vote a campaign issue for Triunfo board

Mike Paule, vice chair of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council, has announced he will run for the Triunfo Sanitation District board in the November election.

Paule will challenge longtime incumbent Ron Stark for the fouryear seat. It's only the second time in Stark's 24-year-tenure on the board that he's faced a challenger. Stark defeated Wayne Blasman in 2004.

Paule, who lives in Oak Park, said he supports an all-elected Triunfo board. Currently only two of the five seats are elected by voters. Three seats are appointed positions.

Board members Linda Parks and Jana Orkney have pushed for an all-elected, member-at-large board. The other three Triunfo boardmembers, including Stark, have opposed the idea.

Stark has said he would support an all-elected board, but only by district in order to ensure that each community served by Triunfo is represented.

Triunfo oversees water and sanitation services in Oak Park, North Ranch, Bell Canyon, Lake Sherwood and parts of Thousand Oaks.

Paule also expressed concern about a supposed lack of oversight at Triunfo, which contracts with the Ventura Regional Sanitation District for management, financial and legal services.

"There have been a number of controversial issues raised over the past several years with the TSD, including the many conflicts of interest that exist with how the TSD conducts business with (Ventura Regional), including the publicized mismanagement of funds that were put in a noninterest bearing account," Paule said.

Triunfo's dealings with the Ventura district have illustrated a "lack of proper management of TSD business affairs," Paule said.

"It is time for change with the TSD board after Ron's long tenure."

Triunfo elections, when they come, can be contentious.

Janna Orkney knocked out 20year board member Norma Callero in the board election two years ago.

Paule said his background as a business owner and his involvement on the MAC and other community groups give him the necessary experience to be a Triunfo board member.

"Water is indeed a key issue and with the supply at risk due to long term droughts, environmental considerations and poor statewide infrastructure, it is important that we have strong leadership that is willing to work hard with other local and state agencies to ensure our short-term and long term supply and continue to take a leadership role in the use of reclaimed water and biosolid recycling," Paule said.

Registered voters within Triunfo's district are eligible to run. Board members oversee an $18-million budget and receive a $218 stipend for each meeting attended, as well as compensation for optional conferences and breakfast meetings.

Candidates may pick up applications at the Thousand Oaks office of Supervisor Linda Parks; at the Ventura County Elections Division; or the Ventura Regional Sanitation District.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Aug. 8.