Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Sutherlin Water Control District Director Position 9 Ward 2

Special districts in Oregon are formed to provide specific local government needs. They are created by a vote of the people in the local area being served. Examples include people’s utility districts, library districts, water districts, fire protection districts, and more. They are governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for management and financial accountability. Special districts are empowered to levy any necessary taxes and fees to fulfill their mandate. Board members are not paid but may receive a per diem reimbursement.Water control districts manage infrastructure necessary for flood protection and stormwater management. The board is responsible for budgets and personnel administration.Qualifications: Candidate must be a landowner in the district but does not have to reside within the district. ORS 553.210(1)Term: 4 years

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Richard Vander Velden
    (N)

Biographical Information

What skills and expertise would you bring to the board?

What are the most urgent challenges faced by the District, and how would you address them?

What more could the District be doing to improve resiliency under changing environmental conditions?

How can water be fairly allocated among different user groups, for example, between farmers and communities?

Town Where You Live Sutherlin
Your Experience/Qualifications 24 yrs government Exp, 15 yrs Multiple local elected and voluntary positions
County Douglas
Term 4 yr
Term Expires May 2025
Married to Lucy and together raised 5 children. Born and raised locally. Education - both local and abroad. Retired military. Years of experience on multiple local boards. Planning Dept for large copper smelter.
Funding for partial rebuild required to keep local reservoir up to changing government regulations.
Nothing not already being done.
Possible reallocation of resources as local population grows