Quick Take
Bruce Jaffe, who has been elected six times to the Soquel Creek Water District board of directors, believes his experience, understanding of climate issues and ability to form coalitions make him an ideal candidate.
Editor’s note: Lookout editors wanted to give you a chance to hear from candidates directly. But we also did not want them to simply repeat their campaign slogans. So we asked them a single question: “How will you provide the sort of leadership our community needs and how are you prepared to meet the moment as it arises?”
We gave them 500 words to answer. We hope their answers will provide one more outlet of information as you decide who to vote for on March 5.
“Community leaders create a vision, share that vision, and inspire others to join them on the journey to make it a reality.” – Jack Welch
I have a proven record of leadership in our community.
My leadership during 21 years on the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors has ensured clean, safe water for future generations. I proudly guided the 2014-24 development of an internationally recognized water purification and seawater intrusion prevention project, and directed staff in securing grants and low-interest loans to reduce costs for customers. I was instrumental in safeguarding water sources for the county through my role in establishing the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency in 2016 and served as the first chair.
I have also worked to preserve open space in the county.
As a founding member of the Nisene-to-Sea Open Space Alliance, I helped stop an inappropriate development of 20 houses proposed for land behind Cabrillo College. I successfully worked with county staff to create a trail preserving public access on the land. This trail now connects Cabrillo College to the Forest of Nisene Marks for hikers and bikers.
In my career as a professional oceanographer and geologist, I led international teams of scientists in the study of natural disasters and the effects of climate change. These studies gave me first-hand knowledge of communities affected by disasters and climate change. This knowledge uniquely qualifies me as a supervisor.
Climate change will continue to affect us and we will need to plan for disasters and recovery from disasters. I have the practical background we need. I have worked to help develop national plans for a scientific response to disasters and will apply those ideas locally.
I led these past successes in the same way I will lead as a supervisor. I formed good relationships with those who have common goals. This is key to being an effective supervisor. I have lived in District 2 for 40 years and got a Ph.D. in earth sciences from UC Santa Cruz. I know and understand our community.
The saying is that on a five-member board, you need to count to three. For a motion to pass, three of the five supervisors need to agree. I know how to build consensus and work with people to reach agreement, even when the choices are tough.
I also understand how to build a culture of collaboration. Part of this culture is openness to diverse viewpoints and encouraging thinking outside the box.
No group can possibly know everything. Successful leaders encourage input from all. As a supervisor, I would hold meetings in all parts of District 2 to get input on community needs and issues.
Am I prepared to lead on the first day I serve as supervisor?
Yes. My team and I will hit the ground running with a culture of openness and collaboration. We plan for intense study of issues, identifying best practices around the country for building new collaborations to address difficult problems, listening sessions and more. I am prepared and excited to meet the moment.
Bruce Jaffe’s campaign site can be found here.