I was born and raised in New England and attended Norwich University where I received a B.S. degree in Biology and a Commission in the US Army, Medical Branch. I moved to Texas in 1967 to pursue advanced degrees at North Texas State University and Texas A&M University. During that time, I went on active duty with the US Army, which included a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam. In 1976, I was hired by the Texas Water Development Board as a Hydrologist and tasked with establishing their first instream flows program. Two years later I transferred to the Texas Water Commission which included similar responsibilities of environmental flow assessments for the State's surface water resources. I spent the remainder of my at the Commission and retired in 2009 as a Senior Environmental Policy Advisor. My work focused on collecting sound scientific data and providing Senior Management with informed recommendations for their use in the decision-making process. Since retiring I have served as a contract consultant with a local engineering firm. For the past four years I have served on the HTGCD Board of Directors. I also serve on Dripping Springs Utility Commission.

After exploring multiple interests, I graduated from the UTA Graduate School of Social work with honors. I was elected GSSW student body President and fought for and got a student right written into the school by-laws Upon graduation, I was immediately hired as Director of Social Services. I was recruited by Parkland Hospital to write and implement an Employee Assistance Program pilot program. I was loaned to Southwest Medical School parttime to teach Residents how to work with social workers My other work there is too much to list at this time! I went into private practice as a psychotherapist after leaving Parkland and ultimately created and co-owned my own clinic---Mind Body Therapy Associates, a wholistic clinic unique in the DFW area. In 2000 I decided to return to a more rural life and be closer to my aging parents. I joined a green building group and started work on my property building green and installing rainwater collection In 2008 I joined a group to reform the Pedernales Electric Coop Board. In 2013 I was elected to the HTGCD board and have served as President for seven years, VP six years. I initiated the recognition of Jacobs Well as a special management zone. I am experienced and a proven leader and fighter for our water and our future.

The Hill Country was declared at Priority Groundwater Management Area by the State in 1990. In 1999, the Texas Legislature created the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, with additional legislation in 2001, to finalize its authority and structure. Since creation of the District, Hays Co has experienced tremendous growth and development. Combined with significant periods of drought, we have seen a decline in the underlying aquifers that have provided for this growth. As a HTGCD Board Member for the past four years, I have focused on acquiring scientific data that contributes to sound management decisions. The Board is making every effort to manage the available groundwater in an efficient manner, without compromising the health, safety, and welfare of the District's citizens, during the current prolonged drought. My goal for the District, centers on establishing a sustainable management plan for our groundwater resources. A second goal would be increased data collection and monitoring of the Trinity Aquifer to support the decision-making process. Finally, there needs to be a concerted effort to identify other sources of water to meet the burgeoning demand coming with the County's population growth and development.

Funding for the District is one of our most critical issues. The above legislative action would fix this problem But it would also fix the problem that is bleeding us financially at this time We are being sued by Aqua Texas and Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp and the legal fees are taking all our resources. And let's be clear. Our ask for funding is one of the options that all other 99 groundwater districts have: Production fees. Options are production fees and/or taxes. We have specifically stated we do not seek taxes. So, again the election of Merrie Fox is critical to helping get the HTGCD stable and fully able to do its job! And Erin Zwiener!

The above issues are combined, but represent two goals. But to really meet the needs of the people and our water issues, there is another piece to the puzzle. Our Counties need more authority to manage sustainable growth. They have consistently been denied and often stripped of their ability to have this authority. Most counties are willing and even want to work with their local GCDs on the issues of water availability and growth, But the Legislature has been unwilling to even hear this plea. So I have been working in the shadows with my County Commissioner on some new development regulations that will at least enable the HTGCD to collaborate more on the now mandated water availability studies that were enacted the last legislative session. But once again, working with Merrie Fox and Erin Zwiener to get stronger authority to Counties is critical I will be active in Austin as these bills come to committee. And active in my community to gain support and a LOUD voice to get it done.

Hopefully new legislation will make new rules further empowering the District to be my third goal!

As a current Board Member for the Hays Trinity Groundwater District, we have focused on reducing water use by our customers through voluntary measures, and encouraged individuals to add other sources such as rainwater collection systems. The City of Dripping Springs has implemented a program which provides treated effluent for irrigation purposes. In addition, the District has a moratorium in place during Stage 3 and 4 Drought Conditions (as outline in the Drought Management Plan), which precludes issuance of non-exempt well permits, or amendments for non-exempt well that would increase their production. Since the District has very limited powers of enforcement, it must rely heavily on voluntary measures. There must be a concerted effort on the part of Hays Co decision-makers to begin efforts to find additional reliable water sources to meet future needs.

I am not aware of any Data Centers being planned within the Hays Trinity Groundwater District boundaries. I believe the recent publicity with regard to the water and energy needs, have opened the eyes of many decision makers. Leading to additional scrutiny of these facilities.