Bee endorsement: Crowded races for Modesto Irrigation District board come down to this

Board races for the Modesto Irrigation District may not enjoy the highest profile, but the board affects regular people as much or more than politicians on many levels. At stake directly are electricity rates for area homes and businesses, as well as the viability of farming and, indirectly, the well-being of our regional economy.

This year, voters will choose three of five board members, some with starkly different approaches to these important issues. With so much on the line, The Bee’s recorded debate between six candidates for these three nonpartisan seats — two in each race — becomes must-see viewing, and a key to informing the following opinion. It can be viewed at modbee.com/opinion.

In a nutshell, this water agency will be best served by retaining incumbent Stu Gilman in Division 4 and by electing Janice Keating and Nick Dokoozlian respectively in open races for divisions 2 and 3. Read on to find out why.

First, a background summary.

Over the decades, the MID board was controlled by farmers with keen interest in keeping water rates as low as possible for themselves and their neighbors. This was made possible in recent decades by overcharging electricity customers, who subsidize irrigation with millions of dollars each year.

Bee reports questioned this arrangement, a lawsuit challenged it and a local judge agreed that it violates state law. MID’s appeal is pending, so some parts remain unsettled, and the district continues to mingle its water and electricity bookkeeping. Meanwhile, the balance of power on the board shifted three years ago, with a majority finally favoring interests of electricity customers.

Against this backdrop, it’s not surprising that the candidates walk a fine line when answering tough questions about the subsidy, the district’s less-than-transparent accounting, and generous irrigation pricing. Most figure, correctly, that it’s a huge gamble to risk offending either side — urban or rural — and end up dancing around such questions. It’s not unlike what one sees in partisan races, when candidates in one party try appealing to those of the other.

The Bee understands this politicking but takes seriously its role in helping voters determine where the candidates stand.

Gilman, Keating and Dokoozlian represent the best opportunity at making things more fair for electricity customers, many of whom are struggling with gas and grocery prices. In particular, if either Gilman or Dokoozlian loses, the board’s balance of power will revert to favoring farming interests.

District 4

Gilman’s grasp of complex water policy and electricity issues is unmatched. Of the six candidates, no one provided more knowledgeable, cogent and useful answers, even to prickly questions, than Gilman, who seeks re-election in District 4 covering northwest Modesto and Salida.

For example, whether to sell river water to customers just outside the district to the east, and for how much, is an emerging issue that will confront the new board. “I want to make sure our district ratepayers will not under any circumstance subsidize any transfers to the east side,” Gilman said, unequivocally staking out a wise position.

Many growers gratefully acknowledge that Gilman is a strong supporter of “farmer to farmer” water sales among customers within the district.

He was elected five years ago on a clear promise to advance equity for power ratepayers. Progress has been slow, but his even-keeled opponent, grower John Boer, represents a clear reversal to days when farmers controlled the board. (A third candidate in this race, Brad Johnson, did not participate in the debate so is not eligible for an endorsement.)

District 3

The same is true should grower Bob Frobose best Dokoozlian in District 3, which takes in northeast Modesto and much of Riverbank.

Sharp and tenacious, Frobose also has made enemies, particularly in legal battles with the Oakdale Irrigation District, where he farms as well. That the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau endorses his opponent, a nonfarmer, is telling and might say more about Frobose than Dokoozlian.

In the debate, Frobose made clear his disdain for the current board majority of Gilman, John Mensinger and Paul Campbell, the outgoing director in this division, as well as his prearranged alignment with directors Larry Byrd and Nick Blom.

Dokoozlian represents the up-and-coming generation, with the work ethic and kind of enthusiasm for public service that appeals to voters. He is well-spoken and focused on collaboration, not division.

“It’s about taking a step forward to make sure future generations have all the opportunities we’ve had,” he said.

District 2

It should be made clear that neither Keating nor Damrell is overtly aligned with the board’s rural voting bloc. Their Division 2 — the heart of Modesto — is the only MID area almost entirely composed of city residents, and voters there should expect their interests to be well represented by either candidate.

Both are known quantities. Keating served eight years on the Modesto City Council; Damrell, son of a prominent federal judge, worked for former state Sen. Cathleen Galgiani. Interestingly, Keating and Damrell both lost in a 2018 bid for Stanislaus County supervisor won by Tom Berryhill, who died in 2020.

Damrell is versed in district issues and presented himself well in the debate, bringing the discussion back to earth when both Frobose and Dokoozlian swung and missed on a question about residential time-of-use rates, or charging less when demand on MID’s electrical system is low.

Damrell would make a fine MID director. Keating could make a great one. The problem-solver weathered rocky years on the Modesto council (2002-2009), earning a reputation second to none for financial acumen. She has her own mind and a steel will, and would not be bullied by the board’s other voting bloc.

“Let’s look at the books, throw (back) the curtains,” she said. “I’m a budget hawk. I will examine the underlying costs for our ratepayers.”

The Bee recommends Keating, Dokoozlian and Gilman respectively in divisions 2, 3 and 4 of the Modesto Irrigation District board.