Ken Willmarth: Wenger will make the difference if he remains on MID board

MID oversees two critical resources, water and power, that affect everyone living within its boundaries. Its directors must respond to our community’s needs imaginatively and effectively, now and into an uncertain future. District 4 incumbent Jake Wenger is being challenged by Stu Gilman.

Gilman raises issues affecting our power and water rates that need to be examined and adjusted as necessary. However, they are not at the core of the huge challenges we now face. Modesto Bee editorial page editor Mike Dunbar underscored the threat to our water supply in his Oct. 22 column, “In this horror flick, we’re playing the part of Victim No. 1.” Securing clean, dependable, and sustainable energy sources is likewise critically important.

Jake Wenger’s performance to date is impressive. Young, bright and energetic, he is passionate about these matters. He actively researches and effectively articulates the challenges they pose. Already proven to be an able director, I believe he will emerge as an exceptional leader in struggles to keep and expand our water and power resources. No one person can right these problems, but one as talented and devoted as Jake can make a big difference over the long haul. I urge MID District 4 voters to retain Jake Wenger.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Ken Willmarth: Wenger will make the difference if he remains on MID board."