Karen Paull

My History

As residents and small business owners on the Monterey Peninsula, we've all felt the impact of paying Cal Am for the highest water costs in the country.

Fearing those skyrocketing costs, voters passed Measure J in 2018. Measure J directed the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (Water District) to determine if a Cal Am buyout is feasible and if so, to proceed with the buyout and transition to a not-for-profit service. Consultants hired by the Water District determined that the buyout is feasible.

Now the Water District is preparing to make decisions that can put us on a path to a more affordable and sustainable water supply. What happens next will determine the future of our water for decades. If the Board decides to go ahead with the buyout, Cal Am may not agree to a fair price. If that happens, litigation will be necessary.

I'm an attorney who chose a career as a public advocate. I have the skills to represent the ratepayers in Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Carmel Woods during this critical period. In my 15 years as an attorney at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), I fought for the ratepayers of investor-owned utilities like Cal Am.

In 2010, I became Chief Counsel of the CPUC's independent Office of Ratepayer Advocates (ORA). As ORA's Chief Counsel, I managed its advocacy on behalf of ratepayers in energy, telecommunications, and water utility cases, including the San Clemente Dam removal project on the Carmel River.

An affordable, sustainable, environmentally responsible water supply for the Monterey Peninsula is worth fighting for. That's why I am running for the Division 4 seat on the Water District Board. Together, we can succeed.

My Plans

My top 3 priorities:

Manage our water in an environmentally responsible way, with attention to climate change impacts.
Make progress towards developing a more affordable and sustainable water supply for the Monterey Peninsula to provide for our current and future growth needs, including affordable housing.
• By not building Cal Am's oversized, overpriced desal plant on the Marina Coast, so Monterey Peninsula ratepayers won't have to pay for it;
• By expanding Pure Water Monterey, which can provide the additional water we need for growth for 30 years, at a much lower cost than Cal Am's desal plant;
• By continuing the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, which is cost-effective, provides many environmental benefits, and can be expanded;
• By buying out Cal Am as directed by Measure J, provided this can be done on terms that will benefit ratepayers; and
• If the buyout is achieved, operate the water system as a not-for-profit public service in the community's interest.
Improve the Water District's public outreach to keep residents informed about their progress.

Why Vote For Me?

I am deeply committed to helping deliver a more affordable and sustainable water supply for the Peninsula.

I grew up in a family with very little money. I chose a career as a public advocate because I wanted to use my legal skills to help ordinary people with their challenges. As an attorney at the CPUC, I spent years advocating for ratepayers. I saw how Cal Am made a profit on its San Clemente Dam removal project. I saw how captive ratepayers ended up paying for the costly mistakes Cal Am made.

Serving as Chief Counsel for the Office of Ratepayer Advocates is one of the most satisfying things I've done. I enjoyed working collaboratively with a great group of very smart people with a common purpose. I'm prepared to do that now for Division 4 on the Water District Board. I would be grateful for your vote.

Endorsements

GEORGE RILEY, MPWMD Board, Division 2 • CLYDE ROBERSON, Mayor of Monterey • ALVIN EDWARDS, MPWMD Board, Division 1 • REGINA DOYLE, former MPWMD Board member, Division 4 • MELODIE CHRISLOCK, Director, Public Water Now • KATE DANIELS, President, Democratic Women of Monterey County • BEVERLY BEAN, Treasurer of Protect Monterey County • MAYOR JIM RUANE, former Mayor of San Bruno

Public Water Now • Monterey County Democratic Party • Progressive Democrats of Monterey County • Monterey County New Progressives • Democratic Women of Monterey County

"Karen brings broad experience to help make critical decisions for needed water supply solutions. We are lucky to have a person of her caliber, integrity, and commitment."

Senator Bill Monning

17th Senate District

"Karen's exemplary qualifications, concern for those on fixed incomes, and passion for our community makes her the right choice to represent us."

Meet the Candidates