Paul Penn for El Dorado Irrigation District Division 1- 2024

Water is our most precious commodity. I am running for the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) Board of Directors in District 1, and that role is the best way for me to serve our community.

About Me- Paul Penn

I am a career emergency manager with a background in fire, emergency medical services, hazardous materials/waste, health and safety, and environmental emergency management. My roles include responding to threatened and destroyed water systems impacted by wildland fire, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and dam collapse.  

I have dedicated my life to maximizing human survival and potential and minimizing human suffering (e.g., former President of Snowline Hospice).

Over the past 150 years, improved sanitation from the treatment of fresh and wastewater has been a primary factor in preventing people from getting sick and dying.      

Without safe water, communities cannot exist.

I served as the vice president of the Donner Summit Public Utility District (fire, ambulance, water, sewer) and as a Nevada County Planning Commissioner before moving to El Dorado County in 1988.  

I know water and land use.

Since fire is our greatest hazard, I have been active as a member of the Executive Board of the El Dorado Fire Safe Council and Vice Chair of the Diamond Springs Fire Safe Council.  

Having attended EID Board meetings periodically as an interested observer for over 15 years, I am uniquely qualified and ready to hit the ground running. 

About the El Dorado Irrigation District

My top priority is maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the system. Ensuring its affordability and the ability to serve our children and grandchildren means acting now to protect our most precious commodity—water.

Managing Fresh, Waste, Recycled Water, Hydropower, and Recreation Facilities doesn’t sound exciting.  And generally, it is not.  Exciting or not, these services allow communities to survive and flourish.  The El Dorado Irrigation District serves as a lifeline for much of El Dorado County, with one of the most complex water conveyance and treatment systems in the State. 

This system is also aging (I have seen flume sections resting on rock stacks with no mortar placed by Chinese laborers in the 1800s.)  Much of the infrastructure is well past its lifecycle and in danger of failure.

Why Fund Me

My campaign won’t need much money but will require some funding. Signs, print media, mailings, campaign material, and fees add up. A little bit from a bunch of people can help get the word out and ensure that someone whose priority is keeping us all safe is making decisions.

I would appreciate your vote and support.

Thanks, Paul