In Cambria, incumbent Debra Scott faces challengers Keith Hinrichsen, Michael Wolfe, and Dennis Dudzik for two four-year terms on the Cambria Community Services District board.
Scott, who was elected in 2022, said she initially had reservations about seeking another term.
“It’s really a thankless job,” she told New Times, citing criticism directed at district leadership.
But when she learned that the SLO County Board of Supervisors could appoint directors if too few candidates filed, she reconsidered.
Before retiring to Cambria, Scott spent 20 years as executive director of the Nevada Board of Nursing.
She pointed to improvements to the district’s wastewater treatment plant, replacement of aging infrastructure, and progress on permitting the long-contested Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) as accomplishments during her first term.
Looking ahead, Scott identified wildfire evacuation planning and infrastructure repairs as her top priorities.
“We only have one evacuation route out of our beautiful little village,” she said.
Scott also opposes additional development without improvements to the community’s water supply and infrastructure, emphasizing that the WRF is intended for emergency use rather than supporting growth.
Hinrichsen, a Cambria resident since 1999, is a retired Caltrans and PG&E employee who has served on the district’s Finance Committee since 2023.
His experience reviewing district budgets prompted him to seek a seat on the board after encouragement from outgoing Director Thomas.
Hinrichsen said his priorities include securing grants for overdue infrastructure improvements, controlling costs for ratepayers, and rebuilding public confidence in district leadership.
He also supports completing the remaining requirements for the WRF but expressed concerns about the cost of the proposed zero liquid discharge system intended to address the facility’s brine disposal challenges.
“I don’t think Cambria is interested in taking and paying for this to be an experiment,” he said.
Hinrichsen believes the district should pursue outside funding before committing significant resources to the technology.
Wolfe, a 36-year Cambria resident and owner of the Avocado Shack in Morro Bay, is running for public office for the first time.
Wolfe’s campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility, particularly rising utility rates, infrastructure maintenance, and the district’s finances.
“We need to be better stewards of our money,” he told New Times.
He questioned past spending decisions surrounding the WRF, arguing that the district should explore additional water sources.
Wolfe also identified wildfire preparedness as a priority, particularly for elderly and homebound residents who may struggle to evacuate.
“I guess my candidacy is to speak for those … that need to be spoken for, the quiet majority,” he said.
Dudzik, a registered California professional engineer and environmental scientist, has 45 years of municipal utility experience, according to a Sept. 27 statement on Nextdoor.
In his post, he said he has participated in Cambria CSD board meetings for more than five years and previously served on its Resources and Infrastructure Committee.
His stated priorities include long-term financial planning, infrastructure funding, utility rate analysis, fire protection, and flood mitigation along Santa Rosa Creek and Highway 1.
New Times made multiple attempts to contact Dudzik but did not receive a response before press time.
Outgoing director Michael Thomas, who isn’t seeking reelection, endorsed Scott and Hinrichsen in an Oct. 2 Facebook post, citing their experience with district operations and finances.
