Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.
Read more Kathryn Freshley, El Toro Water District candidate, 2026 election questionnaire
Name: Alfredo Cardenas
Age: 75
Current job title: Retired
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Lake Forest
Campaign website or social media: None
What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
The residents must be more involved in district matters, be better educated by the district staff, and include their thoughts and opinions on the board agendas.
Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Eliminate 7:30 AM board meetings and introduce nighttime board meetings so the working public can attend. Hold bimonthly board meetings instead of monthly meetings. Increase monthly information bill stuffers instead of quarterly district news. Create effective outreach programs to educate ratepayers in water supply and asset management. Eliminate the Citizen Advisory Group.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I have 35 years of experience in the Southern California water industry. I have served as General Manager of two water districts. I hold a BS in Civil Engineering, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration.
What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Provide truthful, data-driven, and continuous district information to the ratepayers on how their money is being spent. Introduce a true asset management program and share all data with the ratepayers. For example, the district customer-to-employee ratio is currently 160 to 1. The industry standard is 380 to 1. Meaning the district has twice as many employees as neighboring districts. Therefore, the service provided should be above standard levels.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“The Lord of the Flies” (reread). It’s a reflection of society and social behavior.
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