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 Peer Swan, Irvine Ranch Water District Division 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire
Name: Jeffrey Harlan
Age: 55
Current job title: Attorney/Planning Commissioner
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: City of Costa Mesa City Councilmember; Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner, Chair
City where you reside: Costa Mesa
Campaign website or social media: www.harlan4water.com
Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected. (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
My priority is to ensure that the Irvine Ranch Water District provides safe, reliable, and affordable water to its customers. Unfortunately, repeated IRWD rate increases have pushed the average residential water bill up nearly 40% over recent years.
I want to ensure 1) customers are receiving the best value for their service, 2) our taxpayer dollars are invested wisely in necessary infrastructure, and 3) residents can participate easily in public meetings.
My opponent has held this seat for nearly five decades, and we need a fresh, modern, and diverse perspective to guide IRWD for the next 50 years.
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.)
Safeguarding our water resources is of paramount importance. As the IRWD Director for District 5, my role will be to represent — and advocate for the specific needs of — the communities in southern Irvine (including UCI, Turtle Rock, and the IBC), parts of Newport Beach (Santa Ana Heights, Newport Coast), and a portion of Eastside Costa Mesa.
As a former city councilmember and community advocate for 20 years, I recognize the importance of working directly with residents, businesses, and local organizations to make the best decisions for our communities. Good governance requires not just technical knowledge, but also understanding a community’s interests, concerns, and aspirations.
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.)
Read more Michael Cruikshank, Moulton Niguel Water District candidate, 2026 election questionnaire
For most people, the only connection to the water district is turning on your tap and getting your monthly bill. But if people want to learn more or engage in the board’s activities, then it should be easy to do so.
Unfortunately, today the public cannot participate remotely in board meetings. I want to improve accessibility and transparency — every customer should be able to conveniently watch, join in, and review a board meeting without having to drive to Irvine.
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.)
For more than 30 years, I’ve dedicated my career to working with governments to improve our communities and protect our environment. As a former city councilmember and current chair of the Costa Mesa Planning Commission, I have an intimate understanding of not only creating public policy, but also how to implement it.
I have worked closely with neighbors, local businesses, and other public agencies to deliver new parks, roads and bike lanes, balanced budgets, and much-needed housing for our communities. And as a land use attorney and urban planner, I understand all aspects of responsible development, including preserving our water supply, conserving natural resources and open spaces, and investing in our infrastructure. Being a good public leader requires one to be thoughtful, accessible, and open-minded.
What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
In every election campaign, I have spent countless hours walking precincts, talking to residents, and learning what is really important to our neighbors. That is the simplest way to build trust. Whether it’s leading a commission hearing, heading a public workshop, or attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony, I’ve continued that ongoing dialogue to inform my decision-making. I believe this is what the job of any public official demands, and I intend to take the same approach as the IRWD Director.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“Revenge of the Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell.
I have always enjoyed how Gladwell weaves together various, seemingly disparate, topics and themes into a coherent story. This particular book is enlightening because he revisits ideas he posited 25 years ago about social epidemics. I appreciate not only the rigorous research, but also his willingness to challenge his original conclusions.
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