I grew up in SLT in the 1960s and 70s.  My father (Marvin Peterson) started up Alpine Animal Hospital on Highway 89 in 1965.  We lived in Tahoe Keys, and I ski raced for Heavenly Valley.  I left Tahoe in the mid-1970s and became a civil engineer, specializing in water resources.  I’ve been married to Lianne since 1981, and we have three grown children.

For my entire career, I’ve worked in private engineering practice.  Nearly all my work has been for public agencies; cities, counties, special districts, and the Corps of Engineers.  In 2005, a partner and I started up an engineering firm in Folsom (Peterson Brustad Inc.), and we’ve employed 10-15 steadily since then.  We have worked for many of the mountain communities, but have never worked for STPUD.

My wife and I bought a house in the Keys in 2012 as a ramp to retirement, and we have spent as much time as possible here.  In April of this year, I sold my company stock and retired.  SLT is now our primary residence, and this 8-year ramp has been a coming home for me.

I have a fair amount of board experience.  I was a director on the San Juan Water District for 11 years, and have also served on the boards of the Association of California Water Agencies, National Water Resources Association, and Water for the West Foundation.

Now that I am retired, I have the time to devote to public service, and I feel my background and expertise would be useful to the ratepayers of STPUD.

I believe that it is critical that a utility board include at least one board member that really understands the technical issues, and can challenge staff recommendations as appropriate.  My experience has been that a good board of directors will include a wide range of expertise and background, and will tap into that experience in considering decisions.  As a boardmember, my role is to do my homework to understand the issues brought before the board, listen to staff, board, and public input, speak my opinions, and vote.  Outside of board meetings, much of the work of the district is conducted in committees and outside connections with other agencies and individuals, and I will represent the district well in these interactions in order to promote the policies and priorities of the district.