Press Release

For Immediate Release:

July 22, 2024, For more information, 530-622-5964 or [email protected]  www.penn4eid.com

PAUL PENN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIVISION #1

Paul Penn, a Diamond Springs resident, announced his candidacy for the Board of Directors at the Regular Meeting of the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). The position is currently held by George Osborne who is retiring after almost 23 years on the Board. Division #1 covers El Dorado to Strawberry.

Paul’s many decades of experience, including serving as the Vice President of the Donner Summit Public Utility District (sewer, water, fire, EMS) and a Nevada County Planning Commissioner prior to moving to Diamond Springs in 1988; his Master of Science in Environmental Management; and stints in San Benito County, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Conservation Corps, Kaiser Permanente, and the California Environmental Protection Agency are only part of his qualifications for the position.

“I began attending EID Board meetings over 15 years ago, just because I was interested and it is evident that, in the arid West, water determines everything.   Often, other than staff, the media, and people doing business in front of the Board, I was the only member of the public in attendance.  I know water issues and issues at EID, thus, I can hit the ground running.” says Mr. Penn.  “Sometimes members of the audience were irked over some topic.  I am not running because I am angry, have an axe to grind, nor a single issue to pursue. 

My priorities are, in order, water that is: ‘safe and reliable, affordable and sustainable’” continues Penn.

“EID delivers high quality water in one of the most complex systems of its kind from the High Sierra to the Sacramento Valley.  Treating wastewater, recycled water, hydropower, and providing recreational opportunities round out their services.  As such, EID provides the critical lifeline to much of El Dorado County.  I will work to ensure this aging infrastructure continues to seamlessly deliver water to the residences and businesses in our community.

My main focus is the integrity of the system,” explains Paul.

Mr. Penn goes on the say “While I have had a leadership role in many local organizations during my 35 years here, including:  seven years on the Snowline Hospice Board of Directors, with two terms as President; currently serving on the Executive Board of the El Dorado Fire Safe Council and as Vice Chair of the Diamond Springs Fire Safe Council; and on the recreational side, formerly as a coach and member of the Board of the Buddy Werner Youth Ski League [Paul was a professional ski patroller on Donner Summit 1975-1985] and a founder of HAZE, the Hangtown Association of Zymurgy Enthusiasts, I believe the best contribution I can make in my community is on the Board of EID.”

“I am mostly retired but continue as the President of Global Vision Consortium following its merger with my firm- EnMagine (founded in 2003).  We are a boutique consultancy providing emergency/environmental/health & safety planning, training, and exercising to public and private organizations, with a focus on healthcare,” concludes Penn.