As election day nears, it’s important to be well-informed when casting your vote on November 5th.
For the Wrightwood Community Service District Board of Directors, there are two positions that are open for election with five candidates running. Wrightwood residents can vote for two candidates listed on their ballots: Martha McFauls, Dan Gould, Rick J. Christensen, Chad Michael Keel, and Jill M. Carltonpayne.
Three of the five candidates participated in the NewsPlus Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet event on Thursday, October 10th at the Phelan Community Building and responded to questions about improving Wrightwood’s recreation facilities, prioritizing infrastructure, dealing with crime & local law enforcement, while also discussing their top three priorities for the WCSD, if elected.
NewsPlus also contacted the candidates listed in the Official Candidate List, posted on the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters website and have included Candidate Statements from those who submitted them. For candidates from whom we did not receive a statement, we have included any statements that were printed in the 2024 voter guide.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
MARTHA MCFAULS
Retired
I, Martha McFauls, strongly believe that all Wrightwood Residents deserve a high-quality of life through local Community Services and Representatives.
My education and former work experience will enable me to advocate effectively and professionally on the Community’s behalf. My husband, Ken, and I, along with our children and grandchildren, volunteer throughout the community and support local businesses.
Vision: As your next elected member of the Board of Directors of the Community Services District, I am committed to considering the past, current, and future needs of our community. I will provide valuable insight and recommendations on various issues and programs related to the residents of Wrightwood and seek ways to improve our infrastructure. This includes addressing town lighting, waste disposal, and the construction or expansion of our wastewater pumping plant, and consult with Golden State Water Company to enhance the backup system to prevent water contamination. In addition, I will work on rectifying our Community Evacuation System and enhancing police protection for residents and local businesses.
Education: East Los Angeles Community College – Associates Business/Accounting; USC Graduate – Bachelors /Nursing; Cal Poly Pomona – Certificate Civil Engineering Technician
Work Experience: USC Medical Center – Retired 1989; Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts – Retired 2012; Mountain High Ski Resort Cashier – 2019 to present
Volunteering: Wrightwood Village Trail –2019 to present; Board of Directors – Wrightwood Property Owners Association – 2022 to present; The Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest Service – 2022 to present; Adopt-A-Highway Program – May 2024 to present
DAN GOULD
Rocket Test Engineer
As a resident of Wrightwood for the past four years, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that our community faces. With a young family of my own, I’m committed to ensuring that Wrightwood remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise children.
My doctorate in nuclear engineering and experience in rocket testing at Edwards AFB have equipped me with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of complex systems. I believe these skills will be invaluable in addressing the varied issues that come before the CSD board.
If elected, my priorities will be threefold. First, I will work to optimize the efficiency of our CSD, ensuring that we are good stewards of the funds entrusted to us by Wrightwood residents.
Second, I will work with law enforcement to find solutions to the parking issues caused by snowplayers, which can hinder emergency services from reaching those in need. Finally, I will be a strong advocate for the local businesses and community events that contribute so much to the character and vitality of Wrightwood.
Electing me means choosing a candidate who’ll approach challenges methodically, prioritize fiscal responsibility, and work tirelessly to preserve and enhance Wrightwood’s unique character.
RICK J. CHRISTENSEN
I believe Wrightwood needs improvements in its utilities, especially the sewers. Wrightwood need not be known for rows of porta potties along highway 2 during peak tourism times. At these times our sewer systems are grossly overloaded. Some technical decisions are looming. A director with engineering infrastructure experience in utilities, sewer, water, project management, various regulatory authorities and leadership will greatly help. I have this experience.
I believe that involving state, county, Community Services District directors and managers, and local folks into our projects, will bring good gains and large savings to our community. With this in mind, sewer committee members, community members, myself, and others, came together and formed a visionary solution. The pilot solution will be implemented at the community center/parks area first and later used in other Wrightwood areas such as commercial locations. Some communication led to the county funding $321,000. This project can go forward without costing Wrightwood taxpayers one additional cent!
The next Wrightwood utility needs, such as ground water expansion (climate change remediation ) can proceed just as successfully.
Regardless of the outcome, thank you for voting!
CHAD MICHAEL KEEL
Wrightwood Business Owner
I am proud to call Wrightwood, Phelan, and Pinon Hills home. These tricommunities are a unique treasure in Southern California, where I’ve raised my family and built my businesses. Our unincorporated status allows us to maintain the rural charm and independence that define our way of life, but we must remain vigilant in preserving this autonomy.
Local control is essential. We know our community’s needs better than politicians in San Bernardino, whose urban-focused policies often miss the mark in rural areas like ours. We should take every opportunity to govern ourselves, keeping our decisions and taxes local. Our Community Service District (CSD) members must explore all options to expand our local powers and reduce reliance on San Bernardino County.
By strengthening our local governance, we can better protect the character and integrity of Wrightwood. Let’s ensure that decisions affecting our community are made by those who live here, understand our challenges, and share our vision for the future.
Together, we can maintain the independence that makes our communities special and continue to thrive on our own terms.
JILL M. CARLTONPAYNE
Community Volunteer
I grew up in Wrightwood, and attended Wrightwood Elementary. My actions as an adult have demonstrated my commitment to, and love for Wrightwood. I have attended the CSD meetings and have stayed tuned into the issues. I’m ready to hit the road running to serve the people of Wrightwood, and to make the best use of your tax dollars while being a responsible public steward.
As the High Desert is developed, I want to make sure the character of our community is not impacted by those who would take advantage of our beautiful setting, and quantity of life in our special community. The success of our business community is important for the preservation of Wrightwood and the lifestyle we all enjoy. Collaboration and communication are key to supporting our business community.
Keeping Wrightwood safe, must be of the greatest importance for us all. I will work to bring back greater Sheriff visibility in Wrightwood. I will work to strengthen our fire protection and disaster preparedness for our community.
