As election day nears, it’s important to be well-informed when casting your vote on November 5th.
In the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Service District Board of Directors, two positions are open for election with three candidates running in the race, two of which are incumbent Directors. Incumbent candidates are Rebecca Kujawa and Deborah Philips, with the third candidate Mary “Tree” Galey vying for a seat.
Two of the three 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 solid waste, affordable water rates, expanding parks & recreation, and also discussing their top three priorities for the PPHCSD if elected.
NewsPlus also contacted the candidates listed in the Official Candidate List 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
REBECCA KUJAWA
Incumbent
My name is Rebecca A Kujawa, and I am running for the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Service District, Board of Directors.
As a candidate for the Board of Directors, my vision is to ensure the district continues to grow responsibly while preserving the unique character of our community. I am committed to enhancing access to quality water and recycling services, improving our parks, and expanding recreational activities for residents of all ages. I envision a district that embraces innovation while maintaining fiscal responsibility, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come.
I have served on the board for five years and participated in the Solid Waste & Recycling, Park & Recreation, and Engineering Committees. With our dedicated park staff, we initiated the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year, we brought a new well online and are preparing for the Civic Center project, which will provide new administration offices and expand our parks.
My family has lived here for 20 years. I have worked for Snowline School District for 16 years, currently as a Librarian. Previous employment was in finance. Additionally, I have volunteered with the Phelan Chamber of Commerce for nearly eight years, holding positions of Director, Treasurer, and President. My volunteer work includes Phelan Phun Days and concerts in the park. These experiences enable me to collaborate effectively with other board members and staff to serve our district and community.
I look forward to continuing to serve in the upcoming years.
DEBORAH PHILIPS
Incumbent
Deborah Philips is a Director at the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (PPHCSD), where she played key roles in shaping the local community’s future, serving the community on the PPHCSD Board for the last 6 years. First getting elected in 2018 and reappointed in 2023, her involvement with PPHCSD underscores her commitment to improving essential services like water distribution, parks & recreation, and waste management for Phelan and Piñon Hills residents.
Philips, raised in the Inland Empire, attended John W. North High School and Riverside City College. This deep connection to the region provides her with a solid understanding of the community’s needs and challenges. Which is reflected in her work, as clearly as possible, on the board. One of her notable contributions includes providing her oversight of the solid waste committee, PPHCSD has been able to maintain low and affordable monthly costs for residents within the District.
Her vision for PPHCSD focuses on maintaining and enhancing essential services while promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. She also hopes to maintain and improve the infrastructure while keeping costs affordable. She seeks to foster community engagement and ensure that PPHCSD’s services meet the evolving needs of residents. Philips’ experience in local governance and her active participation in community projects make her well-equipped to oversee long-term planning and decision-making in the district.
Grounded in local expertise and hands-on involvement with infrastructure improvements, position her as a capable leader dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the community she serves.
