Politics & Government
Sanitary District Board Candidate Q&A: Ralph Johnson
Castro Valley Patch asked incumbent Ralph Johnson about seeking his fourth term as a Sanitary District board member.
Castro Valley Patch asked candidates running for office in November to fill out an election questionnaire.
Incumbent Ralph Johnson is one of four candidates seeking two open seats on the Castro Valley Sanitary District board. Also running are fellow incumbent Harry Francis, and two new opponents Hera Alikian and David M. Silva.
What is the primary reason you are running for this office? To serve my community.
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What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? To continue the District's efforts to control inflow and infiltration into the sewage collection system.
What sets you apart from the other candidates? I think my skills and Public Works background are a good match for the position and I am partially retired, so I have time available to devote to the District's business.
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What is your age and birthplace? 63; Colorado.
What are the names and ages of your children, if any? Kristin, 41 and Karin, 31.
List the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. I have a BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. I graduated in 1970 and spent my college years at Berkeley.
Provide details about any military service (branch, dates, honors). I was a member of the Air Force ROTC while at Berkeley, but did not elect to pursue active duty.
Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? I was appointed to the Sanitary District Board in 2000, successfully ran for the position in 2001 and ran unopposed for the position in 2006.
Have you run unsuccessfully for an elected public office? No
Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? Less than $1,000
Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? No
What is your city of residence? How long have you lived there? Castro Valley; 35 years
What is your favorite thing about Castro Valley? The new library/community center.
What is Castro Valley's biggest problem? Not being an incorporated community.
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