Valley Water's District 1 covers Gilroy, Morgan Hill, unincorporated San Martin and parts of East and South San Jose. The seven-member board serves overlapping four-year terms.
Jimmy Forbis
Forbis calls himself a Navy veteran with more than 25 years in local government, working as a city administrator, finance director, budget manager and utility executive. In his statement to the Gilroy Dispatch, he said Valley Water faces big decisions on Anderson Dam, water supply, flood protection, rising costs and public access to its lands. He described a board member's job as asking tough questions and holding the agency accountable.
John L. Varela
Varela says safety and clean water are his top priorities. He said he voted for senior and low-income exemptions from the Measure S parcel tax. He pointed to the board's contract to rebuild Anderson Dam and the new Anderson Outlet Tunnel. He also says he moved the Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project forward by using local funds to leverage an $80 million federal grant. His listed endorsers include Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner and Supervisor Sylvia Arenas.
This explainer summarizes the candidates' own statements and published reporting. It does not endorse anyone.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.