Letter: Controversial San Miguel CSD Director running for re-election
To the editor,
Controversial San Miguel CSD Director Ashley Sangster has filed paperwork to run for reelection for the San Miguel CSD, however he has decided to not list his incumbency on his ballot designation. Instead, Director Sangster has listed his title as “State Procurement Officer” under his name on the ballot.
Director Sangster was appointed in January 2018 to fill the seat of former CSD Director Larry Rueck who moved out of San Miguel. Since Director Sangsters appointment, he has been on the side of several controversial 3-2 votes. Director Sangster along with Directors Buckman and Joe Parent voted to raise the utility rates by an astonishing 200-percent. They also voted to deny the public the right to speak on the agenda and stripped the board of being able to respond to any public outcry.
When the CSDs attorney responded that the move to deny the public the right to speak was “improper” and subsequently challenged by Board President Green as “illegal” Director Sangster refused to apologize to the public. Director Sangster also voted down a utility rate assistance program that would have helped seniors and the permanently disabled on fixed incomes cope with the impending rate increase. Currently, approximately 1 in 3 residents are living below the poverty line in San Miguel. This rate increase threatens the housing, health and welfare of residents who cannot afford a 200% increase in water and sewer rates.
Outside of the rate increase saga, Director Sangster also voted 3-2 to significantly increase the district’s budget. Director Sangster is currently running against Mr. Cesar Hernandez and Mr. Hector Palafox for the CSD Board seat. There are two seats up in the coming November 6th election.
Charles Gorman
San Miguel
