Compiled by Ralph Nichols

The Times/News last week contacted candidates for Highline-area elective offices whose names appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Questions asked in each race and their answers appear below.

All candidates on the ballot are listed. However, due to space constraints only those with opponents were asked to respond to questions.

* incumbent.

1. What is your top priority upgrading or maintaining aging district facilities?

2. How would you fund capital improvement projects?

Highline Water District

Commission Position 2

(Short and full term)

Scott Hilsen

1. Upsizing and/or replacing the asbestos cement water mains is the top priority for the Highline Water District. Asbestos cement pipe, when it breaks, fails dramatically. Highline Water has about 80 miles of asbestos cement water mains, which cost approximately $1 million per mile to replace. Wells, treatment plants and reservoirs are in good shape. Please vote against the SR509 expansion to I-5, which will cost the Highline Water District about $3 million just to re-route existing water lines.

2. Utilize Public Works Trust Fund Loans from the State of Washington because the interest rate is 1/2 percent to 1 percent. If those funds are unavailable, then finance through bonds. It is preferable to spread capital costs over 15 to 20 years to maintain stable rates.

Dan Johnson*

1. Since the "ratepayers" own the District, my top priority is the same as always - to get the best value and return on investment for those I represent. At Highline, we have an aggressive program in place to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure. We have money set aside to proactively replace before it becomes necessary to repair.

2. Capital improvements are funded in the most fiscally appropriate way. We are able to fund many projects through our reserve account. For larger projects, we apply for Public Works Trust Fund loans (interest rates as low as 1/2 percent). If that money is not available, we have the ability to sell very attractive bonds due to our excellent S&P AA bond rating.

Position 4

George Landon*

Unopposed

Water District 20 Commission Position 2

(short and full term)

Gary Coy*

Unopposed

Water District 49 Commission Position 2

1. What is your top priority upgrading or maintaining aging district facilities?

2. How would you fund capital improvement projects?

Earl T. DeWitt

1 We put a five-year plan in place before I left office at the end of 2005 to upgrade all of the structure in District 49, and that's still ongoing. I helped put that plan in place and I still support it.

2. Growth supports growth. Whatever revenue comes in from new ratepayers supports growth in capital improvements.

David G. Lutz*

Did not respond.

Position 3

(unexpired 2-year term)

Tom Jovanovich*

Unopposed

Water District No. 54

Commission Position 2

John H. Rayback*

Unopposed