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Division 3 director resigns from board

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By Karen Brainard

After learning late last week that his complaints against Ramona Municipal Water District will not be further investigated by the San Diego County Grand Jury, Rex Schildhouse has resigned from his seat on the water board.

“I’m tired of fighting a ‘one versus many’ type of war,” said Schildhouse, who was elected to represent Division 3 on the water board for a four-year term in 2012. Division 3 includes a southwest portion of San Diego Country Estates and areas south and east of downtown Ramona.

Among Schildhouse’s complaints was that he was often gaveled out of order while other board members were not.

Schildhouse said he submitted his resignation letter to the district office on Monday.

“I think the ratepayers and taxpayers just lost. But they weren’t winning anyway, so what’s changed,” he said.

The Division 3 director has been in disagreements with members of the water board and staff over procedural matters since February, claiming that board members violate RMWD written policy in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order and violate recommendations of two previous grand jury reports on the district — in 1986-87 and 1990-91. Board President Darrell Beck said Schildhouse’s accusations have no merit.

Schildhouse said he lodged a series of formal complaints against select members of the water board, staff and legal counsel. Considering past grand jury investigations into the water district, Schildhouse said he was surprised when he received the letter from the grand jury, dated Oct. 27, stating that after reviewing the issues, the grand jury “has decided not to investigate further.”

“I thought they were there to protect the ratepayers and taxpayers of the county, and apparently they’re not,” he said.

According to Schildhouse, he also filed complaints with the California Attorney General, San Diego District Attorney, California Bar Association, and Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). He said he had not received a response from any of those offices.

Beck said the resignation of Schildhouse would be discussed at the water board’s next meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. in the Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane. The board will have the choice of conducting a special election to fill the Division 3 seat or appointing a director, Beck said.

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