By Jennifer Wilson - Seven water district candidates placed themselves in the public eye Monday evening at a special candidate’s forum sponsored by the Amador Resource Conservation District. The forum, which was moderated by Giles Turner, and organized by Steve Cannon, was designed to provide the public with information about the candidates’ positions, motivations and their general knowledge about water issues. The seven candidates included Bill Condrashoff and current Director Madonna Wiebold for District 1, Current Chair and District 2 Director John Swift, Don Cooper and John Bonini for District 3, and Debbie Dunn and Brent Parsons for District 4. In their opening statements, candidates touched on their qualifications, goals and motivations. Next, the public had a chance to pose questions to individual candidates. Most questions were focused on water availability, conservation, and uses, for which the candidates had worthwhile answers, but other questions targeted the candidates themselves, adding fuel to some issues that had obviously been brewing for a while. The ongoing issue involving the City of Jackson meeting with the water agency to discuss rates was brought up by several people, including Condrashoff, who said, “Jackson has asked to be agendized,… the mayor has repeatedly asked for a meeting and the water agency has refused.” In closing, candidates provided the public with a brief recap of their goals, or made a short statement. Bonini said, “I’ll earn your respect as you earn mine” while Condrashoff stated that the AWA “needs new leadership.” Cooper says he is “ready, willing, and able to support your water needs” and Dunn reiterated her dedication to Amador County and involvement in a multitude of county meetings. Parsons believes that “you deserve a choice” in selecting a district director. Current Chair Swift touched on collaboration between the agency and cities in conserving water, while Wiebold reminded the public that she is very approachable and that communication is the key. Voters will select the five water district directors in the November 4th election.