Amador County – The Amador Water Agency’s new board of director’s first action Thursday was a resolution honoring the retiring Director Don Cooper.

Board President Gary Thomas read the resolution honoring Cooper for his three years on the board, and a year as president, and making “significant contributions to the Budget and Finance, Engineering, and Policy Committees of the Water Agency, while offering his expertise as it related to projects, policy and fiscal responsibility.” The resolution also said Cooper “made significant contributions toward the Gravity Supply Line project which is of great benefit for Upcountry residents and property owners.”

Director Rich Farrington, who was appointed to take Cooper’s seat in District 3, said the resolution should note that Cooper was president last year, during the time when his wife passed away, and as that occurred, he also carried the load as president.

Agency Counsel Stephen Kronick said Cooper was very conscientious and dedicated and he “truly did work tirelessly for the benefit of the agency.” AWA General Manager Gene Mancebo said Cooper did not just accept things but analyzed them and challenged them when needed.

Vice President Paul Molinelli Senior said he admired Cooper’s demeanor and poise as a gentleman in running the meeting. He said it was not always easy to do and he learned from Cooper’s example. Director Robert Manassero said inevitably the board will likely need to call Cooper for help.

Cooper said he appreciated the remarks and the fact that the Board accepted that he needed to step down. Cooper said he has been working with a cardiologist, and now has a new pacemaker and new defibrillator, and did some dancing Saturday night. He said it was like his father said: “When you get too many peas on you knife, you’ve got to kick a few off.”

He said he enjoyed working with each and every one of the board members. He said 20-plus years with PG&E was not the same eye-opener as was working for a public agency. Cooper said it was important to get the honesty of customers, and public input, but sometimes it became counter-productive and he is a productive type of guy.

He said if he ever interviewed college kids for employment internships, as he has before, he would encourage them to work internships with quality agencies like the AWA.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.