MEET JUAN
There is something you should know about Juan Garza, he has courage. Juan has the courage and strength to face challenges that threaten our drinking water supplies and follow through until those challenges are overcome. Juan has dedicated his life to service, community, creating jobs and transparency – these values are at his core. As a governing board member at Central Basin Municipal Water District and at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Juan will continue his dedication and courage to keep our water safe, clean, reliable and affordable.
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Juan’s first real test of courage came when he served in the US Army as an Infantryman. Drinking water in the desert had to be transported to him and our soldiers via water buffalo tanks from dozens of miles away, not guaranteed to reach them. It was then that Juan first experienced how incredibly valuable and necessary clean water is to sustain life. This scarcity made a huge impact on him, which is one of the reasons he has fought for clean, dependable and safe water for us all.
After his service, Juan came home, married his wife Mayra, and started a family. Juan had a respectable, blue-collar job, but he felt a higher purpose. While still working and raising a family, Juan attended Long Beach State, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.
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Juan was blessed to get jobs with the City of Long Beach Water Department and later in the Port of Long Beach, where he gathered critical hands-on experience learning about goods movement while defending clean air, water, and our environment.
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Later, Juan was appointed to the Bellflower City Council and then elected its Councilmember and Mayor. It was during this time in Bellflower that Juan realized how impactful local government can be in the daily lives of people. Times were tough, homelessness was increasing and COVID-19 had just started spreading throughout the world. Pulling his strength and resources, Juan immediately went to work to transition homeless people from the streets to beds. During COVID, Juan helped create wellness checks for seniors, kept restaurants open, and established the first COVID testing site in Southeast LA County.
As a member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Central Basin Municipal Water District Governing Boards, Juan has the expertise and courage needed to protect safe access to clean water. Our water quality, access and safety are at risk. While our reservoirs are full this year, we know the region will have prolonged drought. We must prepare not only for drought, but the impending clashes that have historically left our communities marginalized.
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We also need leadership on transparency and accountability for our local and regional water policy. For years, our water agencies have operated in the fringes of transparency and sadly have taken advantage of the lack of oversight. Juan Garza is 100% committed to shining a light on all aspects of how our water agencies operate, especially our local water.
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​We need proven water leaders who have the courage, experience, and transparency to ensure that our water is protected for generations to come. Juan has fought for that, and he will continue to fight for you and your water.
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For water leadership that is experienced, transparent, and compassionate — vote Juan Garza for Central Basin Municipal Water District Division Four!​​
