Election Countdown
Hickle vs. Stevenson
Election Day · November 3
Water bills · public spending · accountability · your questions
Jim Hickle — The Incumbent
Hickle is the current president of the Ramona Municipal Water District Board, representing Division 2. His background includes engineering and management, and public records show he has served on the board since at least 2014. He is seeking another term, giving voters an opportunity to examine his leadership, voting record, and the district's performance during his tenure.
John Stevenson — The Challenger
Stevenson is seeking election to the Division 2 seat in the November 3, 2026 election. He has received the endorsement of the San Diego County Democratic Party. Detailed information about his professional background and priorities was not available in the candidate profiles reviewed, making his experience, qualifications, and proposed changes important questions for our upcoming interview.
Eight issues. Two candidates. One community.
- 1
Water rates — how much is too much?
What can be done to control rising water bills without sacrificing reliable service?
- 2
Executive pay — who's watching the money?
Are district management salaries, raises, and benefits justified by performance and results?
- 3
Follow the money — where do our dollars go?
Are district budgets, grants, and major expenditures delivering measurable benefits to residents?
- 4
Fire protection — is Ramona prepared?
Are emergency services and water infrastructure ready for the next major wildfire?
- 5
Public facilities — fair access for everyone?
Are nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses treated fairly when requesting district facilities?
- 6
Aging infrastructure — fix it now or pay later?
What's the plan to repair and maintain aging water and sewer systems without overwhelming ratepayers?
- 7
Accountability — who holds leadership responsible?
When residents question decisions or raise concerns, who investigates, who answers, and what changes?
- 8
Leadership — what comes next?
What three specific actions would you prioritize in your next term or first 100 days, and how would residents measure success?
Fast Five
Ask both candidates
Jim Hickle: Explain the Decisions
- Which general-manager compensation increases did you support, and what measurable results justified them? How much was Ramona's proposed car allowance, compared with the $475 monthly allowance San Diego authorizes?
- What independent salary and staffing analysis supports management spending—and will you publish it?
- What spending have you personally challenged or reduced, and how much did those decisions save our community?
- How does the board measure grant benefits after local contributions, administrative expenses, and ongoing costs?
- If reelected, what three actions will you pursue to improve affordability—and when should we expect results?
John Stevenson: What Would You Change?
- Several district employees receive more than $200,000 in annual pay before benefits. Do their responsibilities and performance justify those amounts—and what would you review or change?
- Would you support an independent compensation and staffing review, with the findings available to all of us?
- Which district expense would you examine first, and what evidence would guide your decision?
- What specific steps would you pursue to improve affordability for our families and farmers while protecting reliable service?
- What three actions would you pursue in your first 100 days, and how could we measure your progress?
Candidate answers will be added following interviews or written responses. The questions are editorial questions, not candidate statements.
Records: RMWD Board of Directors · County Registrar of Voters · County Democratic Party endorsements.