Four candidates are in the running for three seats on the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors during the Nov. 3 General Election race.
In Division 2, incumbent Jim Hickle is being challenged by candidate John Stevenson.
In Divisions 1 and 4, the candidates are running uncontested. That means Casey Lynch will get another term representing Division 1 and Brandon Powell will be the Division 4 representative, replacing Director Jacob Zoria.
Lynch will be serving a short term after replacing former Division 1 Director Jeff Lawler in early 2026. Lawler had resigned on Nov. 9, 2025 after accepting a job in Texas, said RMWD General Manager Erica Wolski at the time. Directors voted unanimously Dec. 9, 2025 to appoint Lynch from among four candidates. He was scheduled to keep the seat until early December 2026, but without an opponent in the November election, he will serve the term’s remaining two years.
Division 1 is northern Ramona, Division 2 is western Ramona and Division 4 is central Ramona.
Candidates in the contested Division 2 race:
Courtesy Jim Hickle
Jim Hickle. (Courtesy Jim Hickle)
Jim Hickle
Age: 62
Residency: Ramona resident for 27 years
Occupation: Director of operations at Solar Turbines
Hickle said he is seeking re-election to represent Division 2 on the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors because he wants to continue to represent Ramona in maintaining a culture of customer service, transparency and pragmatic cost structure to minimize fees and reduce rate increases.
“We have made excellent progress in the last four years in water, sewer and park services to the community,” Hickle said. “However, we have several increased service goals and cost reduction projects underway. I currently serve on three ad hoc committees and as board president leading these efforts. With your support, I would like to continue working for you to bring these important projects to fruition in the next four years.”
Hickle said the main issue the water district is currently facing is the cost of water and sewer service. He said the water district is continuing to search for operating cost reductions, and ways of providing lower cost water and attaining new customers. Water consumption has been reduced by 50% and costs rise, he said.
“During my tenure, we lowered connection fees, received grant funding to connect homes, and brought in significant new customer volumes,” he said. “RMWD rates have increased only one time in the last six years. We must never forget that the district is here to serve the community, not the other way around.”
Hickle said during his tenure as board president, the water district improved transparency and the culture of customer service. Water, sewer and parks service have improved for Ramona, he said.
As for Hickle’s qualifications, he said he received a mechanical engineering degree from San Diego State University in 1993. He served for 33 years in operations, engineering and leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Solar Turbines and Caterpillar. Additionally, he said he has been honored to serve on the water district board for 12 years.
“I have experience in the public utility sector; I know how far we have come and where we need to go,” Hickle said. “This community helped raise my three wonderful daughters, Becca, Jennah and Sydney. My lovely wife, Marti, and I enjoy giving back to R-Town. I hope you give me that honor again.”
Courtesy John Stevenson
John Stevenson. (Courtesy John Stevenson)
John Stevenson
Age: 74
Residency: Lifelong Ramona resident
Occupation: Operated Valley Appliance Services on Main Street from 1973 to 1993. When his mother developed Alzheimer’s, he switched roles to home care management and has done that ever since.
Stevenson said he is running for a seat on the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors not because there are problems with the water district governance.
“Presently, and for some time now, our water system has been run in an exemplary manner,” Stevenson said. “My father was highly involved in service to the community and I have continued that tradition to the best of my capacity. That is why I am running.”
A few issues Stevenson said the water district is facing include RMWD still dealing with a trust deficit, not from any of its own actions, but from bad decisions and policies before 2000. It is time to leave that behind and step into greater leadership in Ramona, he said.
“I have concerns about contingency planning in three areas: earthquake, digital attack and extreme weather,” he said. “Separately, concerning pre-2000 RMWD projects, it will be difficult but not impossible to rectify planning flaws from that time.”
Some of Stevenson’s qualifications for the water district board include having served as the first president of Ramona Town Hall, Inc., a role he held for several years, he said. While running Valley Appliance Services, Stevenson said he gained much relevant experience in business practices. During his second career, he said he served on the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) advisory board of San Diego County as chair until he termed out.
Currently, Stevenson said he runs the Ramona Homeless Project and works on his church’s – First Congregational Church of Ramona – Mission Board with disadvantaged Ramona residents.
Those running in uncontested races:
Courtesy Casey Lynch
Casey Lynch. (Courtesy Casey Lynch)
Casey Lynch
Age: 49
Residency: Ramona resident for 17 years
Occupation: Professional land surveyor
Lynch said he is seeking another term representing Division 1 on the Ramona Municipal Water District because he believes in the principle that leaders must be elected to make good decisions.
“I will utilize my 19 years of professional experience to represent everyone within the Ramona Municipal Water District boundaries,” Lynch said. “My focus will be continually improving Ramona Community Park, including supporting our incredible senior center, youth sports, adult sports and our beloved rodeo.”
Lynch said the water district needs to maintain and build reliable infrastructure to ensure public access to clean water and safe sewage treatment and improve ways RMWD can support the businesses in our town. Additionally, the district needs to keep water rates affordable without sacrificing the ability to serve the community, he said.
Courtesy Brandon Powell
Brandon Powell. (Courtesy Brandon Powell)
Brandon Powell
Age: 28
Residency: Lifelong Ramona resident
Occupation: Chief investment officer for Woodcrest Homes, Inc., and real estate agent for RE/MAX Direct.
Powell said he wants to represent Division 4 on the Ramona Municipal Water District Board of Directors because he believes sound financial management and reliable, well-managed infrastructure are essential to Ramona’s future.
“As a lifelong Ramona resident, I am committed to helping our community thrive today and for generations to come,” Powell said. “My work as chief investment officer for Woodcrest Homes, Inc., and as a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Direct has given me practical experience evaluating investments, balancing financial priorities and planning for long-term needs.”
Powell said he will bring that experience and a fresh perspective to support responsible decisions and dependable water and sewer service for the Ramona community.