Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence announces campaign for seat on water board
NORWALK – Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence, a senior aide to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and a former school trustee from Norwalk, announced this week that he will seek the Division 5 seat on the Water Replenishment District board of directors. On Monday, he filed paperwork with election officials to run.
“The drought has made everyone aware of the value of water in our lives, and the importance of conservation,” said Gonzales-Lawrence in a statement. “More than ever, Californians understand the need to reduce and save water.”
As a member of Rendon’s staff since 2012, Gonzales-Lawrence said he’s worked with local agencies and water advocates on legislation, including bills that ensure that water agencies operate with transparency and good governance.
“Water is an increasingly important issue in our community, and it requires leaders who are thoughtful and committed to open government,” he said. “I look forward to talking with voters about water and their thoughts and ideas about water issues.”
The WRD manages groundwater for nearly four million residents in more than 40 cities of southern Los Angeles County . The board members ensures that a reliable supply of high-quality groundwater is available through clean water projects, water supply programs, and effective management principles.
The 5th Division of the WRD includes the cities and communities of Bellflower, Carson, Compton, Downey, La Habra Heights, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier.
Currently, Division 5 is represented by Albert Robles, who was first elected in 1992. Director Robles -- who is the most senior member on the board -- has a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a Jurist Doctorate Degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He is now chair of the WRD Finance/Audit and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Committees.
Gonzales-Lawrence has received the endorsements of numerous elected and community leaders, including: Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, California State Treasurer John Chiang, La Habra Heights Mayor Kyle Miller, Norwalk Mayor Mike Mendez, Santa Fe Springs Councilmember Joe Angel Zamora, Whittier Councilmember Bob Henderson, Whittier Councilmember Josue Alvarado, Bellflower Councilmember Juan Garza, Paramount Councilmember Diane Martinez, and Downey Councilmember Fernando Vasquez.
From 2007-2011, Gonzales-Lawrence served as a board member on the Little Lake City School District.
Gonzales-Lawrence attended Rio Hondo College where he majored in political science and child development. He studied liberal arts at Mount St. Mary’s University and public administration at the University of La Verne.