By Brian Hews
Phil Hawkins is no stranger to elected office and community involvement during the past thirty year. The Cerritos resident is attempting to get reelected to his fourth four year term as a Director of the Central Basin Water Board of Directors.
Hawkins represents Area 5 that includes Cerritos, Artesia, Paramount, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, and Signal Hill. He and his wife Janeth have lived in Cerritos since 1979, and grew up in Bellflower. He has a son, Philip Hawkins, Jr., who is a local realtor and daughter Sheila who works for a medical trade association. He has five grandchildren that range from ages four to eight.
Hawkins has dedicated much of his adult life to community and business affairs including building a successful career in real estate. He is also a former elected member of the California State Assembly and also served as a Commissioner on Trade and Commerce for the State of California.
Hawkins said that this is the first time that voters will be selecting Directors to the Central Basin Water Board in a June Primary election. He said that the District decided to change the board election date instead of being in November, to June as a “cost savings measure” to taxpayers.
Water storage is one of the “top issues” facing Central Basin Water Board for the future. “Under the Central Basin we have one of the most beautiful aqua firs that you could ever imagine,” he said in an interview with Los Cerritos Community Newspaper.
“Our water is so good, that Coca-Cola even moved its plant to Downey in order to have access to our basin,” he quipped.
He even said that the “public shouldn’t waste their time buying bottled water, our water at Central Basin is that good,” he said. “Your water is a pure as you can get it.”
He called the campaign thus far “pretty quiet” thus far. “I am the only candidate with any signs out so far,” he said. Hawkins is being challenged by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza and Cerritos community leader Jay Gray. “I was surprised when he (Mendoza) decided to run (for water board),” he said. Hawkins also said that if Mendoza does prevail in the campaign, that he will have to resign his seat in the state assembly before this November’s general election.
Hawkins said his “heart” is in his “job” as a director.
