Phil Spencer has announced he is a candidate for the board of the Catoosa County Utility District.
Spencer is a native of Catoosa County, attended Catoosa County schools and lives in Graysville.
He is reired from MARK IV Industries, a construction company he started and eventually sold. He is a licensed plumber and electrician and member for IBEW Local 175.
Spencer said he was a leader in the effort to eliminate the oxidation pond in Morris Es-tates which, he said, “created such an environmental problem by pouring untreated sewage into Chickamauga Creek.”
Spencer said he wants “to help the people understand that they, the customers, own the utility and can influence the policies of the board of directors.
He said the current board is “out of control.”
“They have gradually raised their salaries, increased their insurance package and changed the number of times they can serve in order to retire at the expense of the utility customers or members,” he said. “The board can be controlled if the customers will attend the meetings and take an interest in the business of the utility.
“Here are some of the things I will implement:
“Will set up a website to let the people know what will be on the agenda at the board meetings. Will post on the website what took place at the last meeting. This will greatly help those that cannot attend each meeting.
“I will go out in the neighborhood and ask the people what they expect from the Water Board Authority.
“I’m asking the people to elect me not for the outlandish insurance the commissioners receive but to just serve the people. I will not accept any insurance at all.
“I will not vote for a rate increase.”