Mike Gaskins
CA · Director, El Toro Water District
Mike Gaskins is an El Toro Water District director trained in marine biology and geology, with 40-plus years as an educator, chemist, labor negotiator, and human resources director. He says he will keep the district's water clean and safe while keeping costs down.
Where Mike Gaskins stands, based on their records
Supports
Environment and Public Health (4 records), Government Efficiency (6 records), Public Infrastructure (14 records)
Mixed record
Cost of Living Reduction (1 support · 1 oppose), Government Spending Reduction (3 support · 7 oppose)
Track record
Track record — Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health · 4 support
Proposed adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and supported the updated shortage plan and enforcement ordinance. Each measure passed 5-0. The shortage plan covered emergency responses, monitoring, communication, and enforcement.
June 25, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for updated rules preventing dirty water from flowing back into drinking water pipes. The plan required site surveys and backflow protection at shared commercial meters.
June 26, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to support SB 454’s statewide fund addressing PFAS contamination in water and wastewater systems. The vote also backed a coalition letter.
March 27, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for $51,209 in shared engineering work to check service-line materials under lead and copper rules.
April 22, 2024Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Government Efficiency
Government Efficiency · 6 support
Voted 5-0 to adopt an artificial intelligence policy encouraging useful tools while setting safeguards for data security and daily operations.
July 23, 2026Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Proposed adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and supported the updated shortage plan and enforcement ordinance. Each measure passed 5-0. The shortage plan covered emergency responses, monitoring, communication, and enforcement.
June 25, 2026Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to adopt the district’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Its objectives included cash reserves covering 180 days of operating costs, asset management plans for water pipelines and pressurized sewer lines, and a cybersecurity incident response plan.
November 25, 2025Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to support AB 259. The bill removed the expiration date for rules allowing board members to join meetings remotely for emergencies or just cause.
March 27, 2025Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for a new business management software system. The contracts covered a $42,910.65 annual subscription and $130,133 for implementation and training.
August 26, 2021Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to oppose SB 204 unless amended, objecting to added legislative steps for Delta water project permits.
February 28, 2019Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Cost of Living Reduction
Cost of Living Reduction · 1 support · 1 oppose
Proposed higher water, sewer, and recycled water charges effective July 1, 2026. The 5-0 vote included a 23-cent increase per billing unit of recycled water.
June 11, 2026Opposes Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to support AB 533’s income tax exemption for water-saving and stormwater rebates.
February 28, 2019Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 3 support · 7 oppose
Seconded and supported the district’s 2026-2027 operating and capital budget, which allocated $32,353,172 for operating and maintenance costs and authorized 58 full-time-equivalent positions. It passed 5-0.
April 20, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to support SB 454’s statewide fund addressing PFAS contamination in water and wastewater systems. The vote also backed a coalition letter.
March 27, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to raise directors’ daily pay from $219 to $240.90. The increase passed 4-1.
February 27, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted for the district’s 2024-2025 operating and capital budget option using a 3.9% inflation figure. It passed 4-1, with Gaskins voting yes.
April 22, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to remove long-term care insurance from directors’ benefits while updating district policies.
February 20, 2024Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported the district’s 2023-2024 operating and capital budget, which budgeted a 7.1% inflation component and a typical 3% merit component for employee pay. The budget passed 5-0.
May 3, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Proposed authorizing up to $50 million in water and wastewater revenue bonds. The Financing Authority approved the sale and related documents 4-0, with one director absent.
February 14, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for a debt policy that barred borrowing for operating costs or minor routine repairs and replacements.
January 24, 2022Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Proposed and supported the district’s 2020-2021 operating budget after backing a reduction of its inflation allowance from 3.2% to 2.2%. The budget passed 5-0.
June 22, 2020Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Proposed and supported a letter seeking $21,693,203 in state aid for Paradise Irrigation District after the Camp Fire. The motion passed 4-0.
March 28, 2019Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 14 support
Voted 5-0 to adopt the district’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Its objectives included cash reserves covering 180 days of operating costs, asset management plans for water pipelines and pressurized sewer lines, and a cybersecurity incident response plan.
November 25, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to renew a sewer service agreement covering two Mission Viejo streets for another 50 years. Moulton Niguel Water District handled the wastewater because of the land’s slope.
October 23, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported committing a 25% local funding match for an Aliso Creek Lift Station protection grant application. The motion passed 5-0.
August 25, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for a $10,424,200 construction contract to repair wastewater intake equipment and a settling tank. The same vote approved $943,904 for construction oversight, $546,328 for engineering, and $103,433 for programming.
June 23, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to grant Laguna Woods a conditional access easement for a fire station and public safety building. The easement crossed the P-1 Pump Station access road.
December 19, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to authorize a federal grant application for studying direct introduction of treated wastewater into the drinking water system, with a 50% local cost share largely in staff time.
October 23, 2023Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Proposed $1,031,648 for R-6 Reservoir perimeter road repairs and $34,663 for testing during construction. The board approved both contracts 4-0.
September 25, 2023Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Proposed a $2,184,000 warehouse construction contract and $222,095 for engineering after rejecting an incomplete lower bid. The motion passed 4-1.
May 22, 2023Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Proposed accepting Irvine Ranch Water District’s capacity in a wastewater transmission main and the Aliso Creek Ocean Outfall. The agreement passed 5-0.
November 22, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Proposed a $23,608,825 construction contract to replace R-6 Reservoir’s floating cover and liner. The 5-0 vote also approved $499,088 for engineering and construction management, plus $372,100 for inspections.
July 25, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for a $1,954,236 construction contract to improve Oso Lift Station, plus $84,000 in engineering services. Approval depended on obtaining the city permit.
June 22, 2020Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for an emergency sewer overflow connection with Moulton Niguel Water District during Oso Lift Station construction.
October 22, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported state funding access for the Doheny ocean desalination project under AB 1752. The motion passed 5-0.
June 25, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Proposed and supported a letter seeking $21,693,203 in state aid for Paradise Irrigation District after the Camp Fire. The motion passed 4-0.
March 28, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Track record — General
General · 36 records
Worked as a water quality chemist and microbiologist for Santa Margarita Water District.
November 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Worked as a science teacher for Capistrano Unified School District.
November 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Served as human resources director for the City of Montebello.
November 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Served in Vietnam as an Army sergeant.
November 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Spent 18 years negotiating public-sector labor agreements with employee associations across Southern California.
November 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Was recommended in OC Indivisible Coalition’s guide for the 2026 general election.
October 6, 2026
Source: ocindivisible.org
Proposed a shared-facilities agreement for the Joint Regional Water Supply System. The agreement allocated systemwide costs; El Toro held 0.23% of capacity. The motion passed 5-0.
September 24, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to adopt residential water shutoff rules requiring a bill at least 60 days overdue and 10 business days’ mailed notice before a shutoff. The rules protected customers during timely bill appeals and while following approved payment plans.
August 27, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported raising minimum cash reserve targets to stay above 7.5% of operating costs. The change passed 5-0.
August 24, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported further negotiations to acquire the wastewater transmission main from SOCWA for district ownership and operation. The motion passed 5-0.
July 23, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to let Laguna Woods install and maintain a surveillance camera at Oso Lift Station. The agreement allowed a view of the station and Woods End Wilderness Preserve entrance.
May 28, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted against a six-month public affairs contract at $4,000 monthly, with costs divided among six agencies. It passed 5-1. He supported a revised split excluding El Toro, which passed 6-0.
March 5, 2026
Source: socwa.com
Proposed $69,500 in added consulting work for solar and battery contract negotiations. The motion passed 4-1.
February 23, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Supported a 5% base salary increase and a 15% performance award for General Manager Dennis Cafferty. He seconded the final amendment setting the effective pay period in December 2025. The motion passed 5-0.
November 25, 2025
Source: etwd.com
As El Toro’s SOCWA alternate director, opposed splitting $50,000 in Ocean Institute collaboration costs equally among six agencies. The five-year arrangement passed 5-1.
November 6, 2025
Source: socwa.com
Voted 5-0 for an ordinance setting the process for customers to challenge new district rates and charges under AB 2257.
April 10, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to oppose SB 350’s water bill aid program for low-income residents unless amended. The board also authorized joining coalition letters seeking changes.
March 27, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Served as chair of the El Toro Water District Financing Authority while serving as district board president. The authority confirmed the board members and officer roles in a 5-0 vote.
January 23, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to raise the fee for wastewater system capacity from $9.31 to $10.66 per gallon of daily flow.
December 19, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported investing up to $1,256,000 in a water prepayment program for up to 1,000 acre-feet. The 5-0 vote authorized participation through the Municipal Water District of Orange County.
December 16, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted to raise the general manager’s purchasing authority to $75,000. The policy change passed 4-1.
August 22, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Was appointed El Toro Water District’s primary representative at the ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority. The board approved the assignment 5-0.
July 25, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to seek congressional support for protecting water agencies from certain lawsuits over PFAS contamination. The letter backed the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act (H.R. 7944).
June 27, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported allowing cloud-seeding equipment at R-6 Reservoir through an agreement with regional partners. The motion passed 5-0.
July 24, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported ending the Level 2 water shortage declaration after wet weather improved supplies. The 5-0 vote kept permanent water-saving rules in place.
May 25, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to extend COVID-19 emergency leave authority through February 23, 2023. The manager received discretion to grant up to 160 hours per employee each month.
November 22, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 for a $685,000 contract to demolish the filter building and clear-water storage tank. The same vote approved $124,429 in engineering services.
July 25, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Proposed creating the El Toro Water District Financing Authority through an agreement with a statewide public financing agency. The board approved it 5-0.
January 24, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to reaffirm priority service for affordable housing projects, as required by state law.
July 22, 2021
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported temporarily raising authorized staffing from 60 to 61 employees during a succession transition. The change to the 2020-2021 budget’s staffing limit passed 5-0.
October 19, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Voted 5-0 to accept a water supply study for the Village at Laguna Hills redevelopment. The study found supplies adequate for the project over 20 years.
April 20, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Proposed $10 million in dam-failure insurance for R-6 Reservoir and $5 million for the effluent holding pond. The 5-0 vote selected an annual premium of $23,949.
November 25, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Proposed appointing Dennis Cafferty as general manager at an annual salary of $247,000. The three-year employment agreement passed 5-0.
June 25, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported creating a standing Water Quality Committee. The board approved it 5-0.
May 21, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and supported opposition to SB 332’s required cuts in treated wastewater discharges to oceans and similar waters. The bill set cuts of 50% by 2030 and 95% by 2040. The motion passed unanimously.
March 28, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Voted 4-0 to support local control over retention periods for surveillance recordings under AB 510.
March 28, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Past race Mike Gaskins ran in:
- El Toro Water District Director, Full Term · November 3, 2026 · El Toro Water District · incumbent