Serving Our Water, Our Community, and Our Future
Why Am I Running?
The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District plays an essential role in sustaining this beautiful blue-green home we share.
Because I love this place and care deeply about its future, I want to serve on the District’s Board and help advance its essential mission:
"Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District safeguards and sustainably delivers clean and reliable water to our community while protecting our natural resources and providing a resilient water supply for present and future generations."
Challenges and Collaboration
Fulfilling that mission—and achieving the District’s inspiring vision of an innovative, future-ready water system that reliably and equitably delivers water while enhancing environmental stewardship and community well-being—will require strong collaboration.
The District must work closely with its seven wholesale municipal customers, as well as other agencies, organizations, and community partners. That collaboration will be especially important as the District addresses challenges including aging infrastructure, threats to water rights, and long-term financial sustainability, while also pursuing opportunities such as potential new local customers.
Qualifications
Having worked with the District for a number of years, I understand and appreciate the important work it does and the complexity of the issues it faces. Over decades of working with government agencies and community-based organizations, I have developed the experience and know-how to help people and institutions work across boundaries, find common ground, and develop innovative, practical solutions.
I would be honored to bring that experience, collaborative spirit, and commitment to our community to the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District Board.
I invite you to vote for me on November 3, 2026, to represent Division 5—the seat Michelle Fuller served with distinction for eight years. Together, we can help ensure a reliable water future for our community and for generations to come.
ENDORSEMENTS
NATALIE ARROYO, COUNTY SUPERVISOR
“Mary is thoughtful, has a wonderful understanding of public process, and listens deeply. Mary is also intimately familiar with the infrastructure, organization, and process of the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District through working closely with them over the years. She is ideally poised to fill this important role, and I have great confidence in her!"
MARY BURKE, COUNTY SUPERVISOR ELECT
“Mary Gelinas leads by asking the right questions to help groups navigate change. I enthusiastically endorse Mary for HBMWD Director to help chart the course to continue to secure abundant, clean water from a healthy watershed.”
Additional Endorsements
Karen Diemer, former Arcata City Manager
Julie Fulkerson, former County Supervisor, Arcata City Council Member, Business Owner
Meredith Matthews, Arcata City Council Member
Carol Rische, former General Manager, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
Sarah Schaefer, Arcata City Council Member
Matt Simmons, Chair, Arcata Planning Commission, Environmental Lawyer
Alex Stillman, Arcata City Council Member
George Williamson, Founder, Planwest Partners, Inc.
THE KEY TO A THRIVING COMMUNITY IS CLEAN AND RELIABLE WATER
Donations
Running a strong local campaign takes community support. Your contribution will help me reach voters, share my message, and conduct a campaign focused on the future of our local water resources and the communities that depend on them.
Every donation—large or small—makes a difference.
Donate via Venmo: @mary-gelinas-2 OR Use the button below.
Thank you for supporting Mary V. Gelinas for Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District Board of Directors!
