RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Although William Gere was the only applicant for a vacancy on the Rancho Murieta Community Services District Board, the three directors present at a special meeting on July 16 appeared pleased to appoint him.

At the end of the meeting, the board voted 3-0 to fill the seat left vacant by Steve Booth’s May 21 resignation. Voting in favor were directors Linda Butler, John Merchant and Tim Maybee. Director Randy Jenco did not attend.

The directors seemed especially impressed by Gere’s 12 years of service as a U.S. Army infantry officer and his experience with governance in the small town of Hollister. He holds a bachelor’s degree in the administration of justice, which he said was “strongly rooted in public administration.”

Gere submitted a letter of intent and written responses to standard questions as part of his application. In past board meetings to appoint new directors – especially when multiple candidates are involved – directors have typically asked additional questions during the public session.

This time, only Director Tim Maybee came prepared with a list of questions, although he opened on a light note. 

“Thank you for stepping forward,” Maybee said. “This is a great gig. Everybody loves you, and you can’t make anybody mad.”

Maybee began by asking Gere about the chain of command. 

“As a board member, are you allowed to go directly to staff or do you work through the general manager?” he asked.

Gere began with a preface. 

“I’ve noticed that there are a lot of board members here who interact very directly with staff, and I’ve never seen it that way,” he said.

In his past experience, board members went through the city manager first. 

“Then if it’s a detailed question, then the city manager or general manager can bring the department head into the room, and the board members can hash it out that way.”

Asked about his expectations of a general manager, Gere said the most important role is overseeing department heads and monitoring their staff, “and making sure the staff isn’t tripping up.”

Asked about his commitment to the position, Gere said the time demand wouldn’t be a problem, as he had retired a year and a half ago. 

“I’m looking for something to keep me entertained,” he joked.

When Maybee asked about his background, Gere said he had a varied career, including 12 years as a U.S. Army officer, both on active duty and in the reserves.

Gere said he ran his own business at the Hollister Airport for 10 years. 

“So out of my own self-defense, I showed up at every single city council meeting because there was always somebody who wanted to have a flea market on the runways all weekend, which would have impacted me greatly,” Gere said.

He made a point of getting to know all the city council members. 

“Watching the city council and the CSD Board is great theater,” he said. “So you watch and see how things are working.”

After selling his business, the city council asked him to serve as airport manager, a role he held for several years while his children were finishing high school. This time, he attended council meetings as a department head.

“I have seen both sides of the spectrum,” he said. “So, I think I am prepared.”

Director Linda Butler said she was glad Gere was committing to the board and willing to take part in all its activities, which she noted can be very time-consuming.

Director John Merchant said he didn’t have any questions because he had already spoken with Gere twice. 

“I’m really glad you stepped up,” he said. “Quite honestly, I don’t know what we would do if you didn’t because you are a party of one.”

Audience member Tom Shewchuk suggested the board delay the appointment until Director Randy Jenco could participate. Merchant responded that such a delay wouldn’t work due to statutory time requirements.

Merchant noted that Gere will serve the remainder of Booth’s term and will be up for election in November 2026, when all five board seats will be on the ballot.

Following the unanimous vote, the district secretary administered the oath of office.

Gere’s application materials are available in the board packet for the July 16 special meeting on the district’s website. An audio recording of the meeting has also been posted.