MSWD Board Appoints Robert Griffith to Fill Seat

MSWD Board Appoints Robert Griffith to Fill Division 2 Vacancy

The Mission Springs Water District Board of Directors on Sept. 15 voted unanimously (4-0) to appoint local resident and businessman Robert Griffith to fill the Division 2 Board vacancy.

Griffith, who resides in Division 2, previously served as a Desert Hot Springs Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem. He also has held positions on the Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission and is currently the president of the DHS Historical Society and the DHS Hotelier’s Association.

Griffith fills the void created by embattled former Director Randy Duncan. He resigned following a June 3 letter from District Attorney Mike Hestrin in which he said Duncan did not live in the District he was serving. You may read Hestrin’s letter by clicking here. 

“Without a qualifying residence within his district, Mr. Duncan vacated his position as a director on the Mission Springs Water District Board,” Hestrin states in the letter.

“Robert’s knowledge and dedication to the DHS community are unparalleled,” Board President Russ Martin said in a prepared statement. “I’m confident in his ability to represent our customers and am honored to serve alongside him on the MSWD Board.”

In August, Director Randy Duncan submitted his resignation, creating a Board vacancy in Division 2. Under the provisions of Government Code Section 1780, the Board of Directors chose to fill the vacancy by appointment following an application period where interested candidates submitted a letter of interest and qualifications to the Board.

Director Griffith will serve the remainder of Duncan’s term, which expires in December 2024. At that time, Griffith will need to participate in the electoral process to continue serving in that seat.

“I am very pleased to be a part of the Mission Springs Water District Board,” Griffith said in a prepared statement. “Being familiar with civil law, government, and the rules and processes associated with serving on a board, I feel I can make a strong impact on MSWD and help set policy decisions that are in the best interest of the community and the customers we serve.”

MSWD is governed by a five-member Board of Directors. They meet on the third Monday of each month and the Thursday before that Monday for a study session. Currently, meetings are held by Zoom and begin at 3 p.m. Public participation is encouraged. For agendas and additional information, please visit www.mswd.org/board.