SAN RAMON — Business owner Kismat Kathrani is making accountability the central theme of his campaign for the Dublin San Ramon Services District Board, calling for closer scrutiny of spending and greater responsiveness to residents.
Credit: Kathrani's campaign team.
Kathrani, who brings more than 20 years of business experience and previously ran for Contra Costa County assessor, faces Donald Downey in the November election for DSRSD’s Division 2 seat. danvillesanramon.com
Kathrani said the prospect of an uncontested race prompted him to enter during the extended filing period. According to his account, Downey filed within hours of his submission. He believes competitive elections encourage candidates to explain their priorities and give residents an opportunity to question those seeking office.
Kathrani also pointed to Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold’s uncontested race this year and Dinesh Govindarao’s unchallenged race in 2024, arguing that a lack of electoral competition reduces opportunities for residents to question candidates and scrutinize their records.
DSRSD serves approximately 194,600 people across its combined services. It provides drinking and recycled water to Dublin and San Ramon’s Dougherty Valley, wastewater collection and treatment to Dublin and south San Ramon, and wastewater treatment to Pleasanton under contract. Dublin San Ramon Services District
The district’s adopted operating budget lists approximately $91.3 million in expenses for fiscal year 2026. Kathrani says spending at that scale requires board members willing to ask difficult questions about costs, priorities and results. dsrsd.com
He expressed concern about rising costs for residents and questioned whether they are receiving sufficient value from public services.
Infrastructure renewal is another priority. Describing himself as a technology entrepreneur, Kathrani said he would explore wastewater-treatment technologies used internationally and assess whether those approaches could improve efficiency and support infrastructure upgrades within DSRSD.
His vision centers on bringing business experience and independent scrutiny to the board, with an emphasis on reliable services and clearer explanations of how residents’ money is spent.
Editor’s note: Dinesh Govindarao’s unchallenged Division 1 race was in 2024. That seat is next scheduled for election in 2028, rather than 2026
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