SAN RAMON, Calif. — Two seats on the five-member Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors are up for election Nov. 3. Division 2, representing southwest San Ramon, has attracted two candidates seeking an open seat, while the Division 4 incumbent in central Dublin is running unopposed.
The district provides drinking water, wastewater, and recycled water services in portions of the Tri-Valley. Its board oversees district policies, finances, infrastructure planning and operations.
The Division 2 seat is currently held by Edward "Ed" Duarte, who was appointed to replace retiring board member Ann Marie Johnson. Duarte is not seeking election.
After no candidates filed by the regular deadline, the filing period was extended. Kismat Kathrani filed during the extension, followed by Donald Downey.
In Division 4, incumbent Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold is running without an opponent.
The two Division 2 candidates are listed alphabetically below.
Credit : Candidates websites.
Donald Downey
Donald Downey is a retired petroleum geologist who previously worked for Chevron. He has attended the district's Citizen Water Academy and served on the City of San Ramon's Senior Citizens Advisory Committee.
Downey's campaign focuses on four priorities: safe drinking water, infrastructure improvements, recycled water and fiscal responsibility.
According to his campaign statements, Downey supports rigorous water-quality testing to protect public health and the use of modern technology to monitor aging infrastructure and prevent costly failures.
He also wants to expand the district's use of recycled water and reduce treated wastewater discharged into San Francisco Bay during peak summer irrigation periods.
Downey says maintaining reliable water and wastewater services at a reasonable cost is another priority.
Campaign website: https://sites.google.com/view/dondowneyfordsrsddiv2/home
Kismat Kathrani
Kismat Kathrani is a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist who serves as president of the Bay Area chapter of ITServe Alliance, a nonprofit organization representing technology businesses.
He previously ran for Contra Costa County assessor in the June 2026 election, receiving 25,806 votes, or 9.6% of the vote.
Kathrani says his business experience would bring greater financial oversight, accountability and operational efficiency to the district.
He has raised concerns about board appointments and uncontested elections, arguing that competitive races provide residents with more opportunities to question candidates and evaluate their priorities.
Kathrani also wants the district to examine wastewater treatment methods used in countries facing water shortages. He believes studying these approaches could identify opportunities to improve efficiency and manage long-term infrastructure costs.
His campaign emphasizes reliable water services, responsible spending and stronger oversight of district operations.
Campaign website: https://kismatforpeople.com
Division 4: Incumbent Runs Unopposed
Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, the incumbent representing central Dublin, is running unopposed for another term.
Under California election law, an uncontested district board position may be filled through appointment by the supervising authority rather than a contested election.
Voting Information
DSRSD board positions are nonpartisan and carry four-year terms.
Division 2 voters will choose between Donald Downey and Kismat Kathrani in the Nov. 3 general election.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters returning ballots in person or through official drop boxes must do so by 8 p.m.
Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by county elections officials no later than Nov. 10.
Voters can find election information and ballot drop-off locations through their county elections office or the California Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ca.gov.
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