C. Michael Cowett

More than anyone, C. Michael Cowett understands that water is the key to California's economic survival.

Since he began practicing law in 1972, Cowett has acted on behalf of several local and regional water districts and has been a part of virtually every water issue that has affected San Diego.

A partner at Best Best & Krieger, his water clients include Padre Dam Municipal, Rancho California, Sweetwater Authority and Valley Center Municipal Water Districts.

Energy in linked closely with water, and Cowett  filed the first lawsuit against energy providers -- including Enron -- on behalf of 13 local water districts for unreasonable electricity prices, which resulted in millions of dollars in settlements.

Investing time and energy in the entire community, Cowett  is currently working in North County on the Sprinter and has helped draft the legislation that consolidates many functions of the NCTD, Metropolitan Transit Development Board and SANDAG.