I am Dow Costa, a Truckee resident since 2000 (I have been coming to Truckee since 1990). I moved to Truckee to direct the launch of Sprint’s wireless network across Northern Nevada and Northern California. With a BS in Psychology and a Minor in General Engineering from the University of Illinois, along with an MBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, I bring a strong analytical and strategic background to the table.  I raised my three girls in Truckee, coached Girls Basketball at Truckee High (won a State Championship), enjoy golf, basketball, and skiing. In the summer you can see me driving my 1990 VW Westfalia Camper Van around, AND was recently married (we are two widows who found each other!) and just found out we will be grandparents next year (after much lobbying). 

Truckee Donner PUD has 3 of 5 seats open, and the need for fresh perspective could not be greater.  Our Board should be an Oversight, Not a Rubber Stamp.  We have large issues facing us, immediate and long-term, both require careful consideration. At the start of my career, I was a member of IBEW1245, so I understand all levels of staffing. 

I will foster community engagement and explore strategic partnerships to enhance the quality of services while protecting our beautiful town for future generations. My wireless network experience as General Manager, including all network, sales, marketing, strategy and management has allowed me to develop the necessary oversight skills to apply to the TDPUD Board.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Truckee.

Mark Hydar for Truckee Donner PUD Board!

Hello, I’m Mark Hydar, and I’m running for the Truckee Donner PUD Board. My journey to Truckee was nothing short of magical—I visited one weekend, and two weeks later, I purchased a home. It was love at first sight; this place truly nourishes my soul.

My Background

I grew up in a working-class suburb just north of Detroit, Michigan. To fund my education at Ferris State University, I started a construction company that's still thrivingafter 30+ years. After graduation, I became a law enforcement officer in the City of Detroit, where my leadership skills quickly emerged. I was elected Vice President of the Michigan Association of Police and later served as President during my six-plus years of service.

When my wife and I decided to start a family, I made the tough decision to switch to a safer career. As a proud father of two wonderful daughters, I wanted to ensure I’d be there for them. This decision led me to discover my passion for software engineering.

Leveraging my leadership skills from law enforcement, I quickly adapted to the tech world, which brought us to California. In the Golden State, I was privileged to be part of groundbreaking tech companies like Excite@Home, eBay, and PayPal. To further my career, I also worked at industry giants such as Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Oracle. Today, I’m the Chief Technology Officer of an industry leading tech company focused on communications and fraud protection, with operations spanning more than 40 countries worldwide.

Why I am Running

Truckee Donner PUD has three out of five seats open, and I believe the need for fresh perspective is now! Our Board should be active and engaged, not simply an oversight committee that rubber stamps most actions. We face challenging issues now and in the years ahead, including retaining top talent (many with deep Truckee roots), navigating increasing regulatory pressures, and effectively partnering with mega-scale utility providers. Finding the right path to keep our utilities affordable and reliable requires more active, more engaged board members who understand these complex dynamics.

My Commitments to You

1. Local Workforce Advocate: I will tirelessly work to keep our workforce local, supporting our community& economic health.

2. Best-in-Class Utilities: I am committed to ensuring our utilities are top-notch while remaining affordable for all residents.

3. Active Leadership: I promise to be a proactive and fully engaged board member, always ready to tackle complex issues.

4. Balanced Approach: I’ll navigate regulatory pressures while maintaining our competitive edge in attracting top talent.

5. Strategic Partnerships: I will work to foster beneficial relationships with mega-scale utility providers, ensuring Truckee’s interests are protected while leveraging their resources and expertise.

Why Me?

I am running for the TDPUD Board of Directors because I love Truckee, I love this community, and I believe our community deserves the best at an affordable rate. My diverse background in law enforcement, technology, and leadership equips me with a unique skill set to address the complex issues facing our utility district.

My experience in the tech industry, particularly in messaging and fraud protection, equips me with valuable insights into modernizing and securing our utility systems while keeping them user-friendly and efficient. This background, combined with my leadership experience, allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the challenges we face, including how to effectively partner with larger utility providers without compromising our community’s needs and values.

Truckee has captured my heart, and I am committed to giving back to this incredible community. With your support, we can ensure that Truckee Donner PUD continues to serve our residents effectively while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

Vote Mark Hydar for a responsive, responsible, and forward-thinking Truckee Donner PUD Board! Together, we can keep Truckee’s utilities best-in-class and affordable for all, while navigating the complexities of modern utility management.

As a lifelong resident of Truckee, I’ve witnessed our community’s evolution over the past 33 years, and I am proud to call this vibrant town my home. Born to immigrant parents who settled here in the 1970s, I carry the values of hard work and community dedication instilled in me from an early age.

With a decade of experience at Union Pacific Railroad, I have honed my leadership skills through the Foreman Development Program while ensuring the integrity of the critical infrastructure along Donner Pass. This journey has deepened my understanding of the vital services that connect our residents and businesses, and the importance of managing these resources effectively.

I am running for the TDPUD Board of Directors because I believe in a future where our utility services are sustainable, affordable, and innovative. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of our community members, protecting our natural environment, and making informed investments that will secure Truckee’s future.

My unique blend of infrastructure management expertise and deep-rooted commitment to our community equips me to effectively advocate for the needs and aspirations of Truckee.  As a leader with union experience, I will support our employees and the challenges they are facing.

Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for our beloved town.

Como residente de toda la vida de Truckee, he sido testigo de la evolución de nuestra comunidad en los últimos 33 años, y estoy orgulloso de llamar a esta vibrante ciudad mi hogar. Nacido de padres inmigrantes que se establecieron aquí en la década de 1970, llevo los valores del trabajo duro y la dedicación comunitaria inculcados en mí desde una edad temprana.

Con una década de experiencia en Union Pacific Railroad, he perfeccionado mis habilidades de liderazgo a través del Programa de Desarrollo de Capataz mientras garantizo la integridad de la infraestructura crítica a lo largo de Donner Pass. Este viaje ha profundizado mi comprensión de los servicios vitales que conectan a nuestros residentes y empresas, y la importancia de administrar estos recursos de manera efectiva.

Me postulo para la Junta Directiva de TDPUD porque creo en un futuro en el que nuestros servicios de servicios públicos sean sostenibles, asequibles e innovadores. Me dedico a amplificar las voces de los miembros de nuestra comunidad, proteger nuestro entorno natural y hacer inversiones informadas que aseguren el futuro de Truckee.

Mi combinación única de experiencia en la gestión de infraestructuras y un compromiso profundamente arraigado con nuestra comunidad me equipa para abogar eficazmente por las necesidades y aspiraciones de los residentes de Truckee. Juntos, podemos construir un futuro más brillante y sostenible para nuestra querida ciudad.