Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if on December 31, 2001, a member of the board of directors was elected or appointed as a voter of this state and is an owner of real property within the district, pursuant to the former Section 5783.3, that person may continue to serve on that board of directors for the remainder of the term for which he or she was elected or appointed, and that person may be elected or appointed to that board of directors in the future after that term ends, provided that the person continues to be a voter of this state and an owner of real property within the district.