Director elections scheduled in three LPEA board districts

Election packets to be mailed Friday, April 19

results announced May 11

Durango, CO – Ballots for the election of three directors on the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) board are set to be mailed Friday, April 19, 2013. LPEA directors represent their geographic districts and help determine current and future policy at the electric cooperative. Election results will be announced during the LPEA Annual Meeting, May 11, 2013.
“We encourage our members to be involved,” said Greg Munro, LPEA CEO. “We are facing challenges in the industry, and we will need to be thoughtful and conscientious as we explore our options going forward. This election is very important. We encourage LPEA members to get to know the candidates in their district and vote.”
In accordance with LPEA’s bylaws, annually one seat in each of LPEA’s four districts comes up for election. This year in District 2 (south and west La Plata County), incumbent director Tom Compton was the only nominee, thus the election in that district will be cancelled and Compton retains his seat.
[Please note: Candidate profiles are included at the end of this release.]
The approximately 7,700 LPEA members in Archuleta County – District 1 – will elect a representative to the board from a field of two: incumbent Lindon Stewart and new candidate Mark Garcia.
In District 3, which is essentially the City of Durango, two new candidates will vie for the seat vacated by retiring incumbent Harry Goff: Michael Rendon and Richard Alan Yoder. District 3 includes approximately 7,400 eligible voters.
New candidate Jack D. Turner is challenging incumbent Herb Brodsky in District 4. Nearly 7,700 eligible voters are in District 4, which covers north and east La Plata County, including part of Bayfield.
Ballots must be returned by 4 p.m., Friday, May 10 to FredrickZink & Associates, the independent, Durango-based CPA firm retained by LPEA to tally the ballots utilizing La Plata County’s official ballot counting equipment. If not voting by mail, members can bring their ballots to the Annual Meeting at Sky Ute Casino and Resort in Ignacio on May 11. Registration for the Annual Meeting begins at 9 a.m., with the business meeting to commence at 10:30 a.m. Anyone voting at the Annual Meeting must do so prior to 10:30 a.m.
LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with nearly 41,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.

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One candidate will be elected to represent District 1, Archuleta County
Lindon Stewart is the incumbent candidate for District 1:
In these unprecedented times in the US, everyone has been impacted financially in many ways and our electric rates have been no exception. In the 18 months since I was appointed to the LPEA board, I have learned, through firsthand experience and the director classes I have taken, just how many factors impact our electric rates.
The LPEA Mission Statement states “La Plata Electric Association provides its members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible.”
We must focus on all elements of this statement, but cost and environment seem to take the headlines. I believe we need to make every effort to insure that the electric rates are as fair to all our members as reasonably possible. I believe we need to continue to emphasize the effort that LPEA has had underway for some time promoting energy efficiency and net metering. These programs help keep the electric rates down for all members.
The LPEA staff and the Board of Directors are working on an “Alternative Energy Plan” that will provide the path forward on alternative energy for LPEA, including items such as Community Solar Gardens, which I support so long as members are not burdened with higher electric rates.
My only agenda is to support the Mission Statement. I will continue to be an effective board member by being respectful of the other board members’ opinions, be a good listener, be a positive participant, thereby earning the respect for my opinions by the other board members.

Mark Garcia is a new candidate for District 1.
I’m excited with the opportunity to be your LPEA Director and want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who don’t know me.
I have lived in Pagosa since 1994 and been an LPEA member for 19 years. My family and I are active within the community and love Pagosa. I’m a mechanical engineer and currently work as the Executive Director for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. I have been consulting to local governments in southern Colorado and was previously Pagosa Springs Town Manager from 2003-2008.
Over the years I have worked closely with LPEA Directors and staff on multiple projects. I also served on the LPEA Round Up Foundation Board 2000-2004 and was president for three years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work and experience with LPEA.
Today, existing energy sources (coal and natural gas) are the mainstay for energy production, however alternative energies (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass) are on the forefront. Energy demand and transmission capacity are also important issues. Many challenges lie ahead and will have a major impact on LPEA in the coming years. It’s imperative LPEA be prepared for current and future energy challenges and able to effectively respond to member needs, demands and concerns.

I believe my engineering and local government background will serve me well as your Director, and I commit to work hard and strive for efficient and professional operation of your cooperative. I would appreciate your support and vote. Thank you.

One candidate will be elected to represent District 3, the City of Durango
Michael Rendon is a new candidate for District 3:
I am a Colorado native, and have lived in Durango for 21 years. In that time, I have gathered the relevant professional experience to be a strong candidate for the LPEA board.
For five and a half years I ran the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, implementing energy efficiency programs and policies. I worked for Ecos Consulting (now Ecova) providing energy efficiency testing on electronics, and helping to guide energy policy on the National level. I served on the Durango City Council for three years and as the Mayor of Durango for one year. I am currently the Environmental Stewards Program Director with the Southwest Conservation Corps, where the AmeriCorps program that I direct works on reclamation of abandoned coal mines across the country.
I am running for the LPEA Board of Directors because I believe the board is at a pivotal and exciting point in the way it can provide energy to our community. I will support programs and policies that encourage and incentivize energy efficiency, and improve LPEA’s rebate program. I will work to improve policies enabling more local renewable energy production, which will increase local economic development opportunities. I will make sure that LPEA co-op members continue to have reliable power at a low cost. As a dedicated co-op member I’m excited to use my experience and leadership to serve on the LPEA Board.

Richard Alan Yoder is a new candidate for District 3:
Electric energy is one of the basic building blocks required for modern commerce and society. There are three requirements related to electric energy that must be considered:
· Availability – Electricity must be available around the clock and every day of the year. This requires that LPEA plans and engineers facilities that meet these requirements.

· Quality – The characteristics of power provided and the quality of member-related services is essential to maintain member support and confidence.

· Cost – Electric power is produced by a third party. That means that LPEA must introduce efficiencies into the distribution of energy to the end user to control costs. Increased costs will negatively influence economic growth and the production of jobs.

It is my view that LPEA’s board must consider and maintain a focus on these three elements as they relate to the distribution of electricity. Recent rate increases have been the direct result of the need to use energy from the most expensive sources. Special interests now dominate the landscape. There is a need to return to meeting the needs of businesses and individual energy consumers. Frequent member surveys would allow a focus on member desires and away from the special interest groups which are affecting rates.
With a degree in business and more than 40 years experience at the vice-presidential level with large healthcare organizations including Lovelace Health Systems, Sutter Health, Porter Hospital, San Mateo County General Hospital, I believe that I have the education and experience to assist LPEA in accomplishing its fundamental business requirements. In addition, I served as a manager with Colorado-Ute Electric Association, the generation and transmission association from which La Plata Electric purchased power at that time.

One candidate will be elected to represent District 4, North and East La Plata County
Herbert C. (Herb) Brodsky is the incumbent candidate for District 4:
An independent business consultant, Herb Brodsky has lived in southwest Colorado since 1980. His professional experience includes Vice President/Director of Property Management for Simon & Associates, the largest national shopping center development and property management company in the U.S. He also was Sales Engineer/Product Manager with Carborundum Company; Sales Engineer with Rockwell Standard Corporation; Staff Engineer, Central Engineering Division, Chrysler Corporation.
Brodsky, who earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s in Automotive Engineering from The Chrysler Institute of Engineering, served three terms as LPEA Board President and is a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association designated Credentialed Cooperative Director. He has been awarded the NRECA Board Leadership Certificate.
In addition to serving on the LPEA Roundup Foundation Board, Brodsky has been board president of the Southwest Land Alliance, Community Foundation of SW Colorado, American Cancer Society, Durango Natural Foods, La Plata County Community Development Corporation, and Durango Repertory Theatre Company. He was also a member of the 6th Judicial District Nominating Committee.
“The past year has presented many serious challenges to your LPEA Board of Directors,” states Brodsky. “My years of service to LPEA have provided me with in-depth knowledge of our company and the electric industry as a whole. My many years of business experience have enabled me to actively contribute to the success and achievements of our co-op. I am not a single issue candidate. I believe the major role of an LPEA Director is to consider the needs and wishes of ALL the members when making the complex decisions. I would like to continue to serve District 4, where I add a progressive voice to our Board of Directors.”

Jack D. Turner is a new candidate for District 4:
Jack Turner was raised in Durango and worked in his family’s businesses. Being oil dependent, they were forced to close following the 1970s oil embargo. Turner attests he learned a lot then, including the risk that comes from dependency on outside sources.
Turner has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Geology. Inspired by his passion for community, he received a second Master’s emphasizing leadership and community self-reliance. He worked as a representative to rural interests, including the Skokomish Tribe in Washington state. Much of his time involved partnering with public utilities. One of many accomplishments included mediating a re-licensing for hydro facilities operated by Tacoma Power. His efforts resulted in unprecedented dam releases, mimicking natural river flows while maintaining optimal electric generation.
Turner teaches at Southwest Colorado Community College, cares for his grandmother, coaches cross-country, attends Leadership La Plata, and enjoys time with his wife and sons in their passive solar home.
As he notes, “Our energy decisions impact our community. I am running to ensure these decisions protect and preserve our economy, environment, and livelihood. I bring passion and skill in developing pragmatic, community-based energy solutions. To continue to prosper, we need to strengthen our inherent values of self-sufficiency. By limiting our reliance on outside sources, we stay in control of pricing and keep costs down. We boost our economy through supporting local business. We protect our air, our forests, and our homes from energy practices that put our vitality, economy, and environment at risk. Together, we can build bridges to energy independence.”