Director elections to be held in all four LPEA board districts

Winners to be announced May 12 at LPEA Annual Meeting in Ignacio

Durango, CO – With challenges in the energy industry looming large, interest in securing a “seat at the table” when La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) determines current and future policy has stimulated a solid field of candidates for the up-coming board of directors election in all of LPEA’s four districts. Ballots will be mailed Friday, April 20, 2012.

“We encourage interest from our members, and we want them to be involved,” said Greg Munro, LPEA CEO. “We are now facing rising costs for the production of electricity, be it traditional generation or renewable, and we will need to be thoughtful and conscientious as we explore our options going forward. This election is very important. We encourage all LPEA members to get to know the candidates and vote.”

In accordance with LPEA’s bylaws, annually one seat in each of LPEA’s four districts comes up for election.

[Please note: Candidate profiles and statements are included at the end of this release.]
The approximately 7,600 LPEA members in Archuleta County – District 1 – will elect a representative to the board from a field of two: incumbent J. Robert (Bob) Formwalt and new candidate Kirsten Skeehan.

Incumbent Jerry McCaw faces new candidate Bruce Baizel in the director election for District 2, which includes approximately 8,200 eligible voters.

In District 3, which is essentially the City of Durango, new candidate Britt Bassett is challenging incumbent Robert (Bobby) Lieb, Jr., for his seat. District 3 includes approximately 7,300 eligible voters.

New candidates Heather Erb and Ann McCoy Harold are challenging incumbent Herb Brodsky in District 4. Approximately 7,500 eligible voters are in District 4, which covers north and east La Plata County, including Bayfield.

Election packets will be mailed to all member-owners (those who pay their electric bill to LPEA) on April 20, and ballots must be returned by 4 p.m., Friday, May 11 to FredrickZink & Associates. The independent, Durango-based CPA firm has been retained by LPEA to tally the ballots utilizing La Plata County’s official ballot counting equipment. The results will be announced at the LPEA Annual Meeting at Sky Ute Casino and Resort in Ignacio on May 12. Registration for the Annual Meeting begins at 9 a.m., with the business meeting to commence at 10:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch follows.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 42,000 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.