Bassett rises above petty attacks
Britt has served diligently as our District 3 rep, advocating for local, stable, renewable energy and fair rate structures for all co-op members. He is also the owner of a successful solar company that provides energy independence and cost savings to clients in California, employing eight people right here in Durango with skilled jobs. He is a diligent board member who keeps the best interest of his constituents in mind in all that he does. He will continue to do so, despite what Zeller and her friends in the oil and gas industry hoped for in their attack. I am proudly voting to re-elect Britt Bassett for District 3.
Ethics, not affiliation, matter
To the editor,
I have been following the actions of the LPEA Board. There seems to be a cliché that is not in the best interest of the Association. Partisan politics do not belong in certain elections, such as City Council or La Plata4 Electric. Party affiliation does not matter, nor does it have to be declared.
However, too often, there are candidates with personal agendas and the noise surrounding these agendas does not represent the whole, and by default, divides communities. I don’t bleed green or have a green agenda full of buzz words, but I do support Kohler McInnis, Karen Barger and Jim Wotkyns.
I support them because they are the best candidates to represent the entire cooperative, regardless of where a person lives. They are successful business owners with the expertise to rise above the chatter and lead and direct the CEO of La Plata Electric. They have extensive board experience, serving on multiple local, state and national boards. Vote for Jim Wotkyns, Kohler McInnis and Karen Barger because ethics do matter.
– Franklin Anderson, Ignacio
Injured biker offers humble thanks
To the editor,
I can’t believe I’m sitting here comfortably, albeit with plenty of medication.
Most of my life I’ve taken pride in being skilled and self-reliant. This illusion was revealed in an instant a week ago last Sunday. One bad roll of a rock left me broken on the ground, as helpless as a baby, completely dependent on others, a long way from a hospital.
It took an embarrassingly large number of people to put their lives on hold to help me. They gave up their warm clothes to cover me and shivered, raced down to cars to bring more supplies, and huddled close around me, blocking the cold wind and tirelessly holding my broken parts immobile until professionals arrived.
Search and rescue were awesome. The staff at Mercy fantastic. I mean really, to a person. Every transfer and procedure brought another kind face. Some who knew me or my family, some I’d never met before, but all amazingly competent and caring.
My family and I are eternally grateful.
Taking care of yourself is great but just a moment in time. We will all need help from others at some point and they will need help from us. If you play on the trails and in the mountains, don’t forget to buy a wilderness card! And please, consider volunteering or making a donation to the search and rescue teams. They can be a godsend. Trust me.
– David W. Farmer, Durango
Dubit ticks off qualifications
To the editor,
I am running for the LPEA Board of Directors, District 2. The energy landscape is evolving, presenting new challenges and new opportunities. Business as usual will not be good enough.
I bring business and energy sector experience, I will work to optimize value for co-op members, while preparing our utility for the future.
As the former weatherization program manager, then executive director of 4CORE, I have had the privilege of working with the Colorado Energy Office, the U.S. Department of Energy, the EPA, Atmos & Source Gas, local propane providers, LPEA staff, local municipal governments, and local contractors in helping hundreds of families and businesses lower their bills through energy efficiency and renewables, while energy rates have increased. The monies we save on energy are proven to stay in our community, and reducing our demand for energy benefits the environment.
I have a degree in forest resource management from the University of New Hampshire, and a secondary science teaching endorsement from Fort Lewis College. I have taught high school in districts RE-1 and 9-R. I am currently self employed as a nationally certified energy auditor, a solar consultant and the owner/operator of the Durango Dog Ranch. I am also a happily married father of two.
The work of a utility board is technical, requiring strong financial management skills, and members must be forward thinking. I have the financial, board, energy sector and leadership experience to be an effective representative for District 2. The LPEA board has difficult work ahead preparing for the future: making rate structures more progressive; incorporating more locally produced renewable energy; updating policies, procedures and bylaws; and optimizing and expanding service options, while fulfilling the LPEA mission to “provide our community and members safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost while being environmentally responsible.”
Small local elections have big impacts in our community, and our future. Having a choice in these elections is critical. Ballots were mailed out Fri., April 24, so please vote. I would be honored to serve as your LPEA District 2 representative.
– Sincerely, Gregg Dubit
More evils of Clinton Foundation
Dear Ed,
I have to congratulate Bill Vana for his astute observation on the perils and pitfalls of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and referring to it as NAFTA on steroids. I would only point out to Mr. Vana that this has been covered on Fox News as well as dissected by conservative talk show hosts for the past month. Can’t help but wonder how many of the countries involved made “contributions” to the Clinton Foundation.
– Dennis Pierce, Durango