To the editor,

For years, the Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado and its all-volunteer board have worked to raise the profile of sustainability and environmental issues in our region.  Central to that effort is supporting LPEA Board of Directors candidates who know the importance of local, renewable energy production and how to ensure that LPEA continues to serve the interests of its membership and local economy, not special energy interests. 
SASCO is pleased to support Britt Bassett for re-election in District 3 and Heather Erb for re-election in District 4.
Bassett is a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate representative for the residents of District 3.  He runs a solar business that employs eight local residents working on solar projects throughout California. Bassett is an effective manager and he brings those skills to the LPEA Board. Since joining the Board, he has worked hard to promote local solar gardens, energy efficiency and rate fairness, and has worked to usher in a new era of management with the hiring of CEO Mike Dreyspring. Bassett is a dedicated board member who should be re-elected to represent the people of District 3.
Erb is up for re-election in District 4 and is the best choice to represent the residents of the northeast side of La Plata County. She is a consensus builder and works hard to ensure that LPEA is fiscally responsible while ushering our co-op into the new energy economy. Most importantly, she has the experience of an incumbent; public electric utility management is a complex job, and she has the knowledge and experience to keep LPEA moving forward. SASCO supports Erb’s re-election in District 4.
Be sure to vote for Britt Bassett in District 3 and Heather Erb in District 4 before May 15.

– Sincerely, Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado Board of Directors

---

To the editor,

Time is running out to become informed about the 4 management of the Humane Society Thrift Store, which helps support the animal shelter.
So many volunteers and paid staff have given years of hard work and effort to provide not only money for the shelter and care for the animals, but also a pleasant shopping experience for the public.
Unfortunately, the former paid staff and volunteers are no longer there. Customers are complaining about the phone not being answered, poor customer service and inferior merchandise. Volunteers who used to bring their donations to the thrift store are now taking them to other thrift shops. Word has been spreading around about the drastic changes in the LPCHS Thrift Store, and most of those words aren’t good.
If you’re a member of the Humane Society, please mark your calendar for May 9 to be present at the annual meeting, and let your voice be heard.

 

– Irene Short, Durango

---

Cows have moms, too

To the editor,

We all look forward to this Sunday, when we celebrate Mother’s Day and the cherished bond between mother and child. Ironically, dairy cows – worldwide symbols of motherhood – never get to see their babies.
The newborn calves are torn from their mothers at birth and turned into veal cutlets, so we can drink the milk that nature designed for them. The distraught mothers bellow for days, hoping for their return.
Most cows spend their lives chained, with no access to the outdoors. Each year, they are impregnated artificially to keep the milk flowing. When their production drops, around 4 years of age, they are turned into hamburgers.
This Sunday, let’s honor motherhood and our natural compassion by replacing cow’s milk and other dairy products, all laden with fat and cholesterol, with delicious, healthful, cruelty-free nut or soy-based milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. These are available in every supermarket. Mother cows, and our own bodies will be most grateful.

– Dante Gomez,  Durango

---

To the editor,

Regarding LPEA elections: As a 33-year coop member, I raised legitimate issue in a reasonable way. I have been threatened by the “greens.” The Herald used this word, not me: “the ‘greens,’ as they’re often called, started to come on in 2012 when Heather Erb and Britt Bassett won seats. Then in 2013, Michael Rendon, Mark Garcia and Jack Turner were elected. In 2014, Bob Lynch joined the board.”
Found in the LPEA minutes, financials, and at LPEA meetings: The “green” members of the board (the board majority) defeated a motion to require LPEA director candidates to sign an affidavit they were qualified to run and would abide by the bylaws.
Bassett was on the Task Force that wrote the Community Solar Garden policy; Bassett was in a room with unknown others, he got paid to write the policy and sometime between September 2012 - November 2014, he became a subscriber with Durango Solar Gardens/Shaw Solar. In the November minutes, Bassett reviewed the cost to generate power and requested that the fees John Shaw was incurring be waived; Bassett requested that LPEA incur the costs.  The “greens” voted your money away.
Durango Solar Gardens is quite simply an electric generation station; LPEA (you) purchase the electricity generated; Durango Solar Gardens keeps track of the percentage generated for each of the subscribers and tells LPEA, and LPEA credits the subscribers’ bills. In this case, it certainly seems to me that the developer/subscriber organization is “a business selling electric energy.” 
The “greens” hired tax professionals to justify not sending 1099’s to the Solar Garden subscribers.  The “greens” had a special meeting without proper notice against state law. They are seen in the parking lot prior to meetings determining their block votes.
Since the “greens” arrived, the director’s budget vs. actual has cost members $$$ when you add up the monthly director expenditures. 
Nonprofits enjoy special tax exemptions that promote the idea of a public trust. It helps if board members think of themselves as advocates for the entire cooperative. Elect independent directors.  Vote for James Wotkyns, Kohler McInnis and Karen Barger.

 

– Christi Zeller, Durango

---

To the editor,

True leaders who are willing to offer their time and expertise for community good are to be thanked and appreciated. Two such people, Jim Wotkyns and Karen Barger, have committed themselves to our community in many ways, but are now running for election to the Board of Directors at La Plata Electric Association. 
For decades these two people have repeatedly demonstrated compassion, vision and leadership in our community. Their experience of successful business management is exactly the kind of skills good board members need at La Plata Electric. We are certainly lucky that such fine people will step forward to unselfishly offer their time and experience for the benefit of all of us.
Please join us in voting for Wotkyns (District 3) and Barger (District 4) for LPEA’s Board of Directors. They have the skills and vision to move us into the electrical future through balanced, thoughtful and effective leadership.
If they are willing to set aside hundreds of hours per year out of their busy schedules for us, the least we can do is find the LPEA ballot that comes in the mail and vote for them. Good governance starts by electing good people.

– Ed and Patti Zink, Durango