Time winds down for LPEA ballots

Votes in three of four district races due Fri., May 6

by Missy Votel

It’s election time again for the La Plata Electric Association Board of Directors, with members being asked to weigh in on the fate of three open seats by next week.

Each year, four of the board’s 12 seats come up for election – one of three in each of LPEA’s four districts. However, this year in District 3 (City of Durango), Doug Lyon is the only candidate for outgoing incumbent Michael Rendon’s spot, so no election is necessary.

As for District 2 (south and west La Plata County) two newcomers are vying for the seat vacated by retiring incumbent Tom Compton: Dan Huntington and Lori Smith Schell. In District 4 (north and east La Plata County) incumbent Jack D. Turner faces off against new candidates John Beebe or Ron Bishop. In Archuleta County’s District 1 members can choose from a field of three: incumbent Mark Garcia; and new candidates Mike Alley and Calum McNeil.

“We encourage our members to be involved,” said Mike Dreyspring, LPEA CEO. “We are facing challenges in the industry, and we need to be thoughtful and conscientious as we explore our options going forward. This election is very important.”

A short synopsis of candidates in District 2 and 4 follows:

District 2

- Dan Huntington – Huntington grew up in Durango and graduated from CSU with a degree in animal science. He returned home to work the family ranch in Hay Gulch. He has served on the Basin Co-op Board and worked for 17 years as 9-R’s activity bus driver.

“I have the knowledge to help with budgets and the financial statements,” he said in his statement. He added that being “open to new ideas and innovation,” is a must to move the coop forward.

- Lori Smith Schell – An energy consultant with Empowered Energy, Schell touts 30 years of industry and government experience, spanning oil and gas, fossil-fuel and renewable energy.

Schell graduated from Penn State with a PhD in mineral economics and operations research. In 2002, she and her family moved to Durango, where she  is involved in the Community Solar Garden.

“Experience. Objectivity. Reasoned policymaking. Bridge building. These are the main characteristics I offer,” she said. “I have no hidden agenda or political affiliation; my goal is to encourage real dialogue to find areas of agreement.”

District 4

- John Beebe – After 40-plus years in business, finance and accounting, this retiree now spends his time as a community volunteer. He has a BS in business/economics and an MBA. He is a former volunteer firefighter and current board member of Upper Pine Fire.

“Our board has been overly influenced by special interests” he said. “It is essential that board members be analytical, open-minded and not influenced by predetermined agendas. I am uniquely qualified to help make demanding business decisions serving the best interests of all members.”

- Ron Bishop – Also retired, Bishop is a 40-year veteran of  Tri-State Energy.

A native of Montrose, he attended Fort Lewis College and is a Vietnam veteran.        

“As a high-voltage lineman, I have been exposed to the real world of electrical generation,” he said. “We deserve to have representatives that strive to keep our rates as low as possible. We should be using our available assets first and then look at alternative energy sources.”

- Jack D. Turner (incumbent) – Turner was raised in Durango, where he worked in his family’s businesses. He has a Master’s in geology and a background in energy technology. He taught at SW Community College and coaches cross-country.

“With today’s technology, it is possible to lower rates and strengthen our energy independence,” he said. “I whole-heartedly support development of local energy in order to limit reliance on outside corporations.”  Turner also points out his record of voting “no” on rate increases. “I will continue to work to lower your rates, support local economic development, and keep dollars circulating in our economy.”

It is advised ballots be mailed no later than Wed., May 4, for arrival at the La Plata County Clerk’s Office by the deadline 4 p.m., Fri., May 6. Ballots also can be hand-delivered to the La Plata County Clerk’s Office; LPEA Headquarters; La Plata County Admin offices; or the Bayfield Town Hall. Members may also bring ballots to LPEA’s Annual Meeting on Sat., May 7, at the Sky Ute.