This is the time of year when we, as members of La Plata Electric Association, get to vote for the people we want to serve us on the LPEA board of directors. This year, those of us who live in District 4 have an opportunity to retain the services of a person who has done an extraordinary job of representing us.

I met Joe Wheeling when we served together on the LPEA board, and I was immediately impressed with his strong business background and his ability to work well with others, not only at the co-op but also at Tri-State. Joe represents LPEA as a director on the Tri-State board and is the only person from our co-op to ever be elected to the very important Tri-State executive committee. Joe also serves on the Tri-State contract committee as a representative of all the Colorado member co-ops. This committee is currently wrestling with many issues that are very important to LPEA, one of which is the current 5 percent cap on the amount of energy that can be produced locally.

Many members do not know what a good job Joe does in representing the interests of all LPEA members. He has been recognized for his leadership on the LPEA board, having been elected treasurer for the last five years. He also serves as board president of LPEA’s subsidiary, FastTrack Communications. Joe has had an important influence at Tri-State, and we can’t afford to lose him as our representative there. It is to our benefit to re-elect Joe to continue to represent us in the many important ways he helps us as members.

You will receive your ballots around May 1. Please vote promptly and vote for Joe Wheeling.

Herb Brodsky

Durango