I’m writing in support of Mark Walser for La Plata Electric Association District 2. As a District 2 homeowner, I believe Walser is far better suited than Kohler McInnis to advance the goal of providing clean, reliable and affordable locally generated electricity to our community.
Walser supports the board’s efforts to see how we might beneficially renegotiate the restrictive Tri-State contract limiting our local energy production and sending our money outside our community. McInnis was the only LPEA board member to vote against even looking at the potential savings that could result from a renegotiation or buyout.
As LPEA’s 2017 representative to Tri-State’s board, McInnis voted against LPEA’s proposal to increase clean local generation, even though renewable energy options are now far less expensive than the sources on which Tri-State relies.
Importantly, Walser will also advocate for LPEA taking a leadership role in bringing high-quality, low-cost broadband to its members, as other electric co-ops have done. Many of us in District 2 and across LPEA’s service area suffer from the digital divide caused by internet speeds that are well below FCC minimum standards. This has been a critical problem for students, businesses, those relying on telemedicine and those working remotely.
Walser’s proven abilities as an experienced negotiator for local 9-R teachers and as a respected member of our community will serve him well on the board. LPEA ballots have already been mailed and are due back by June 16. Your vote is important and I urge you to vote for Mark Walser.
Carol Cure
Durango
