Although LPEA directors can seek multiple terms, none should be re-elected, and LPEA’s By-Laws should be so amended.
As with career politicians, board incumbents become part of the problem when their views become self-serving, or they forget why they were elected.
One incumbent, Jeff Berman, has been a director for nine years! He has a long history as an activist and environmentalist. These days, he’s an advocate for solar energy.
Do his views reflect those of the 8,000 city of Durango members he represents or those of the solar industry?
Another incumbent, Joe Wheeling, has been a director for six years. He represents District 4, areas in north and east La Plata County. Nice résumé, but I don’t recall Joe asking me or any of my neighbors about LPEA’s sweeping program to install controversial AMI meters (smart meters) everywhere.
He and Berman endorsed that decision at a cost of millions to the members (not including federal stimulus money).
Did either perform their due diligence before casting their votes? Can any LPEA director state unequivocally that smart meters and their radiation levels are absolutely safe?
LPEA didn’t even offer an opt-out program until pressured by concerned members – not our directors. Even opting out was no guarantee that LPEA would comply.
LPEA installed a smart meter on our home despite us opting-out. Then LPEA staff ignored my email asking why, and failed to produce the LPEA procedure telling installers how to know which homes to exclude.
If you opted out, you better check your meter! Where’s the oversight from our sitting directors?
When challenged, LPEA aggressively discredits opponents and points to their independent studies. Check out their studies on www.lpea.com/services/metering.html.
Are we to believe the Electric Power Research Institute (governed by executives from the utility companies) or the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (another industry group) are truly independent? Think tobacco and lead industries and their “independent” studies!
Elections have their consequences. This election impacts your home, family and our environment.
Dump the incumbents!
Edmund Andersson
Durango
