Jerry McCaw’s letter to the editor (Herald, May 1) endorsed four candidates for the LPEA board. Those endorsements were based on their willingness to serve on the board in accordance with LPEA bylaws and not violate conflict of interest regulations. While it is nice to know McCaw takes ethics seriously, it is a bit unnerving how little faith he places in the rules and regulations in place for LPEA board members and the staff charged with enforcing them.

Why else would he suggest that board members need to sign a piece of paper saying they will follow the rules, unless he doesn’t think that the regulations and staff are up to the task? The fact is McCaw and his allies are trying to confuse professional energy industry experience with dubious claims about conflicts of interest.

Britt Bassett and Gregg Dubit are highly qualified energy experts who bring direct, robust professional experience to the LPEA board. Contrast this with McCaw’s endorsees, all well-meaning residents whose résumés don’t provide them with much relevant experience beyond general management skills.

The job of an electrical co-op board is far too important and the industry far too complex to be left to well-meaning amateurs. And we can leave it up to LPEA staff to decide if a board member has run afoul of board regulations and codes of conduct. Let’s keep our eye on the ball and elect people to the LPEA board who can help ensure our energy independence and rate stability, not pander to special interests.

Matthew Sheldon

Durango