When I was blessed with being able to move to this great region in 1980, I began to study the advantages of renewal energy. I was mostly impressed with solar energy for homes and built a passive and active solar residence in Durango West that year. While the active portion was mostly ineffective, the passive aspect continued to work for many years and may still work today, but I do not reside there any longer.

Since then, some of my neighbors and I retrofitted active solar collectors onto our homes in the Animas Valley. Almost six years later, we are thrilled that we did. During the process, we were ably assisted by LPEA. The various folks that provided assistance were very professional and helpful. It is clear to me that renewables will play a strong role into our future. Having said that, it’s also apparent that there are days when the sun by itself is not enough. This past winter, for instance, the early snow covered our collectors while we were away and it was a very difficult chore to clear them.

As a solar advocate, however, I am not impressed with the steps taken by the group identifying itself as the “green” coalition of LPEA’s current board. As a result, I will not be voting for Jack Turner’s re-election in District 4, but instead will cast my vote for John Beebe. Beebe will be able to bring a solid business background and diversified experience that will serve the LPEA board well for years to come. Please join me in supporting John Beebe from District 4.

Steve Parker

Hermosa