I would like to tell you a little bit about John Beebe who is running for the LPEA board, District 4. I have known John and his wife, Terry, for 13 years and have enjoyed their friendship and mutual respect and admiration for the local community. Before John came to Bayfield he was involved in the legal community at a very large law firm. One of his specialties was organizing and facilitating meetings and coordinating very different ideas into cohesive results. I have served with him on the Upper Pine River Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter and now have the privilege to serve with him on the UPRFD board. He has shown leadership not only in financial matters, in which he is very knowledgeable, but also has a way of bringing a very organized and inclusive atmosphere to the meetings.
As we move our electrical cooperative into a new century, there will be many new challenges, many of which will include the most economical way to provide safe and reliable power to the cooperative. We will face many challenges from groups that are single-minded in their desire to promote one power source over another. We need leadership that sees that there are ways to provide clean safe power from many sources, not necessarily from the latest, greatest power source. John has the ability to bring a common sense approach to the LPEA board that is greatly needed.
We are desperately in need of quality leadership that will bring all parties to the table and make strategic decisions that will allow La Plata County and surrounding areas to prosper into the 21st century. We cannot be picking winners and losers solely based on the political and personal beliefs of some board members. We need a voice that stands for all people and helps to formulate the policies that will set fair and equitable rates and growth for everyone. I urgently encourage everyone that can vote in District 4 to vote for John Beebe. You will glad that you did.
Casey Cook
Bayfield
