This year’s LPEA election is one of the most critical local electrical co-op elections in years. Aside from the typical issues important to LPEA elections, such as renewable energy, rate fairness, net metering policies and fiscal responsibility, the new board members will be tasked with hiring a CEO. This decision is a central function of the board of directors, and the composition of the board will affect the type of CEO selected to lead LPEA for years to come.

Alison Dance and Jeff Berman are the two 2014 LPEA board candidates best qualified to guide the board in this critical hiring process. While the board of directors guides LPEA staff in developing policy, budgetary oversight and numerous other functions, it is the CEO who is the leader of the organization, its public face and the accountable agent for the co-op. So it is critical that the board select a CEO who is capable of guiding LPEA into the new energy economy and shaping our region as a leader in renewable-energy generation and policy. That is why I support Alison Dance for District 4 and Jeff Berman for District 3. They are committed to promoting renewable energy and positioning southwest Colorado as a leader in the new-energy economy. Be sure to vote for Alison and Jeff when your ballot arrives to ensure that our new LPEA CEO reflects our region’s energy needs and values.

Matt Sheldon

Durango