Congratulations are in order to everyone who ran for the La Plata Electric Association board this year. Offering oneself up for public scrutiny, criticism and a vote is no small thing. Every candidate who stepped forward contributed to the health of the cooperative and the democratic process that governs it.
The election results delivered two very different messages.
In District 1 (Archuleta County), incumbent Nicole Pitcher defeated James Lane by just 58 votes, 1,175 to 1,117. In District 4 (North & East La Plata County), John Purser defeated incumbent David Luschen by only 68 votes. Those narrow outcomes reflect a membership still divided over affordability, governance and LPEA’s future after leaving Tri-State.
District 3 (City of Durango) was different. Jennifer Jenkins defeated Jodi Zuber 1,479 to 677 – more than doubling her opponent’s vote total. Members clearly responded to Jenkins’ renewable-energy background and her message that LPEA must successfully manage its own grid while improving communication with members.
For the winners in the close races, the takeaway should be straightforward: represent broadly. Reaching a little further, listening a little harder and recognize that some districts preferred another candidate. Cooperative boards function best when directors remember they represent the full membership, not just the members that elected them.
The election also highlighted an awkward dynamic. Two sitting board members – including Ted Compton (Herald, May 15), board vice president, and Joe Lewandowski (Herald, May 8) – publicly endorsed preferred candidates and submitted letters to the editor supporting them. The instinct is understandable. Sitting directors naturally want colleagues with whom they believe they can work effectively over the next three years and pursue shared goals.
Still, publicly campaigning for future colleagues can create tension when everyone must return to the same board room and govern together. After several close races, directors now must work to build trust with one another – and with members who supported opposing candidates.
As new members prepare to take their seats, appreciation also is due to outgoing directors Rachel Landis, David Luschen and John Lee for their service and willingness to lead during one of the most consequential periods in LPEA’s history.
Purser’s victory deserves attention beyond the margin itself. This was his fourth attempt to win a seat on the board. That persistence likely resonated with voters after years of debate surrounding the Tri-State withdrawal and its financial implications.
Purser has frequently criticized LPEA leadership and finances from the outside. In a recent post following the May Finance and Audit Committee meeting, he highlighted interest-on-long-term-debt figures tied to LPEA’s roughly $163 million borrowing associated with its post–Tri-State transition. The figures showed year-to-date costs through April at roughly $2.5 million compared with a forecast of about $1.6 million – a 57% increase. April alone came in at just over $1 million against a forecast of roughly $726,000, about 38% higher than projected. His criticism centered on budgeting assumptions and whether LPEA underestimated borrowing costs tied to the transition.
Those are fair questions for a board member to ask, particularly at a cooperative managing major power-supply and infrastructure decisions. Purser and incoming board member Greg Barber both bring financial backgrounds that could benefit the cooperative in the years ahead.
Power-purchase negotiations and supplier contracts often involve sensitive pricing and strategic information that cannot be publicly disclosed without undermining LPEA’s bargaining position or its ability to maintain productive business relationships. Protecting LPEA’s bargaining position is part of protecting member interests.
New board members should ask difficult questions, stay curious and challenge assumptions. They also should recognize that governance differs from campaigning. Listening carefully, observing operations and understanding the limits of public disclosure are part of responsible oversight.
The public should remain engaged as that work begins. LPEA’s next board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 17 at LPEA headquarters in Durango, with options to attend in person or virtually.
Members also should take advantage of practical opportunities to reduce energy costs. 4CORE and LPEA are hosting free workshops in Pagosa Springs on June 9, Durango on June 10, and Towaoc on June 11, focused on home-efficiency upgrades, heat pumps, and rebate programs that can provide qualifying households up to $14,000 in assistance.
The election is over. The harder work of governing together starts now.
