Nine candidates are vying for three seats on the La Plata Electric Association board (a fourth race in Archuleta County we did not endorse). As of May 8, 5,866 ballots had been cast – about 16% of 36,901 eligible voters. Online voting, partly designed to increase turnout, is simple and accessible. We hope to see participation rise beyond a high of 24% seen in 2021.
The Herald editorial board interviewed six of seven candidates in Districts 2, 3, and 4. District 4 candidate Lyle McKnight did not respond to repeated requests for an interview.
We support Brad Blake (District 2), Joe Lewandowski (District 3), and John Witchel (District 4) as the most capable leaders to carry LPEA forward.
Blake brings experience as a former La Plata County Commissioner and as a business owner who installed the Sunnyside Community Solar Project. A La Plata native, Blake is a trusted voice who can connect with rural members and guide policy across local, state, and federal lines.
Lewandowski has six years of board experience, plus deep community roots. A longtime advocate for local power and a Tri-State exit, he served 15 years on the Durango Planning Commission and 16 years as spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Witchel, a five-year board member and past president, brings a business-savvy mindset. He founded multiple startups including Solar City and now runs King Energy. His priorities – cutting costs, boosting renewables, and increasing fire mitigation – align with LPEA’s goals. He donates his LPEA income to the Round Up Foundation.
Key election issues include cost, transparency, power supply, CEO salary, and capital credits – the latter of which will continue post-Tri-State. The board’s direction to exit Tri-State, which limited LPEA to 5% local generation, gives the co-op flexibility to expand local power sources, reduce costs by $7 million annually (via a new agreement with Mercuria), and meet state climate mandates for net-zero emissions.
As one candidate aptly said, “The separation allows us to refinance our own house, and no longer be a tenant in another.” One that is encumbered with $3B in debt.
We commend all candidates for stepping up including those we did not endorse – Dave Peters, Greg Barber, Terry Greiner and Lyle McKnight. Those who do not earn a place on the board could serve on a Citizens Advisory Committee to make use of their talent and expertise and keep the transition transparent and community-connected.
The deadline to cast a vote online is Noon, Tuesday, May 20 and 4 p.m. for paper ballots. Voting info is at LPEA.coop/elections1.
