The upcoming La Plata Electric Association board elections are more important than folks may realize. By voting, each of us can determine our energy future, protect our dwindling resources and foster the development of healthy, job-producing industries.

District 4 is lucky to have a candidate named Guinn Unger. During our many months working closely together on community projects, I saw Mr. Unger demonstrate a winning commitment to success and the ability to navigate complex policy in an even-handed way. I absolutely trust him to make the big decisions that impact our whole community; his integrity is impeccable and his abilities are top-notch.

After serving our country for 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, Mr. Unger retired as a lieutenant colonel. He worked for NASA on the space shuttle program as an electrical engineer. I know that he understands the needs and challenges that businesses face, too – he started and ran two of his own, and was sought as a corporate consultant.

Mr. Unger is in favor of promoting the local generation of energy here in the LPEA area from renewable sources. Per kilowatt hour, renewable energy creates three to four times as many jobs as fossil fuel power, and those new incomes will stimulate our local economy.

Without even factoring in the deadly impacts on health, environment and climate, the cost of renewable energy is virtually the same as the cost of fossil fuel power, thanks to steadily dropping prices and improving equipment efficiency. But not for long – within five years, clean energy is projected to underprice the time-limited sources of coal, oil and natural gas. So what Mr. Unger says makes sense – let’s shift course now toward a future that provides jobs, keeps our air and water clean, and improves our health.

Find a way to talk to this man – you should, with such an important election coming. I guarantee you will come away impressed.

Kirby MacLaurin

Durango