Before calling a meeting of the La Plata Electric Association membership, you must submit 3,500 supporting signatures (10% of the membership). That’s what will be necessary if the LPEA membership approves an amendment to Article II, Section 2 of the bylaws.
Currently, 500 signatures are required to call a special meeting. Even that is too high for member participation in LPEA affairs and have accountability to the membership. Prior to the 500 required signatures, LPEA bylaws required a reasonable and achievable 25 signatures. Now, it seeks seven times the current requirement and 140 times the reasonable 25.
LPEA says the bylaw change is needed to “reflect” state law. This is specious. State law says “unless otherwise provided by the bylaws,” 10% of voting membership is needed to call a special membership meeting. In other words, because the LPEA bylaw “otherwise provides” for 500 signatures currently, signatures from 10% of the voting membership is not needed. The current bylaw “reflects” state law and does not need to be changed legally.
All bylaw amendments sought by the LPEA Board – most of which are reasonable – are presented on one ballot. Unfortunately, a “no” vote defeats all amendments.
It is, however, extremely important that the required signatures to call a special membership meeting should not be increased. The other changes can be recommended by the LPEA board next year.
Vote “no” on the amendment to Article II, Section 2, of the LPEA bylaws.
Barry Spear
Hesperus
