Ballots for LPEA's annual election will be coming to members by about April 15. Joe Wheeling, incumbent director for District 4, is seeking re-election after serving for nine years on the board.
Joe is an outstanding board member. Most of us have no idea the significance of his contributions to LPEA and our entire community.
In addition to bringing his business and financial expertise to LPEA, he serves as chairperson of its subsidiary, FastTrack Communications. FastTrack is doing well under his leadership and is now pushing to bring high speed internet to under-served areas. Joe also sits on the Tri-State Board where he consistently supports increasing renewable energy and decreasing reliance on coal. His advocacy there is beginning to pay off, with their renewable portfolio now up to 26 percent of energy coming from solar, wind, and hydro.
Joe and his wife Jennifer are part of the James Ranch, where they founded the Gardens and now own James Ranch Beef, raising grass fed, chemically free beef. The ranch is conservation oriented in everything it does, including a recent addition of a 15kWh solar array.
Joe Wheeling's approach to decision making is to listen carefully, take all sides into account, and then make decisions that are in the best interest of LPEA members and employees, our community and the environment. Please find your ballot in the mail and cast your vote for him if you live in District 4.
Pam Patton
Bayfield
Editor's note: Pam Patton is the former chair of the LPEA board and past member of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
