Election packets for those interested in running for a seat on the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors will be available today Monday, March 1, at LPEA offices in Durango and Pagosa Springs.
To be placed on the ballot, candidates must return completed petitions to the Durango office by 10am on March 24.
 Pursuant to LPEA bylaws, one-third of the director’s seats are up for election annually, one in each of LPEA’s four districts. Incumbent directors are Terry Alley (District 1 – Archuleta County), Tom Compton (District 2 – south and west La Plata County), Harry Goff (District 3 – Durango proper) and Pam Patton (District 4 – north and east La Plata County).
“LPEA is a cooperative, owned by and operated for the benefit of those who use its services,” said Greg Munro, LPEA CEO. “So, if you purchase your electricity from La Plata Electric, you are also a member-owner entitled to elect directors who determine company policy.”
Director candidates must be cooperative member-owners and be permanent residents of the district for which they are seeking office. Completed election petitions must contain 15 or more signatures from co-op members in a candidate’s district.
Ballots will be mailed to LPEA’s full membership on April 16, and the results tallied during the LPEA Annual Meeting, set for Saturday, May 8 at Fort Lewis College.
Candidate packets contain additional election information and instructions, including copies of LPEA’s bylaws and board policies. Further information is available from Jeannie Bennett, 970.382.3505, or on the LPEA website.
“We do urge everyone to be involved in the cooperative, by serving as a director, or most certainly casting a vote,” said Munro. “The company exists to serve its members. Everyone has an economic interest and voice in LPEA’s future.”
LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop. |