Randy Price
President & CEO
One of the Seven Cooperative Principles that we as a cooperative live by is Democratic Control. Simply put, the members own the cooperative, and the members elect the board of trustees who oversee the operations and guide the strategic direction of the cooperative. As a member, you also get to vote on changes to the code of regulations that guide us as a co-op. This is accomplished through annual elections. These elections are open to all members receiving electric service from the cooperative. Each year, three trustee districts are up for election on a rotating basis.
Three board seats are up for election
Participation in the election is simple. In the coming weeks, each member will receive an election ballot in the mail. Voting is easy. Members can vote electronically online via our website, through the SmartHub mobile app/desktop account, or by mail.
Voting instructions will be included in the materials. This year, we will only be voting on trustee elections in District 5; there are also several proposed changes to the Code of Regulations (co-op bylaws) to prepare the co-op to provide fiber internet service. You can read more about these changes here.
This issue includes biographical information of all board candidates. Please take a moment to read about those seeking positions in districts 2, 4. and 5. Since no one is running against incumbents in Districts 2 and 4, no formal election will be necessary. They will be confirmed via affirmation. You can read more about the candidates here.
Virtual annual meeting: March 22
Another part of Democratic Member Control is the cooperative's annual meeting. This meeting is designed to inform members how your cooperative has been functioning over the last year and what issues the cooperative will face in the future. The meeting will be in the "virtual" video broadcast format utilized for the previous few years.
The video format allows members to watch when it's convenient. You do not have to watch at a certain time, and you can participate when your schedule allows. New this year, we will be drawing for ten $500 scholarships. The deadline to apply to this and other youth programs is February 10. Learn more here.
Your role as a member
Democratic Member Control is an essential cooperative principle, but it only works if members participate. Please check to see whether your district has a board election, and please vote if you do. All members will get a vote for the changes in the Code of Regulations.
Again, I encourage all members to view the annual meeting on March 22, starting at 10 a.m. You will even have a chance to win bill credits just for tuning in. More information coming soon can be found here.
