OPALCO Election

Tomerson seeks re-election

OPALCO, your non-profit, member-owned cooperative, continues to provide safe and reliable electrical service at cost. We all enjoy the comfort and peace of mind that comes from having the lights stay on in a storm.

Even as the electrical industry nation-wide is facing unprecedented challenges to be clean and energy efficient the mandates to be safe, reliable and low cost are still in place. The work of employing appropriate methods and technologies to meet these goals is ongoing.

The global economy is in the midst of an economic storm and our local economy is not unscathed. OPALCO has a long tradition of stability and reliability come what may and these times are no different. We can all

trust OPALCO to keep the lights on and serve our communities in the best of traditions and with the best interests of all members at heart as it has for more than 70 years.

You, the members and owners of OPALCO, get to vote for the directors you want on the board to continue setting the long term direction and focus for this local non-profit organization.

I am running to retain my position on the board and I intend to ensure that OPALCO continues its fine tradition of providing great electrical service to our communities. I’d appreciate your vote of confidence to continue what we have been achieving.

You can vote at the annual meeting on the ferry Saturday, May 16. Or you can simply return the mailer currently on its way to you from OPALCO.

Thank you for your support.

Chris Thomerson

Orcas Island

Struthers hopes to join board

OPALCO will soon mail you its annual report and ballot for the election of directors. I am a candidate to become an OPALCO director and encourage you to vote.

My late wife and I joined the Orcas Community in the1990s, following my career dealing with energy, technology and finance in government and business over three decades. Having lived full-time on Orcas for more than a decade, I realize how fortunate we have been to enjoy a steady supply of low cost, pollution-free hydroelectric power through our well-run power co-op.

However, major forces are at work that will change our choices going forward. Our hydropower supply is approaching capacity and may be curtailed by climate change. Additional power sources will likely be much more costly. Concerns about carbon emissions will change our energy choices, but also bring new opportunities to save energy conveniently and affordably.

Going forward, your OPALCO Directors must look vigilantly inwards and vigorously outwards. Looking inward, your OPALCO Board must help to keep our OPALCO a safe, healthy, efficient, island-friendly organization without micromanaging. Looking outward, your board must vigorously seek to preserve and conserve the cheapest, greenest, long term supply of energy that will cover our needs. To do this, your OPALCO Board must remain energetically involved in shaping our future energy choices.

I have spent a career in government and business dealing with energy, technology, and management issues. My experience includes years as a renewable energy analyst, as a funding official for major federal energy and technology agencies, and as a business executive focused on nurturing young technology businesses. I have served on several boards of directors and numerous senior panels seeking paths for cooperative and mutually beneficial action. And I hold degrees in business and engineering coupled with the seasoned executive-level experience essential for dealing with the type of complex issues that our OPALCO will face in years ahead.

I look forward to representing you on the OPALCO Board and ask for your vote. See you at the OPALCO Annual Meeting on May 16.

Jeff Struthers

Orcas Island