Submitted by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative

Orcas Power and Light Cooperative is seeking nominations for board candidates from Districts 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands) and 4 (Shaw, Bell, Canoe and Crane islands). To nominate a candidate or yourself, go to www.opalco.com/elections fill out a form.

Why run for OPALCO board? To participate in the governance of the company that you own. Directors set policies, budgets and rates for the co-op. Also, OPALCO directors are paid a stipend for their time and board training and are eligible for health insurance benefits?

You can be nominated by the member Elections and Governance Committee, or by petition. The deadline for nomination is Jan. 9. The EGC will review nominations in the portal and recommend candidates for both districts. To be nominated by petition, a member collects at least 20 signatures of other members from their district. Complete petitions should be sent to communications@opalco.com by Feb. 13.

All voting will be by mail or online. The election opens on March 11. The deadline for ballots to be submitted is 10:30 a.m. on April 12 and esults will be announced at the annual meeting on April 13.

OPALCO will host candidate forums on San Juan, Lopez, Orcas and Shaw during the week of March 4.

Go to www.opalco.com/elections to learn more about nominations and the election process.