PUD campaign cash flows for some

EPHRATA — Two Grant County Public Utility District commissioner candidates accepted and used more campaign contributions through last week's primary than their competitors.

"It is considerably more money this time, but I think that's an indication (that) those who are concerned, are very concerned," said Terry Brewer.

He raised $32,906 in pursuit of the open District No. 1 position. The commission's performance since previous elections, Brewer said, fueled a drive for policy changes in the form of cash.

"(Donors) are not just going to let it go with the wind, they're trying to make an impact, and put somebody in who'll make a difference," said Brewer, whose 44 percent share of the primary votes squashed three election opponents.

Brewer, of Soap Lake, the executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Council, said his cash came from people who know him well, and trust him.

For another candidate, Bob Bernd of Moses Lake — the winner of last week's primary for the District B at-large position — contributors to his campaign arrived "from all walks of life," he said.

Only four are the large-industrial, power-hog variety, he said. Eight donors are agricultural related industries while the rest are individuals, Bernd added.

Bernd's expenditures through the primary reached nearly $43,000, state Public Disclosure Commission records show. Total contributions are $46,976, with $19,863 being in-kind contributions. The largest in-kind contribution is $9,125 from a graphic designer.

"Those people saw there was a need for change at the PUD," Bernd said. "They supported that by contributing to my campaign."

Bernd is proud of the level of contributions he's received, it shows he's got support.

"My opponents also were seeking donations," Bernd claimed. "Why were they unsuccessful? Maybe that's a better question."

According to one political scientist, Bernd might be right.

"Money you raise is usually not a determinant of your success, but rather a signal of your success," said Mark A. Smith, an associate professor of political science at the University of Washington. He said money's influence on elections is often overstated.

But, he added, in nonpartisan public utility commissioner races, where candidates are stripped of Democratic and Republican labels, money helps increase voters' awareness about a candidate.

"I think money is probably more important for a race of this kind, than it is for a congressional race," the professor said.

The influence of money is more difficult to measure after a candidate is elected, Smith said. "Money isn't necessarily buying influence, the industries could just be looking for someone who was going to be on their side anyway."

For PUD commissioner candidate Ron Baker, of Moses Lake, who advanced to the general election against Brewer, money plays its biggest role after an election.

"I'm relatively sure those businesses putting up large amounts of money to get a candidate elected have motives for it," Baker said. He received $625 in donor cash. "I think there are millions of dollars at stake, depending on where the PUD rates are set and whether long-term contracts are given to heavy industry."

Mathew Manweller, a professor of political science at Central Washington University, said political donors "absolutely" expect a return on their money.

"As industry comes to grasp with the attractiveness of cheap power sources in Eastern Washington, they are going to flex their political muscle to ensure those resources remain cheap," Manweller said. "They're interested in an economic resource, so they participate in the electoral arena to control it."

Moses Lake Farmer Dale Walker, Bernd's opponent in the Nov. 7 general election, said he's the better man for the job. And nobody can question his allegiance to protect every rate class, equally, he said.

"The top contributors to my campaign are all friends and family," Walker said. He's received nearly $17,000 in contributions, the largest coming from his brother. "There are no big industries and no money coming from any group of people."

Walker wants turmoil at the PUD to end. The utility's image is too important to Grant County, he said. With commissioner candidates accepting large contributions from industry, he said, it opens the door to future public perception problems.

"I think it is time we present to the people of Grant County someone who can say, 'Look, you don't have to be concerned about me accepting money from large industries and being influenced by that, because I'm not accepting those donations,'" Walker said. They were offered, he said, but not accepted.

"I'm not necessarily saying Bob would be influenced by the money. But, if the perception exists from the public, and if a commission decision is made that's seen as beneficial to those industrial users, then the door is opened for another round of controversy I don't believe Grant County PUD needs," Walker said.

"The critical error in Bob's campaign is accepting large enough amounts of money from the industrial sector that people can nail him with it," Walker said. "People are concerned about it, they want to be sure everybody is being treated fairly. That's what my campaign's all about."

Both Brewer and Bernd say they may have a lot of financial support, but they'll never be bought as commissioners.

Brewer said every Grant County ratepayer is significant to him.

"I will be fair with all customers in all rate classes, when managing the business of the PUD," Brewer said, who received the endorsement of retiring Commissioner Vera Claussen. The integrity and performance he's demonstrated for nine years on the economic development council indicates precisely the type of PUD commissioner he will be, he said.

Suggestions of conflict of interest, because of his employment with the economic development council, are legally unfounded, Brewer said.

Attorney Jim Whitaker, whose Ephrata law firm represents several of Grant County's municipalities, said Brewer could legitimately work as both a PUD commissioner and economic development council employee.

Brewer said he's received similar OKs from the PUD's attorney and the state Attorney General's Office.

Bernd also sought to set the record straight, saying he'll never be beholden to his biggest donors.

"I will not give preferential treatment to industrial ratepayers, or any other class of ratepayers," Bernd vowed.