Long announces candidacy for Grant County PUD

Has 30 years of experience

EPHRATA - Ephrata man Don Long announced his candidacy for Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) commissioner, position 3.

The current commissioner for position 3 is Randy Allred.

"I look forward to serving the electric and fiber optic customers of Grant County PUD, who in reality are the owners of the PUD," stated Long. "I've seen the county move from a near dust-bowl at the beginning of the Columbia Basin Project development to the robust and diverse agricultural and industrial economy that exists today."

He stated he hopes to play a role in the completion of the fiber-optic system. Long noted it's important for the PUD commissioners to be represented regionally and nationally in Olympia and Washington D.C.

He claims his experience stems from working for the PUD for 30 years. He began as an engineer at Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dam. He eventually became the director of power management for 13 years and retired in 2000.

Long earned a degree in electrical engineering from Washington State University.

He noted he has a vast knowledge of power supply planning and information concerning Columbia River system coordination.

Long worked with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration. He worked with other public and private utilities in the northwest and has worked to protect northwest power supplies, he noted.

Since his retirement he continues to consult utility and resource developers. One of Long's recent project involvements was with the Grand Coulee Project Hydroelectric Authority. He worked to ensure irrigation districts receive the expected value of power sales from electric plants on the canal system.

Long's community involvement includes his membership with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the Washington Farm Bureau. He participates and volunteers with the Masquers Theater, Quincy Valley Allied Arts, Soap Lake Food Bank, George Coffeehouse, Alabaster Box and the Basinaires.