Johnson seeks to retain staff

Former PUD employee seeks to be commissioner at-large

MOSES LAKE - Grant County PUD commissioner candidate Sam Johnson told a candidates' forum audience on Monday he's distressed about the lost knowledge base among the district's employees.

If elected, Johnson, 57, said he wants to rebuild that base. He's challenging incumbent Commissioner Tom Flint for his A-at large position.

Johnson retired this summer from the utility as as a project specialist. He's also a former training supervisor for the PUD.

In a July story published in the Columbia Basin Herald, Johnson said he was reassigned from his supervisory role and given the new title of project specialist. He claimed a less qualified applicant was hired to take over the supervisory position.

On Monday, he said the PUD moved toward an importation and hiring of professional managers.

But the PUD should hire and promote from within whenever possible because of the highly technical nature of the work, Johnson explained.

A written audience question asked about Johnson's past consideration of suing the PUD about alleged issues that occurred before his retirement.

On Monday, Johnson said a lawsuit against the district wasn't an option and he doesn't intend to sue the PUD.

Johnson said the commission needs to get away from making last minute, quick fix decisions.

When asked if he would support lifting the dark fiber ban, Johnson said he would not.

"I don't believe the PUD owners have the complete picture on the total cost of the system," he said.

Software company Oracle and online book, music and movie store Amazon recently backed away from Grant County because of the dark fiber sales halt, according to an Oct. 1 article in the Columbia Basin Herald. Retailer Costco has also eyed Grant County, but wants dark fiber.

During previous years when fiber work was being done, Johnson said the PUD's hydro department couldn't hire or perform maintenance because of fiber.

"Our dams have to come first," he said.

Johnson called a cost of service study a starting point in helping determine power rates, but said farmers should have special consideration.

He also said he's in favor of bringing in large industry. He added that others are unfairly subsidizing power rates for larger users.

Johnson said he doesn't have a problem with nuclear power. First, he would have to know if it's economically viable and if it's what PUD customers want, he said.

He also spoke against the PUD's future unit infill project to stabilize Wanapum Dam.

Johnson suggested the PUD spend an extra $60 million beyond the project cost to add a power house because it would pay for itself.

In good water years, the PUD utilized extra generators at Wanapum Dam, he explained.