Elections to determine PUD direction

GUEST EDITORIAL

MOSES LAKE — Coming up is a very important election, as all elections are, but in this one we will be choosing a PUD commissioner for the next six years.

At stake is the direction your PUD will take, in a very critical period of time. There are several issues that will be affected by your vote and how the commission will proceed for our future.

There seems to be quite a lot of concern being raised about the amount of debt the PUD has acquired and whether or not we can pay it back. The debt is large, one billion forty eight million dollars, but about 75% of it is for new turbines and generators at the dams. This new equipment will increase our capacity to produce more power, which will in turn help pay off that debt and more. This step taken now will help PUD meet the fish passage requirements and reduce the amount of water being spilled, which allows more water to pass through dams for generation. These environmentally friendly turbines and generators provide us the ammunition to fight those who say that the dams should be removed from the river. Now debt is not a good thing but when used properly can accomplish a great deal and in this case it keeps the license for the dams intact and in the hands of the people of Grant County.

The other issue that has been kept in the background is the continued build out of the fiber to the home. Some would have you believe that they support this build out, but then qualify the answers they give. The owners of the PUD, you the people, have time and time again, said not to cut the budget for the build out. My voice has been heard loud and clear, at hearings, in support of the peoples wishes and the continued build out. That is not the case with all of candidates and you must be sure to ask that question.

One of the most serious issues that has hardly been discussed and was supported by the group that is supporting other candidates is that of isolating this PUD from all the other PUD’s in the state. Withdrawing from the Washington State PUD Association has been tried before and failed, but with a change in two positions on the commission it could happen. We are one of the best PUD’s in the state, but we only represent 80,000 people in this state. The simple fact is we could not go it alone and would be in great danger if we lose our voice with this group. Our need for support from all PUD’s in matters in Olympia and on a national basis is way too important to allow this to happen.

The job of PUD commissioner requires a lot of work, studying, and sharing with all ratepayers the facts about why decisions are made. This communication with the citizens, owners of this PUD, is the most important and critical job of a commissioner. As commissioner, only a small part of the job is attending meetings. A much larger part is informing those who you represent of the facts in all aspects of the operation and financial health of your PUD. Be sure those commissioners who you give your vote too, understand, you expect them to be informed and to pass that information along to you.

I would hope to have the support of the customers of this PUD, as it plays a very important part of our lives in this great place we call Grant County. Please vote in the primary election, let your voice be heard.

Dale Walker is running for Grant County PUD commissioner, position 2. He faces Patti Paris and Rich Callahan in the primary election on Aug. 17.