Local elections matter

The current election to select PUD commissioners is vital to the future of Grant County.

A board should be balanced and represent all of the constituents they serve. Although I know how important it is and I vigorously support the agricultural community, I am very concerned with the possibility that the board might consist of five farmers with little or no voice for residential and industrial customers.

I encourage you to look at the qualifications and experience of the candidates. Patti Paris has vast experience as a CFO of a major company and extensive community involvement and she has monitored and worked at Grant County PUD. She understands the difficult challenges facing the “public” PUD and will help balance the demands of agriculture, residential and industry.

The PUD currently has an “AA” credit rating because of their responsible financial policies, covering the “re-licensing” expenses, implementing rates based on carefully studied “cost of service”, completing the fiber buildout and renovating and upgrading the dams. The debt-to-equity ratio is in line with industry standards. Patti understands that we need to spend money responsibly while making the PUD more efficient and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.

Just because you have lots of big signs doesn’t mean you are the best candidate.

Join me in voting for the future. Vote Patti Paris for PUD Commissioner.

Jon Lane

Moses Lake