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Holy Cross Energy board of directors election heats up

Scott N. MillerVail CorrespondentPost IndependentGlenwood Springs, CO Colorado

EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado – There’s a lot of interest in this spring’s election for the Holy Cross Energy board of directors, at least from candidates. Nine people are seeking two seats on that board.Voters across the utility’s service area – essentially from Parachute to Vail along Interstate 70, and from Glenwood Springs to Aspen and Carbondale to Marble – will elect two people to the seven-member board, but board members serve specific districts. Incumbent Lynn Dwyer is seeking another three-year term representing the western district. She’s being challenged by Clem Kopf, of Glenwood Springs; Tom McBrayer, of Carbondale; and Randy Udall, of Carbondale.Current board member George Shaeffer is leaving after three terms. Running to replace him are Dan Corcoran, of Eagle; Megan Gilman, of Eagle-Vail; Erik Lundquist, of Gypsum; Arn Menconi, of Vail; and Scott Prince, of Avon.

Current occupation: Energy Consultant, president, Active Energies.Contact information: (970) 306-4237, http://www.megangilman.com. Why do you want this job? This is a very important job, because we all rely on the board’s judgment. Most people don’t realize that only seven people contribute to important decisions that affect the cost, reliability, and source of the energy that our families and businesses use each day from Holy Cross. It is essential that we have board members that understand the technical and financial aspects of the energy use of the members. I believe that I have a lot to offer the board of directors and the membership of Holy Cross by representing the needs and opportunities of the members and providing a wealth of technical experience, as we prepare for the challenges of the future. Without a doubt, we’ll see serious pressures on energy costs with increased global energy costs, future legislation and other stressors. The board has the important task of ensuring that Holy Cross has a well-informed, long term vision to keep electricity reliable and affordable for its members. This vision is going to require effective, easy-to-use energy efficiency programs and a well-planned transition to cleaner, independent fuel sources.There are nine people running for two seats on the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors. What makes you the best choice? My hands-on experience with energy usage, efficiency and financial planning will provide the board with a necessary perspective. I have been in hundreds of homes and businesses, helping owners and tenants understand opportunities for energy efficiency or renewable energy. I also run a local, small business, where I am responsible for financial planning and strategic vision. This blend of experience will enable me to provide valuable input for a technically-informed, financially-responsible path forward.You’ll serve a three-year term if elected. What do you want Holy Cross Energy to do better than it does today by the time your term is over? First, it’s worth recognizing that Holy Cross has done a great job of providing reliable service at some of the lowest rates in Colorado, while also promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. I hope to provide a fresh perspective to the board to represent the needs and opportunities of the members by making energy efficiency and renewable energy programs easier to use and applicable to a greater number of members. In particular, there are a lot of opportunities to improve program offerings to complexes and commercial properties, where large energy and peak demand savings can be achieved, benefiting both Holy Cross and its members. I would also like to contribute to a robust long-term plan to help inform the decisions and policies being pursued.

Occupation: I am the General Manager for Cross Propane Gas & Supply Inc., based in Glenwood Springs. Contact information: I can be contacted at tmcbrayer@crosspropane.com.Why do you want this job? I enjoy taking on new challenges and learning new things. As Tom Turnbull told me, being on this board is “fascinating.” I believe I will be able to represent our members well.There are nine people running for two seats on the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors. What makes you the best choice? Having attended business school, and having been in management for the past 30 years, I believe that I have knowledge and experience that will be helpful to the whole association, and Holy Cross Energy can help me learn more about the energy industry and our national energy policy.You’ll serve a three-year term if elected. What do you want Holy Cross Energy to do better than it does today by the time your term is over? All of my experiences as a customer with Holy Cross have been positive. When we first moved into our home, we were on a seven-party telephone line and the electric power went out regularly. All that has changed – our electricity is just a given now. Holy Cross has grown with the area and if I’m elected will continue to be at the forefront of new technologies, innovative customer programs and the on going effort to provide dependable, inexpensive energy while working to reduce environments impacts.



Occupation: Founder and Executive Director of SOS Outreach, a youth development charity.Contact information: arn@sosoutreach.org.Why do you want this job? I am running for the Holy Cross Board because I believe I can best serve and represent the members. I have the experience and vision for the changing business and environmental issues facing us. As a former two-term Eagle County Commissioner, I served on numerous local, regional and national boards. I believe I am the most qualified in board governance, fiscal responsibility and facilitating progress. My focus is to diversify our energy supplies so that prices remain fair, stable and low, while reducing climate impacts. I am the founder and executive director of SOS Outreach; a 17-year-old national sports-based youth development charity. As father of two young children, I care deeply about our future resources and energy. I will work hard to provide for present and future generations in sustainable solutions. There are nine people running for two seats on the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors. What makes you the best choice? My experience as county commissioner, member of the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors and various other boards, allows me to hit the ground running as a Holy Cross Electric director, making sure the budget, staff and priorities are managed as best a possible. I would be proud to serve with the existing board and staff, who have worked hard making Holy Cross Electric a leader in the industry. I received a Masters in Business Administration from University of Denver and am a 20-year resident of Eagle County. I promise to be educated on the changing issues and find balanced answers for a cleaner and brighter energy future. You’ll serve a three-year term if elected. What do you want Holy Cross Energy to do better than it does today by the time your term is over? Not many electric companies in America are run by its members. Holy Cross Electric is known as a well-run organization. I want to maintain the quality of Holy Cross Electric and low energy costs especially during these difficult times for Americans. Regulations constrain electric utilities from big changes. I believe climate change to be a very serious issue and want to work within the perimeters to bring changes to how we sustain our energy future. The present board is made up of fairly new members who are aligned with my beliefs and I believe I am the best candidate to assist them in moving toward a more sustainable and executable plan within the next three years. Editor’s note: For the next few days, the Post Independent will publish short profiles of the candidates for the Holy Cross Energy board of directors. Voters can mail back ballots between now and June 4. To learn more, go to http://www.holycross.energy.com.


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