Why did you choose to run to the SMPA Board of Directors?:
I am committed to making the West End of Montrose County a better place to live. Live by the motto; be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:
I have lived in the community for 46 years. I am married with three grown children and two grandchildren.  I am very community committed, have served on the Chamber Board, School Board, School Accountability Board, and am currently chairman of the West End Accountability. I am also currently a member of the Spruce and Columbine Garden club and a mentor with One to One.

Why did you choose to run for the SMPA Board of Directors?
When the previous board representative retired, I decided I could bring my experience in the energy industry to the board and assist SMPA in making strategic decisions regarding how to best transition our power system to a cleaner, more resilient one. I’m a licensed engineer, and have worked on clean energy issues for over 30 years, consulting to utilities, regulators, and investors on policies, programs, and technology investments. My vision is we will have a regional power system that is supplied primarily by local, renewable sources, with tools to help optimize electricity consumption patterns. If we plan wisely, costs will go down for all members, reliability will improve, and emissions will be minimized.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:
I lived and worked in Telluride in the late 1970s, managing the local food coop and working as a carpenter. I was fortunate to return to the area a few years ago. I currently serve on local boards for EcoAction Partners and the Telluride Mountain Club. I also continue to serve on various energy industry boards and committees, including: Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) and the International Energy Program/Policy Evaluation Conference (IEPPEC)

Why did you choose to run for the SMPA Board of Directors?:
A very large portion of SMPA members were not being represented. My family was a member in the very beginning of SMPA and will continue to be one well into the future. I feel I need to help make good, common-sense decisions now, so my family won't have to pay for rushed concepts in the future.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work: 

• Norwood School Board, 13 years
• Farmer's Water Development, 6 years

In your opinion, what is the best way for SMPA to fulfill its mission of providing safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electric service?
This is an exciting and dynamic time in the power industry.  We're swiftly moving away from fossil fuel sources toward rapidly improving renewable energy and storage technologies.  If SMPA is strategically positioned, we can benefit from this necessary and inevitable transition.  In doing so, we must also manage disruption to vulnerable members of our community.  I believe SMPA's mission calls for the co-op to lead our community boldly through this transition, and I believe if we do so, we can secure cleaner, more affordable, and equally reliable power for our members.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:
A real estate agent by trade, I also have a history of community leadership with the Telluride R-1 School Board and San Miguel County, among others.  Through these endeavors, I have exercised leadership and strategic planning skills in community-wide initiatives.  I am committed to helping shape the sustainable future of this region and believe SMPA will play a critical role in that mission.

Why did you choose to run to the SMPA Board of Directors? 
To represent our members and move towards renewable energy programs.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:

• Board President for Telluride Council for Arts & Humanities
• Board member for San Miguel Bicycle Alliance
• Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
• Mountainfilm and Telluride Film Festival volunteer
• Telluride Jazz Festival volunteer
• Announcer for Mountain Village Sunset Concert Series

Why did you choose to run to the SMPA Board of Directors? 
I want to continue to work as a team member to provide the SMPA membership reliability and resiliency in their electric service.  Change in the electric power industry is moving at a rapid pace never before experienced.  We must strive to collaborate with others and drive alignment.  This includes SMPA members, private sector innovators, neighboring co-ops, to name a few.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:

• ROCC Clean Energy Committee
• Ouray Trail Group, fundraiser/map sales
• Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, original Steering Committee
• Second Chance Humane Society

Why did you choose to run to the SMPA Board of Directors? 
To do my best. To make sure everyone in SMPA co-op has the best price on electricity. And to make sure all linemen and other employees are in the safest environment possible.

Community Involvement or Volunteer Work:

• Silverton Volunteer Fire Dept., Hardrockers Holiday Committee since 1978