The election of strong candidates to our nation's rural electric cooperatives boards of directors is of vital importance to our nation's energy future. Anyone who would hold that such election success is too small a thing to effect true change has obviously never spent a night in a sleeping bag with a mosquito. If you have spent such a night then you know how something very small can make you uncomfortable, cause you to change your position, or possibly make you move to a new place altogether.

The election of candidates to rural electric cooperatives can help cause a switch from dangerous fossil fuels to the cleanest, safest energy choices available. They can also lead to an adherence to transparent governance practices with an open ear to the coop's membership. Not bad for a little mosquito. A little history on the subject will explain why this mosquito can be so effective.

CADILLAC- After receiving a second chance earlier this summer Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc. is now facing additional challenges to its plans for a new coal-fired power plant in Rogers City as more clean energy candidates are entering member cooperative board of director elections to oppose the expensive plant.

Wayne Vermilya, a Presque Isle Electric and Gas Cooperative member from Onaway, just announced his candidacy for the PIE&G board of directors. Verymilya has been previously recognized for the tough, and sometimes uncomfortable, questions he asks of the people proposing the 600 MW proposed power plant. His concerns have focused on the real need for a new plant and the exorbitant costs which will be passed onto ratepayers.

Ric Evans, a Antrim County Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member, entered GLE’s board of director candidate race in July. Evans, a local energy efficiency pro and building trades college instructor, is committed to providing GLE members with clean, reliable and affordable energy through weatherization, wind and solar power.

“There is considerable more job growth potential in energy efficiency, weatherization and clean energy technologies than any antiquated coal plant could ever produce, and for a fraction of the cost,” said Evans.

Information about Ric Evans can be found at www.Evans4GLE.com and Wayne Vermilya can be found at tinyurl.com/wayneforpieg.

Are the Beartooth Electric Cooperative board members making good financial decisions? Many members don't think so, see more more about it here.