Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative is Seeking Leaders
The members who make up the Lane-Scott Electric Board of Trustees hold a vital position at our electric cooperative. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by its members. As part of the democratic member-controlled process, members elect representatives from our service territory to lead the cooperative as trustees. The election takes place every July at our Annual Meeting, where three of the nine trustee positions are voted upon.
The decisions trustees make will impact service rates, work plans, employees, and your electric service. Through the years I’ve heard many members say they don’t feel qualified to be a trustee because they aren’t familiar with the electric industry. The truth is most people aren’t, and that is perfectly fine! Our Board of Trustees go through an initial training program to provide the basics of what is needed. From there, we are all perpetual students of a constantly changing industry. Also, as a board representing ALL Lane-Scott members, we value diversity! We need a group of leaders who represent the various facets of the local communities in our service territory.
This year, trustee terms expiring are Randy Evans, representing Lane and Gove counties; Paul Seib, representing Ness and Rush counties; and Richard Sorem, representing Finney and Hodgeman counties. Of these three positions, Mr. Evans will be an incumbent nominee, and the Finney / Hodgeman District and Ness / Rush positions will be vacant.
The basic qualifications are:
- Be a bona fide resident of the county or counties the member is to represent.
- Using, receiving, or purchasing a cooperative electric service in the represented county.
- Not having a conflict of interest.
- Having not been an employee of the cooperative within the past five years.
If you would like to be considered for the position, call me at 620-397-5327 by April 26, 2023. Qualified candidates will be referred to the Lane-Scott Electric committee on nominations to be held on May 1, 2023 for further consideration. Trustees are compensated for their time and required travel. Please, if you have a neighbor or friend who you think would be a valuable candidate, please encourage them to apply!