Sangre de Cristo solar project in Chaffee County. Photo courtesy of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association
The Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) has announced its upcoming 2024 election for the Board of Directors, scheduled for Monday, June 3. The voting cutoff will be 1:00 p.m. to receive ballots or vote online. SDCEA is inviting members to cast their vote in the election to help guide future decision-making and the direction of the electric cooperative.
“With pivotal decisions regarding the future of our communities’ energy supply in the hands of the elected board, member participation is more vital than ever. Be informed, be involved, and vote for your representation on the board,” states SDCEA in the release.
Two seats will be decided in this election. One is a contested at-large seat and the other is an unopposed rural Chaffee/Lake County representative seat.
SDCEA Board of Directors at-large candidate Sandy Long. Image courtesy of the SDCEA questionnaire.
Chaffee County residents Sandra Long and Ed Simmons are candidates for the open at-large seat. This seat was vacated last year after the passing of board member Dan Daly.
Sandy Long has been a member of SDCEA for 20 years. Her background includes a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). For most of her career she served as a product manager primarily in the telecom industry. She has also managed people for over 15 years. Long has previous experience serving on the Board of Directors for eight years at a manufacturing company.
“I’m confident that I will add value to the SDCEA board with my expertise in both technology and business. I’d be honored to serve on the SDCEA Board of Directors and represent all members during this exciting energy transition,” stated Long in the SDCEA questionnaire.
SDCEA Board of Directors at-large candidate Ed Simmons. Image courtesy of the SDCEA questionnaire.
Ed Simmons has been a member of SDCEA for four years. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Colorado. Simmons served in the U.S. Navy where he attended Nuclear Power School after which he worked as a reactor operator on two submarines.
Simmons has worked on designing power plants and their air quality control systems. He has also worked with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on new air permit requirements for diesel engine power plants.
“We are moving away from fossil fuels. It is extremely important that every SDCEA member recognize that much of our power currently comes from coal-fired power plants. Our Co-op needs open-minded, problem-solving Directors to responsibly manage this transition. The decisions we make over the next few years will influence and set the stage for the future of SDCEA. It would be a privilege to be your open-minded Director,” wrote Simmons in the questionnaire.
Chaffee County resident Charles A. Abel II is running unopposed as the incumbent candidate for the Rural Chaffee/Lake County seat.
SDCEA Board of Directors rural Chaffee/Lake County candidate Charlie Abel. Image courtesy of the SDCEA questionnaire.
Charlie Abel has been an SDCEA member for 30 years. He has 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and small business owner. He has served on the Buena Vista School Board and was a founding member and treasurer for the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
“We have good momentum to continue to advance a secure energy future, both locally and regionally, and the path ahead will require seasoned, courageous, and committed leaders to drive results and make hard decisions. It is a privilege to serve the entire cooperative family, especially our local cooperative membership, and I am highly motivated and well-prepared to continue to serve as your representative and your voice on the SDCEA board of directors,” stated Abel in the questionnaire.
There will be several opportunities for voters to get to know the candidates better. Candidate forums are scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the following dates and venues:
- April 11 in Howard at Howard Hall (5510 County Road 45)
- April 25 in Westcliffe at Cliff Lanes (25 Main Street)
- May 16 in Buena Vista at the SDCEA Community Room (29780 US Highway 24 North).
The SDCEA website states that candidates will present their platforms and then be available to speak with attendees and answer questions at these forums.
The League of Women Voters of Chaffee County (LWVCC) will be holding a separate candidate forum from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 in the Buena Vista Community Center’s Pinon Room (715 East Main Street).
Full candidate questionnaires can also be accessed online here.
General Election Information
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association. Courtesy logo
Eligible voters included “named persons” on SDCEA accounts. This includes full or part-time residents and in or out-of-state residents listed on accounts. There is only one vote per membership.
Business account holders should confirm a designated voting delegate if they have not done so already.
Election Dates:
- Candidate nomination petitions were due by Monday, April 1.
- Monday, April 8 will be the date of record to determine eligible voters who will receive mailed ballots.
- Campaign contribution disclosures from candidates are required to be submitted on April 15, May 1, and May 31. These will be posted online once they are received.
- Ballots will be mailed out with mail-in or online voting instructions in mid-April.
- Monday, June 3 is the deadline to receive ballots or vote online. The voting cutoff will be 1:00 p.m.
- Official election results will be announced on Thursday, June 6.
- The SDCEA annual meeting at the Wet Mountain Saddle Club in Westcliffe will be held on Tuesday, June 11.
According to an SDCEA release, “For efficiency and security, no ballot drop locations will be available.” Votes can be cast online or sent to the election company. Instructions will be included in the ballot.
More information is available on SDCEA’s website at MyElectric.Coop.
If an eligible voter is missing a ballot or needs information about voting, they can call the SDCEA office at 719-395-2412. Those with questions can also contact SDCEA by email to Info@MyElectric.Coop.
Recent Comments