SEC District 3 elections are Saturday

On Saturday, Oct. 3, Socorro Electric Cooperative member-owners will convene at Finley Gym, beginning at 3 p.m., to elect a trio of trustees to serve four-year terms.

 

 

The Position 1 race will see incumbent and board vice-president Harold Baca square off against challenger Donald Wolberg. The Position 2 race features incumbent Juan Gonzales and challenger Prescilla Mauldin (profiles appeared in Sept. 26 edition) while incumbent Herman Romero will face a challenge from Luis Aguilar in the race for Position 3.

Saturday’s agenda gets under way with registration and voting beginning at 3 p.m. Once the elections have concluded, business meetings will commence.

The District 3 elections precede the District 5 elections — scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Parish Hall in Magdalena, and features incumbent trustee Charlie Wagner and challengers Godin R. “Dean” Otero and Clark W. Bishop.

Like the District 3 affair, the District 5 elections begin at 3 p.m., with registration and voting. A business meeting will follow. Profiles for the District 5 candidates will appear in El Defensor Chieftain within the next week.

Profiles for the remaining District 3 candidates are reproduced below for our readers’ edification.

Socorro Electric Cooperative
Board of Trustees Election
District 3, Position 1

Name: Harold Baca             
Education: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association certification as credentialed cooperative director and board leadership. I am the owner and operator of Harold’s SW Gifts since 1971, a member of Socorro Lions Club, the American Legion and have served as an SEC Trustee. These experiences broaden my education.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No
What is your motivation for serving as trustee?
The monthly gross receipts of the SEC are in the million-dollar range. More than two-thirds of this revenue is generated in Socorro (District 3). My decisions on the SEC board are based on my business, financial, common sense and independent thinking. These decisions contribute to the growth and stability of the SEC. Today, the SEC is in the strongest financial condition ever, with more than $61 million in assets.
In your own words, describe what you consider to be the most important aspects of a co-op trustee.
One of the most important aspects of a trustee, and my priority, is to be able to communicate — not only with the members of District 3, but with all of the SEC member-owners.
As a local businessman, I am easily accessible to the members. More than 50 percent of the members are Spanish speaking and I am bilingual. I am able to work effectively with state and federal regulators, legislators and policy makers on SEC issues and concerns. This aspect results in financial savings to SEC members and favorable legislation for the SEC.
As a trustee, I also have an obligation to follow and implement the SEC bylaws and policies. I have the ability to listen and work with the various groups involved with the SEC. I am a reliable, honest and trustworthy man who is also a strong, independent thinker.
List your accomplishments as a trustee and explain how these benefit the 9,000-plus member-owners
During my tenure on the SEC board, my decisions have helped our cooperative grow from a $10 million operation to assets of $61 million today. In this time of great national recession, with companies downsizing and rates skyrocketing, I am proud the SEC assets grew $7 million this year. We had no rate increase and no downsizing or layoffs.
The new assets include new lines and new substations, which improve the quality of service to SEC members. The SEC service territory is 10,000 square-miles, which makes it one of the largest in area in the U.S.
I have made it a priority to ensure SEC employees have the best equipment available to perform their jobs, and the training to work efficiently and safely.
I was on the Plains Electric Board as the SEC representative and worked to negotiate the merger between Plains and Tri-State Generation and Transmission. This merger resulted in a $12 million savings to SEC members during the first five years and guaranteed a reliable source of energy now and for the future. Tri-State also supplies SEC with the “green power” we sell to the SEC members.
Some argue that too much board business is conducted during “Executive Session.” Will you, if re-elected, commit to discussing only personnel matters, land acquisition matters and pending or threatened litigation during Executive Session? If not, why?
The only time an executive session should be called for is upon the advice of the SEC legal counsel or when the majority of the board feels it is in the best interests of the SEC to do so.
As a trustee, what steps will you take to ensure our power needs are met (as inexpensively as possible) in this time of dwindling natural resources?
I do not believe that we have “dwindling natural resources.” The U.S. has enough coal reserves to supply all American needs for the next 200 years. We have such an abundance that we export millions of tons of our coal to other countries. What we need is to develop “clean coal technology.”
As a trustee, it’s my obligation to lobby policy makers and legislators for the funding of this research and development. Wee must be able to use this abundant resource along with wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal, hydropower and gas. A mix of these things will ensure clean, reliable and affordable energy for future generations of SEC customers.
Why should SEC member-owners vote for you?
One of the biggest challenges SEC trustees face is communication with policy makers in Washington, D.C. We need realistic legislation with attainable goals.
To mandate that co-ops supply 30 percent “green power” to their members in 10 years is unrealistic and unaffordable for all cooperatives. Co-ops cannot secure the necessary permits, environmental impact studies and build the transmission lines necessary from the “green power” sources to the consumer in this time frame, nor can we afford the cost.
Right now in 2009, the total “green power” available in the U.S. today is only 4 percent of the total energy generated for consumers. The other 96 percent must come from coal, gas, nuclear, hydro and oil. Energy must be readily available, clean and affordable to all consumers.
I would like to thank you for the time you took ro read this and for your vote.

 

Socorro Electric Cooperative
Board of Trustees Election
District 3, Position 1

Name: Donald L. Wolberg
Education: Ph.D. Geology; B.A. Geology
Occupation: Scientist, educator, writer, museum design and construction, science in media, televison specials
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No
What is your motivation for serving as trustee?
Public service is a responsibility. Speaking out is a necessity. I believe there must be reform in how the SEC conducts business and a failure in the current assortment of trustees to best represent the SEC member-owners. In a time of economic stress for the community served by the SEC, the trustees have prioritized voting themselves expensive “perks” without the approval of the membership.
If elected, I will not accept any perks, any money, any trips to resorts for “training sessions” unless approved by referendum of the SEC member-owners. I demand that all SEC trustees do the same. I also demand that each makes public the amounts of money they have received each year of their being trustees.
From the period of Jan. 1, 2006 to June 31, 2008, the trustees gave themselves $1,041,860 for various perks and expenses.
We do not have the totals for June 31, 2008, to the present, because the trustees will not make this publicly known.
During this period, my opponent, Mr. (Harold) Baca, received $110,241. We do not know how much he has received since then. I challenge him to tell us.
Most trustees are poorly informed on substantive issues impacting the SEC or that are  related to SEC member-owner energy needs now and in the future. There are simply too many trustees and this number should be reduced to save money, and allow for redistricting.
In your own words, describe what you consider to be the most important aspects of a co-op trustee?
• To represent the member-owners of the cooperative and their interests
• To be certain that member-owners receive the services they pay for and are entitled to as member-owners of the SEC
• To not receive a single cent for any special benefits, trips, courses, attending meetings, without the approval for the compensation of the membership by referendum
• To be aware of major environmental and energy related issues that may impact the member-owners of the SEC directly or indirectly and relate his information to the membership
• To be certain that all SEC members are democratically represented with no district having a disproportionate and likely illegal portion of representation
• To provide SEC member-owners with a detailed audit of all expenditures approved by the trustees.
• To be aware of what energy delivery implies and means as a resource we use and need, and self-educate myself in the policy issues, business activities, educational activity and energy efficiency issues confronting all member-owners of the SEC
• To provide access of member-owners to the decision making process

What do you hope to accomplish for the co-op’s member-owners as a trustee?
There must be reform:
• Term limits for trustees. Service is an obligation, not a career
• All “perks” for co-op trustees should be suspended immediately and all suggested, or demanded, by trustees should be voted on by referendum by member-owners
• All meeting expenses to be reviewed and fewer trustee meetings
• Fewer trustees for cost savings and efficiency
• Redistricting of the SEC service area is necessary, democratic and a legal requirement
• Open meetings for questions and answers
• Forensic audit for the last 10 years to be published
• Creation of educational outreach
• Energy efficiency programs, underwriting and funding for member-owners

If elected to the board, will you commit to conducting the majority of your twice-monthly meetings in the open? What items would you consider appropriate for Executive Session?
In general, personnel reports or evaluations are considered to be subject to closed sessions. The names of SEC members, or businesses, in default on accounts, although not confidential per se, may be erroneous, or temporary, and release of this information accomplishes nothing.

As a trustee, what steps will you take to ensure our power needs are met (as inexpensively as possible) in this time of dwindling natural resources?
We must educate ourselves on the array of issues confronting the SEC and New Mexicans. We must evaluate our delivery systems of energy at the local level and be a voice in the region. We must address the long-term needs of our member-owners and look at buy-back programs, alternative energy options, and our responsibilities to other member-owners and the region. We need to hear the hard questions: What is right and what is wrong with how the SEC operates? Can we do it better? If so, how?
All trustees should be educated in energy in all its aspects. Each trustee should be required to take courses — available at New Mexico Tech or on the Internet — in energy areas, costs, delivery of energy, and other issues.

Why should SEC member-owners vote for you?
I do not want the job, but I have decided that I must try to bring change. We need to address “perks” and expenditures. We need to have term limits.
Trustees need to meet some standards of special experience, skill sets, knowledge, that qualifies them as trustees.
Most importantly, they need to serve because it is important, not because they receive insurance policies, resort trips, meeting expenses, and more.
If elected, I will not serve more than two terms, and I will not accept a single penny not voted on by the member-owners by referendum.

 

Socorro Electric Cooperative
Board of Trustees Election
District 3, Position 3

Name: Herman Romero              
Education: High school
Occupation: Program Administrator with 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No
What is your motivation for serving as trustee?
I have always been involved in public service and enjoy it very much. Whether it is coaching your children or serving on different boards in the community. I consider myself to be a people person and take pride that I can get along with people and serve our community. I am proud to be a co-op trustee and will continue to do what’s best for your co-op. I was born and raised in Socorro with no plans of leaving. My father, Danny Romero, was involved in public service for many years so I guess it rubbed off on me. I am proud to follow in his footsteps.
In your own words, describe what you consider to be the most important aspects of a co-op trustee.
Honesty, integrity and common sense. Being your own man with your own ideas — not going with the flow. Listen to member-owners and address their concerns.
List your accomplishments as a trustee and explain how these benefit the 9,000-plus member-owners
Don’t let anyone fool you. One trustee cannot accomplish anything by himself or herself. It takes a board as a whole to make your co-op run effectively and efficiently. I think we have provided a safe, reliable, cost-efficient electric service to our members and in the end, that’s what our members want. We have brought on a new substation and added roughly 400 miles of new line and invested in many upgrades for the benefit of our members.
Some argue that too much board business is conducted during “Executive Session.” Will you, if re-elected, commit to discussing only personnel matters, land acquisition matters and pending or threatened litigation during Executive Session? If not, why?
Yes I would. But in the same breath the “some” that argue that point are usually the reason we have to go into executive session. We cannot conduct business with people who are not on the agenda being disruptive and interfering with business at hand. I know for a fact this is not permitted at a city council meeting or county commission meetings. The difference is that usually there is law enforcement readily available at those meetings and not at ours, and people tend not to act up with law enforcement present. We have had to call law enforcement on a few occasions and that was very unfortunate and a complete waste of their time.
As a trustee, what steps will you take to ensure our power needs are met (as inexpensively as possible) in this time of dwindling natural resources?
I think we have already ensured that to our membership. The best thing we all can do to keep costs down is to use energy efficient appliances and CONSERVATION.
Our cooperative has a great customer service department that can do energy audits and much more. Our power provider (Tri-State) has assured us that we will not have an increase from them next year. In the near future we need to invest in some sort of clean coal technology. It is very expensive, but we in the United States have plenty of coal and it is very cheap. Most of the cost comes from transporting coal from mines to coal-fired generation plants. I also know there is a big push for “green power,” but at this time is not cost effective for our members.
Why should SEC member-owners vote for you?
I will always do what’s best for your cooperative. Believe me when I say that I want rates as low as possible after all I pay the same rates as any member-owner.
I now have four years of experience under my belt and have obtained my credentials as a trustee which is now a requirement in most cooperatives. This is a huge business and I still have plenty to learn and I am willing to go that extra mile for you.
Please feel free to approach me at any time with questions or concerns.

 

Socorro Electric Cooperative
Board of Trustees Election
District 3, Position 3

Name: Luis Aguilar
Education: 12-plus years army skill, development and leadership courses
Occupation: Retired Army National Guard
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No
What is your motivation for serving as trustee?
I feel that there is a certain amount of animosity among the trustees. I would like to offer my time, knowledge, experience and ambition to reduce or avoid that atmosphere and make the trustee membership more amicable and productive for the benefit of the cooperative.
In your own words, describe what you consider to be the most important aspects of a co-op trustee?
The most important aspects of a co-op trustee are:
• Be well informed and use management resources effectively.
• Be open-minded to information, evaluate and make a sound decision.
• Have employee concerns on its priority list.
• Review all expenditures for waste and abuse of monetary and material resources.
• Listen to the concerns of the membership. There’s a wealth of information, knowledge and experience there.
What do you hope to accomplish for the co-op’s member-owners as a trustee?
With the cooperation of the other trustees I would like to accomplish the following:
• Term limits
• Equitable representation
• Open meetings
• Employee care and skill and management development
• Early in-person voting
• Review and evaluate trustee compensation.
If elected to the board, will you commit to conducting the majority of your twice-monthly meetings in the open? What items would you consider appropriate for Executive Session?
I honestly believe that all cooperative business should be conducted in the open with exceptions concerning personnel or management sensitivity matters.
As a trustee, what steps will you take to ensure our power needs are met (as inexpensively as possible) in this time of dwindling natural resources?
During this time of dwindling resources in order to meet our power needs the trustees, management supervisors and all employees will have to operate on a highly cost-effective basis. Socorro Electric Cooperative is serious business and deserves (short-range, mid-range and long-range) planning to provide power at the lowest possible cost.
Why should SEC member-owners vote for you?
SEC member-owners should vote for me because I have vision. I am willing to listen research and evaluate before I make a decision. Member-owners will always be of top concern to me as well as effective management of personnel and resources.