However, it did not go up in 2014. Why not? Because new LPEA board members get elected every year, and the newer, more progressive voices elected to the board recently spoke up for the low-income and energy-efficient households across Southwest Colorado who are most affected by that base charge increase. Progressives won that battle, barely – the board is currently split 50/50. If you vote on the LPEA ballot, we can finally get a slim majority on the board going forward.

You can help transform your electric cooperative from an old-school, coal-fired electric power buyer into a new, 21st-century distributor of clean energy and creator of local jobs. It can be done, affordably.

Two forward-thinking candidates are running in La Plata County for two separate seats against more conservative opponents. Jeff Berman is an incumbent on LPEA who has been fighting hard for clean energy for three long years. Alison Dance, successful owner of two, small local businesses, will provide smart, strategic decisions to make LPEA work for all of us as we move into the future.

To break the LPEA board stalemate, both Jeff and Alison must be elected. Want a cleaner energy future? Want local jobs? Want affordable solutions? Please, vote for Jeff Berman (District 3) and Alison Dance (District 4).

Anne Markward

Durango