Five Candidates Vie for Three Board of Trustees Seats in Upcoming Co-op Election
As a cornerstone of cooperative governance, democratic member control empowers each member with a voice in the future of their electric cooperative. This year's annual board election is an opportunity for you to influence the direction of your co-op and have a say in selecting the leaders who will represent your interests.
Three seats are up for election on the board of trustees. The candidates vying for these positions include incumbent Brian Carter from Sarahsville, Betty Martin from Marietta, Jedd Butler from Newport, Earnest Hulsey from New Matamoras, and Allen Miller from Marietta. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and experience to the table.
Voting will take place by mail, with ballots being sent to members’ mailboxes in mid-April. To cast your vote, simply mark your selections on the ballot and return it using the prepaid envelope provided. Be sure to postmark your ballot by May 8 to ensure your vote counts.
To maintain the integrity of the election, it is important to follow the proper procedures. All completed ballots must be mailed to the designated post office box included on the return envelope. Ballots will not be accepted if delivered in person to the co-op office, nor can they be combined with payments or handed to any co-op employee or board member. These rules are strictly enforced, and no exceptions will be made.
Election results will be revealed at the co-op’s annual meeting on May 15. This is your chance to make your voice heard and be an active part of shaping the future of your cooperative!
Jedd Butler

My priorities would include providing administration and supervising a program of approved projects with respect to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy in our rural areas.
The same motivation I’ve had for running for a seat on this co-op board for several years now. This is a chance to serve the community around me for the good of us all.
Leadership, experience working on other boards, forward thinking and planning, and my record of getting things done.
This is a chance to contribute to the cheap, reliable, consistently ever-there electric I’ve relied on all my life. Life would be a struggle without it.
Ever-increasing demand for electric. I would explore every opportunity to supply this commodity at the most cost-effective price for all.
The Cardinal generating facility is one of our greatest assets. Its continuing operation is a win-win for all of us. It needs to be protected politically and economically.
My experience serving on several boards as well as serving as a township trustee for the last 12 years has given me insight into both private and public service.
Brian Carter

Proper maintenance on our electric rights-of-way. This decreases outages, which enhances our reliability. It also lowers costs in the long term with less emergency call-outs. When we minimize exposure to these emergency situations it greatly enhances employee safety.
Serving the public and providing reliable service. We are blessed with a wonderful staff at WEC and it is great working for them and with them.
I have served for six years on the present Board of Trustees. I have taken numerous training courses that have prepared me to make wise decisions in the boardroom.
It is extra meaningful to me due to having helped create the mission statement during the board’s strategic planning sessions. Our goal as a board is to always look for ways to enhance reliability and member satisfaction.
The rising costs of operating materials. Our rural electric rights of ways are hard to maintain due to the challenging terrain. We should focus on proper right of way maintenance and line construction to create a more accessible electric grid.
Our greatest asset is the well-trained staff of lineworkers and office staff. They are an amazing group that are all engaged daily to improve WEC. We all need to focus on member satisfaction, as well.
I am totally dedicated to our present Board of Trustees and I highly value representing our members. I will continue to work with other board members to make WEC second to none.
Betty Martin

My priorities would be for the cooperative to continue providing reliable electricity. This is accomplished by right-of-way maintenance and moving lines closer to roadways.
All board members are encouraged to take training to help them in their duties. I have completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership programs, and have obtained the Director Gold certification. I am anxious to use this training in my duties as a board member.
My blend of skills and experiences have prepared me to be an ideal board member. Being a small business owner has given me a strong background in strategic planning and financial management. My past years as a (co-op board) director provide me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities at Washington Electric Cooperative.
The mission has the members’ best interests in mind, improving their quality of life. Being a part of this effort lines up with my values and the co-op’s.
Low growth and low industrial load are both challenges. Hopefully the installation of fiber on our system will encourage more to move and stay in our area.
This organization’s greatest asset is the employees. Our employees are very committed to their work, and very dedicated and familiar with our territory.
I would like to continue to use my training and experience to work for Washington Electric
Earnest Hulsey

Improving the cooperative overall with cost control, and to improve the system.
Just to serve co-op members.
I worked for 23 years in the coal industry and understand environmental regulatory compliance and the direction of power generation. I worked for 20 years in the electrical industry, understanding what is needed to maintain power services. I also operated a generator sales and service business.
Working with the community to educate and communicate about the direction the co-op is heading, and to be hard-working toward the goals set before us.
The future of power generation with solar, hydropower, coal, and new types of generation coming in the future. With my experience in the coal industry, electrical technology, and power generation I can provide knowledge to the discussion.
Maintain equipment, making upgrades to the electrical system, training employees and staff, and educating customers.
I am hard-working and expect to accomplish tasks and goals.
Allen Miller

Keeping our co-op financially strong, yet keeping affordable electric for our members.
All energy is so important and electricity is one of them. And keeping our local cooperatives is very important to our members.
Working with other board members for different organizations and realizing how important our communities are.
Having a mission to improve the quality of life for our members and community should always be of utmost importance. It keeps our communities strong and moving forward.
Meeting our members and community’s needs, keeping our cooperative financially stable, working with our cooperative and board members and keeping and open mind.
Keeping our cooperative a members organization, and always working for our members and keeping them in mind is important to me.
I would always keep our members in mind, and keep our co-op moving forward for the next generation.