LIHU‘E — The annual Kaua‘i Island Utlity Cooperative Board of Directors nominations are approaching, and there is little time left to submit a petition for current KIUC members — electric account holders — in good standing. Three new positions are
LIHU‘E — The annual Kaua‘i Island Utlity Cooperative Board of Directors nominations are approaching, and there is little time left to submit a petition for current KIUC members — electric account holders — in good standing.
Three new positions are selected each term to comprise the nine-member team.
“The Board of Directors governs the business and affairs of KIUC but is generally concerned with the broad courses of action to be followed by the utility,” according to a press release from Shelley Paik of KIUC.
There are two ways in which members can be considered. The first is to be appointed by KIUC’s nominating committee chaired by KIUC board member Carol Bain and committee members Edee Bandmann, Michael Murakoshi, Cesar Portugal and Michael Tresler.
The committee has already selected three candidates to be on the upcoming ballot based upon their submitted resumes: Stu Burley, Steve Rapozo and Ben Sullivan.
Others still have the opportunity to be placed on the ballot by means of a member petition, where at least 35 signatures of other KIUC members are required.
Current KIUC board members Dane Oda and Ray Paler have already submitted their petitions and both gathered well above the number of signatures needed.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to go the member petition route was to dispel the inference of board bias where board members would go for people who are already in service,” said Paler in regards to why he chose to collect 141 member signatures instead of submitting a resume this time. “I had been nominated twice through the committee and for the third time, because I was re-appointed, I wanted to show that people are supporting me.”
When Oda was asked why he chose a similar path by collecting a total of 80 signatures, he replied that he had the same sentiments as Paler.
“I went the route of membership petition to avoid people’s thoughts that it’s a set-up, that the committee would automatically nominate us. This has a little bit more substance,” he said. “We can prove that we have enough support.”
When asked why KIUC account holders should consider voting for them, aside from their first-hand experience, each had similar responses that pertain to benefiting members by helping to bring them the most efficient and cost-effective electrical service possible.
KIUC members who opt to petition for a position on the board have until 4 p.m., Feb. 9, to submit their signatures to the nominating committee.
“All candidates with valid petitions who have completed the Director’s Orientation will be placed on the ballot for the March 28, 2009 election,” said KIUC in a written statement.
“First and foremost, members in good standing with experience on boards and the willingness to want to serve,” said Paler when asked what made for a well-qualified candidate.
Both Paler and Oda urge everyone who holds a current account with KIUC to be on the lookout for the ballots which are expected to be mailed out sometime in February or March.
“Definitely vote because what you get is what you put in. It’s in a member’s interest to vote,” said Oda.
For more information, visit www.kiuc.coop or contact KIUC’s election hotline at 246-4378.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
