Armstrong outlines reasons for seeking OPALCO board position

The elections for directors to OPALCO provide an opportunity for cooperative members to select individuals who bring diverse skills and experience to OPALCO’s Board of Directors. I am pleased to be a candidate for election to that board.

April 26, 2009 4:09 pm

The elections for directors to OPALCO provide an opportunity for cooperative members to select individuals who bring diverse skills and experience to OPALCO’s Board of Directors. I am pleased to be a candidate for election to that board.

I have lived on Orcas Island for 32 years, raised four children here, and worked. As I have watched our community grow, I have seen OPALCO respond to the increasing needs for reliable and affordable energy.

It made great strides reducing power outages and the resultant manpower expense through the laying of underground cables. Under wise management, it has done an excellent job of securing and distributing affordable, pollution-free hydroelectric energy from the Bonneville Power Administration.

These next years will bring new challenges to OPALCO. They will require an engaged and knowledgeable board committed to preserving affordability through continued focus on conservation and advancement in technology and wise consideration the power choices that must be made as San Juan County’s energy needs increase and the supply of hydroelectric energy reaches capacity.

While expertise in engineering, energy technology, and business are definite assets needed on the board, strong connections to the community and commitment to represent community interests are important too.

I have served on diverse boards and worked professionally as the founder and director of Orcas Montessori Preschool, the director of Children’s House Family Resource Center, and director of Orcas Island Prevention Partnership and Orcas Readiness to Learn.

I bring a lively intelligence, an ability to listen and work cooperatively with others, and a passion for protecting our environment. I would be honored and excited to work as a director for OPALCO bringing positive leadership and strong work ethic to the issues that OPALCO will address in the coming years.

Thank you for considering me as a candidate. You may vote by returning your ballot enclosed in the annual report or by coming to the annual meeting on May 16.

Moriah Armstrong
Orcas Island