PEC District 4 Election
PEC’s District 4 has a large field of 6 candidates this year. I tried to communicate with all 6 candidates to ask a few questions.
Dan Stark and Lee Leffingwell did not give an email address or phone number and were not reachable, so I could not learn more about them. After contacting and communicating with the other 4 candidates, I can recommend Travis Cox. Mr. Cox wants board transparency and open communication between members and their board representatives. He is also a proponent of fiber/broadband for rural areas needing internet service. The most reliable, secure and safe (safe from a health and environmental standpoint) way to deliver internet service is fiber optics. Also, Mr. Cox is experienced in managing contracts with large entities such as the city of Austin, etc., and we are a very large co-op.
Kip Averitt has past and current experience on many boards and committees including the Texas Water Foundation and the Texas Clean Energy Foundation. He also feels strongly about board transparency and member engagement (i.e. listening to and considering members ideas).
Kathi Thomas is and has been very civically pro-active. Some of her interests include the environment, conservation and renewables. She is also committed to board transparency.
Though one of Ms. Thomas’ stated goals for PEC is “high speed internet,” our group does not want our electric co-op to become an internet provider, directly or indirectly, unless by use of safe fiber optics only.
I feel either Mr. Cox, Mr. Averitt or Ms.Thomas would be our best District 4 representative. Also, I do not have any personal or professional relationships with any of the 6 candidates. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Friday, June 12.
Leslie Hunt
Dripping Springs
