NOTICE: District 1 Runoff Election
Director Election Notification
This is to notify all Mountain Parks Electric, Inc. (“MPE”) members that a runoff director election is being prepared for District 1. District 1 may be generally described as those portions of the Town of Fraser and surrounding area east of Highway 40 and also includes the northernmost portion of the Town of Winter Park east of Highway 40.
Time, Eate & Location of 2023 Runoff Election
MPE’s runoff director election will be Thursday, August 10, at 8am at MPE's headquarters in Granby. In-person balloting will be available for Members who have not voted by mail. Balloting will cease at 8:30a.m.
Voting
Mail-in ballots will be mailed to members in District 1 on June 29. Ballots must be signed and returned in the prepaid envelope no later than August 7. Members can also vote by using the ballot drop box at MPE’s Granby or Walden office or by voting in person at the meeting on August 10. Members voting by mail-in ballot will not be allowed to vote at the meeting.
Director Candidate Bios
- JOE SMYTH
As an energy policy researcher, I’ve worked with electric cooperative leaders, clean energy groups, and policymakers to bring more transparency and accountability to the largest utility companies in Colorado.
The reforms we achieved have increased transparency at electric cooperatives, expanded those transparency rules for the first time to our power supplier, and more. I’ve also published reports focused on how utilities in the American West can reduce water consumption by transitioning away from coal, investigations into power supply contracts that can restrict community-based utilities like ours, and other key issues facing utilities and the communities they serve.
I have a proven track record saving our members money, by using my experience in utility regulation to support our community. In 2019, I stopped an unnecessary rate increase through a formal challenge and hearing before the Mountain Parks board, which has saved our members more than $1.5 million over the last four years.
With your vote, I will bring that experience to the Mountain Parks board as we navigate the transition to clean energy, work to ensure fair rates, and expand programs that help our members save money on their energy bills. More details about my experience is at www.votejoesmyth.com
- RYAN ZORN
Thank you for your participation in this runoff election. I also wish to thank Christine Larkin and Phil Archer for their efforts as candidates, and I am honored to have their endorsements.
Born and raised in a Colorado area served by an electric cooperative, I have a special appreciation for MPEI’s essential service and community impact. I graduated from Colorado School of Mines, and my career has been dedicated to analyzing the energy sector, weighing the costs/benefits of energy sources, and allocating capital towards the most deserving projects. These experiences are particularly relevant as MPEI navigates the coming evolution of energy sources it chooses to secure.
Additionally, this board has an important role to ensure the newly hired GM and CFO are well-integrated and are having positive impacts on the culture at MPEI as well as the service it provides to members. I have occupied each of those executive roles during my career and, as a result, can offer real-world perspective in supporting MPEI’s leadership team.
Small communities offer unique opportunities to pitch in and create a positive impact for all. From coaching kids, to chaperoning eighth graders in D.C., or contributing professional perspective at MPEI—I’m all in! www.zorn4mpei.com