KIUC Board Endorsements

SUBHEAD: Vote for Bain, Gegen and TenBruggencate for the right change in direction at KIUC. [Publisher's Note: The majority of Island Breath Editors agree with this slate and endorse them for the KIUC Board of Directors. Please vote!] Image above: Left to right - Carol Bain, Pat Gegen and Jan TenBruggencate are running for KIUC Board.
By Got Windmills? (http://parxnewsdaily.blogspot.com/2010/03/vote-for-tenbruggencate-gegen-and-bain.html) VOTE FOR TENBRUGGENCATE, GEGEN AND BAIN This year’s Kauai Island Utilities Co-op (KIUC) Board of Directors election presents a thus far unique opportunity to fill the three open slots with three smart, independent, alternative energy advocates. That’s why we unequivocally urge you to vote for Jan TenBruggencate Pat Gegen and returning Director Carol Bain. TenBruggencate is one of the smartest and most knowledgeable people we know. His expertise in the environmental, energy and science fields has a 30 years paper trail in doing an impeccable job of covering that beat- as well as Kaua`i in general- as the Kauai Bureau Chief for the Honolulu Advertiser. His integrity is beyond reproach and, most importantly at KIUC, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Those years as a journalist have left him a quick study with the ability to find and understand complex scientific information. He has the background to separate the corporate model double-talk from the reality. Check out his Raising Islands blog to get an idea of his depth of knowledge in the energy field and today’s post for his “platform”. We’re rally lucky to have him on the ballot Pat Gegen has walked the talk on alternative energy in going through the process to put up his own windmill at his home and was an advocate for the bill that would ease the process. He’s smart and an independent thinker who will be another voice for getting KIUC off fissile fuels and into supporting- instead of discouraging- home generation. Carol Bain has fought for the transparency that would enable better and more effective member participation for the past last three years as well as advocating for renewable carbon-free generation. The election of TenBruggencate and Gegen to join her and board member Ben Sullivan, will finally give members enough clout to turn around the for-profit model and mentality that still pervades the group-think of the majority on the board and make KIUC a true member-driven co-op. One note- whatever you do DO NOT vote for corporate shill and good old boy for Allen Smith who has served the powers that be for decades and is an impediment to change. This year’s KIUC election presents a great opportunity. Fill out and mail your ballot today and if you don’t have one seek out those who do and ask them to elect Bain, Gegen, and TenBruggencate. Carol Bain Our cooperative electric utility, as is our island, is in a time of transition. During the past three years as a Boardmember, I worked with the KIUC team to initiate projects to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. KIUC has a tighter budget and a vision of energy leadership now, but must be nurtured along this path. Contact me (cdbain@kauai.net or 246-2111) to discuss energy conservation, renewable solutions, and ways to improve KIUC’s relationship with our members. I have the experience and skills needed to help our cooperative utility reach strategic goals of conservation, efficiency and energy independence. * UH Hawai‘i – Masters Degree * Taught college level Journalism and Communications * Kaua‘i resident since 1985 * President, Kauai Worldwide Communications, Inc. Pat Gegen My Focus: To help guide KIUC into sustainable responsible and affordable energy production while easing the highly variable financial burden on KIUC members. My Experience: I’ve spent over 12 years working in the energy field which includes both alternative energy production and oil refining experience. Prior to entering the energy field I was a teacher and counselor in the Kauai schools. Jan TenBruggencate I was raised on Molokai and moved to Kauai in 1971 after starting a career with The Honolulu Advertiser. I served many years at the newspaper's science writer, where I developed strong communications, research and analysis skills. I am concerned about the high cost of power on Kauai. I am committed to reducing the island's dependence on foreign oil, as well as supporting efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. One key message: If we can reduce the amount of money we send abroad for oil, we keep that cash in our own economy, creating jobs and stabilizing electricity rates. .

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