Ballot propositions fail to pass muster

MAT-SU -- Three ballot propositions were submitted for Matanuska Electric Association's 2004 ballot, but apparently failed to meet the criteria to secure a place on the ballot.

Former MEA board member Tom Staudenmaier, on Feb. 3, presented MEA staff with three ballot propositions for the 2004 ballot, and 330 signatures obtained in support of the ballot propositions.

The three ballot propositions sought to make changes in areas Staudenmaier has frequently challenged MEA board members on while speaking at board meetings or during his previous campaigns for a seat on the board. The first is a "right to know" proposition, stating that MEA members have the right to know the compensation, including benefits, of all MEA management personnel.

The second proposition would have limited the way board vacancies are filled. The amendment provided that empty seats be filled at the next general election, if it is less than six months away. If more than six months away, the seat would be temporarily filled until the next general election.

The final bylaw recommendation would stipulate that all votes by mail would only be accessible by an independent accounting firm hired to count the votes and verify member signatures.

Staudenmaier said there was strong support for the bylaw changes among those he spoke with.

"We got the signatures in about two days, from people all over [MEA's service area]," Staudenmaier said.

But it appears the proposed changes won't be considered by members this year. MEA bylaws state that co-op members may put forward proposed bylaw changes, providing the changes are consistent with applicable law, and they have obtained signatures from 300 members. MEA spokesman Mike Pauley said while Staudenmaier submitted 330 signatures, only 252 of those were valid. Some of the signatures were from non-MEA members, others from former members, and many were duplicates, Pauley said.

The deadline for ballot propositions was Feb. 3, so there's no time to gather a second round of signatures, but Staudenmaier isn't letting the subject go without a little more research. He said he requested the signature sheets be returned, so he can verify them himself.

"We went with 30 more signatures than we actually needed," Staudenmaier said. "Most of those people, I know personally."