Committee seeks‘best-qualified’

To the editor:

The assertions made by Mr. Aaron Downing in his letter to the editor have no basis in fact. MEA, in clear and concise facts, will simply respond.

The first assertion is that there was not a quorum at the nominating committee interview meeting when Mr. (William) Folsom was interviewed. There are seven members on the committee with five present: Chair Lisa Gorsch, Pat Purcell, Debra Lighthart, Henry Guinotte and Katie Hurley. Tamara Bauman and James Ricks were unable to attend. Mr. Guinott had to leave prior to the final vote, but was there for four of the five interviews. Four of the seven members were present at the final vote.

The second assertion is that the director of public affairs, Cheryll Heinze, was present and lobbied against Mr. Folsom. The liaison for the nominating committee and the board has always been the director of public affairs. The committee also questioned Mr. Folsom’s use of the terms “sugar daddy” and other language in his candidate packet. (The exact words of the candidates will appear on the ballot.)

The committee also questioned why Mr. Folsom wanted Mr. Downing present at the interview. Mr. Downing asserts that without friends or acquaintance present there was no way to be sure that the questions asked of one candidate are asked of each candidate. Chair Gorsch ruled that the interview process was for the committee to interview the candidate, not the candidate’s acquaintances or friends.

The bylaws state that the committee shall put forth the “best-qualified candidates names” to the secretary of the board. The committee’s members have the right to put forward the names of whomever they believe fits that description. MEA maintains its trust in the integrity of the nominating committee, its process and its members.

Cheryll Heinze

Director of Public Affairs

Matanuska Electric Association