Skeptical of MEA board president's letter

A Spectrum, by Ed J. Tremper

Mr. Folsom's article on why he didn't vote for Mr. Klunder was quite amusing. So much, in fact, it inspired me to draft a few lines myself.

Since when does the president, a position that is not approved by membership at large, in this "freedom of speech" land of ours, have to justify how he voted on a board appointment? I do not know Mr. Klunder, Mr. Downing or Mr. Folsom, but I do know one thing (from newspaper articles) -- that Mr. Downing seems to have dipped his hand in the old cookie jar in the past with Irby and Co. There just appears to be a slight fish odor about the whole scenario.

In a democratic society, with freedom of press, Mr. Sykes -- whom I do not know either -- is not required to be a subscriber of a cooperative to write about it.

Mr. Folsom has been doing this for years -- attempting to convince the member-owners what a great job he is doing. He has always solicited "atta-boys" for the rate reductions imposed by the cooperative. He has never indicated to the member-owners that maybe, just maybe, the rates established were too high to begin with.

Mr. Folsom also outlines what his compensation is -- $20 per meeting -- but nothing is mentioned about "perks." For the dictatorial board of directors he represents, I would be reluctant to authorize even minimum wage if he expended no hours. He also has never informed the member-owners how he plans to refund the $1 million plus he, as president of the board, was instrumental in blowing on the hostile takeover of Chugach Electric, our power source. It should come from his pocket. We would welcome installments, not rate reductions.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) does not wish to take over the board of directors -- as I see it, they are only seeking proper representation in a democratic society and cooperative. After all, they are dedicated, loyal and faithful workers and employees of our co-op. Let's treat them as such.

If our Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) board would take the time to analyze the union complaints, they would find many of the complaints are due to violations of their contract and, in most cases, courts have decided in their favor. Sit back and think about the cost of having the entertaining Mr. Ellis to argue/fight each one in court -- is it just to justify his job security? It's an expensive proposition from my perspective. His contract termination would realize attorney fees and court costs and those funds could be directed toward periodic, allocated wage increases.

Has Mr. Folsom and the board ever considered a little reverse psychology? Encourage IBEW members, our employees, to apply for the board of directors and let the member-owners make the unbiased decision. Do not campaign with derogatory and covert tactics before the election. Remember you are the board, you put out the only newsletter, "Powerlines," that goes to every member-owner's home, and you control its publication.

This is Mr. Folsom's document of opinion conveyance, not the newspaper, for justification, sympathy and ego. This in no way reflects on past board member, Mr. Cottle, or present board member, Mrs. Lester. Thanks to them for trying to do an honest, sincere and dedicated job.

Ed J. Tremper is a Wasilla resident.