Supports Burchell, Kincaid for MEA board

To the editor:

I am writing to support Janet Kincaid and Peter Burchell in the upcoming MEA election. Over the past three years, Janet and Peter have brought many positive changes to our local electric cooperative.

One example of this change is MEA’s newfound cooperation with the other Railbelt utilities. Before Janet and Peter were on the board, MEA’s management continuously fought with the other cooperatives. The ensuing lawsuits cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and hindered the creation of large-scale energy projects. Under the leadership of Janet and Peter, however, MEA has turned from litigation to cooperation. In the past three years, MEA has worked with other utilities to form the Alaska Railbelt Cooperative Transmission and Energy Co., also know as ARCTEC. ARCTEC is now working with the state to plan and fund large-scale energy projects, like the Susitna Dam, which will create clean, dependable, low-cost energy for decades to come. Working alone, MEA would never have been able to create or fund such a project.

Thanks to Janet and Peter, MEA is now fighting for our future — instead of fighting other co-ops. Let’s continue this positive, visionary momentum. Vote Kincaid and Burchell for the MEA Board.

Darin Markwardt

Palmer