Democratic member participation is one of the greatest advantages of a cooperative
Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative holds elections each spring for co-op board directors. This year, board positions in co-op districts 1, 2 and 3 will be on the ballot. Members residing in those districts have an opportunity to get involved in co-op decision making by running for a seat on the board. Applications for the 2020 board election are now being accepted from co-op members in districts 1, 2 and 3. The deadline to apply is March 6.
Co-op directors are local members, like you
District 1 includes Farmington and Somerset townships, and parts of Osceola, Alden and Garfield townships. The incumbent director is Cindy Thorman of Osceola.
District 2 includes St. Croix Falls, Eureka, Sterling, Laketown and Milltown townships, and part of Osceola township. The incumbent director is Mike Morris of Luck.
District 3 includes Lincoln, Blackbrook, Clear Lake, Vance Creek, Star Prairie, Forest and New Haven townships, and parts of Garfield and Alden townships. The incumbent director is Ed Gullickson of Amery.
Electric co-ops are unique because we are owned and governed by the local members we serve
As a cooperative, Polk-Burnett is owned by its members and governed by a board of directors elected from its membership. Board directors serve a three-year term and attend monthly meetings to guide policy and budget decisions for Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.
Directors represent the best interests of all when making decisions for the cooperative
Board responsibilities include:
Setting the co-op's mission, vision and values
Developing policies and setting rates
Maintaining legal, regulatory and internal compliance
Approving the annual budget and system improvements
Hiring the general manager and evaluating performance
All co-op members in districts 1, 2 and 3 will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the 2020 Polk-Burnett board election. Ballots will be mailed in early May and members can vote by mail or online. Election results will be announced at the co-op’s annual meeting June 5. New director terms begin June 22.
“Members of Polk-Burnett have the opportunity to make their voices heard and represent their neighbors by taking an active role in cooperative governance,” said Steve Stroshane, general manager. “Democratic member participation is one of the great advantages of a cooperative. I encourage you to consider participating in the co-op 2020 board election.”
Co-op members interested in running for a board position to represent district 1, 2 or 3 may contact the general manager’s office at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, 800-421-0283, ext. 313, for an application.
Learn more about Polk-Burnett’s board of directors and see a map of co-op districts.
