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2023 Lane Electric Board Candidates

May 5, 2023

Central District

Jeanette Ingrid Kessler, DVM (Ingrid)

Occupation: Veterinarian and Business Owner, Retired

Educational Background:

  • Cornell University: Bachelor of Arts degree, Classics
  • Stanford University: Graduate work, Classics
  • Michigan State University: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • Credentialed Cooperative Director
  • National Rural Electric Cooperative Association “Gold” for Continuing Education, Board Leadership Certificate

Civic and Public Affairs: It’s been my honor to serve: Lane Community College, Oregon Community Foundation, City Club of Eugene, Kids FIRST, Lane County Multi-Disciplinary Team for the Prevention and Intervention of Child and Animal Abuse, Greenhill Humane Society, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Local Government Affairs Council, Rotary International, Eugene Science Center

Candidate Statement: Over eight years later, I’m as enthusiastic, energetic, and devoted to be on the Board as ever. During my time on the board, we’ve kept our rates affordable with special attention to rate design. Our service statistics show that the team is keeping the lights on. I’m proud of our safety record.

Now, some critically important issues are in progress: We’re investigating how to best improve our technology. We’re in the midst of negotiating our BPA energy supply contract. The work is technical and collaborative, which I love. Our hydro system is clean and carbon free.

Additionally, I’ve tackled other roles, including being elected to represent Oregon Coops on the board of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I work directly with coop colleagues across Oregon and the United States on issues that are most important to us right here at home.

I very much hope to continue my service to Lane Electric. Please vote for me. I need your support. Thank you.

 

Oakridge District

Susan Knudsen ObermeyerSusan Knudsen Obermeyer

Occupation: Retired from United States Forest Service as Operations Staff Officer overseeing Timber, Silviculture, and Special Forest Products.

Educational Background:

  • Some college at Lane Community
  • Leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal classes through Forest Service
  • Certified Cooperative Directors Certificate (5 Classes)
  • NRECA Board Leadership Certificate
  • NRECA Board Gold Certificate for continuing education

Civic and Public Affairs:

  • Board/Treasurer for Southern Willamette Solutions/Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative
  • Board/Treasurer for Highway 58 Herald local on-line newspaper
  • State Forestry Advisory Committee out of Salem
  • Oakridge/Westfir Museum Board
  • Delivery Angel for Positive Community Kitchen

Candidate Statement: Currently I am Lane Electric Board President and feel that I have more work to do in that role. During my 10+ years I have held all the offices on the board and chaired many committees. Being a board member is a lot of work but is very rewarding. This year, we were able to offer a reduced cost for members that had more than one meter and adopted the Wildfire Mitigation Plan. We are currently working on a roadmap for a new metering system and gathering information on the upcoming Bonneville Power Association contract. I serve on the board of the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative and am also on the budget committee. My goals are to continue to bring value to members, keep costs reasonable, continue to look at EV needs, other energy sources, and maintain safety. We have lots of work ahead of us. The members have invested in me, and I want to make sure they get that investment.

McKenzie District

Kathy Keable

Occupation: Retired from McKenzie Elementary (teacher), McKenzie USFS, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest

Educational Background:

  • BS Education, 1971 UOP
  • MS General Science – Outdoor Education, 1973 SOSC
  • Ford Family Foundation Leadership and Ambassador training

Civic and Public Affairs:

  • McKenzie School Board member 15 years
  • McKenzie Education Foundation, Co-founder (20 years)
  • Lane Electric Co-op Director 2014 to present

Candidate Statement: I’ve been a director on the Lane Electric Board since 2014 and have received my Co-op Directors Certification and maintained the Gold Continuing Education Certificate every year. For the past two years I’ve enjoyed being the Chair of the Scholarship Committee and have served as the Secretary and Vice-Chair of the board. To keep up with current issues, I have attended state-wide, regional and national conferences.

My husband and I have lived in the McKenzie area for 40+ years and we are very fortunate that our home survived the Holiday Farm Fire.  During this time I served on committees for Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife, Eugene Water and Electric Board and Lane County. Though currently retired, I’m still active on the boards of the McKenzie Education Foundation and Upper McKenzie Community Center.

Now is a crucial time for the LEC board, with important decisions affecting all members. We need to continue to prioritize employee and member safety – including wildfire and disaster planning. We will also be deciding where to purchase our power for the next 20 years and research the next generation of smart meters.

I feel I have the experience to be your representative – not only for the McKenzie area, but for all of Lane Electric.

Thank you for supporting me with your vote.