PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Public Utility District Commissioner Will Purser announced Monday he will seek re-election.
Purser was first elected to the three-member board in 2000.
“For nearly 10 years, I have been proud to serve the people of Clallam County on the PUD board,” Purser said in a statement.
“Today, I announce my intention to seek another term as PUD Commissioner District No. 1. During my service in this office, I have applied my business and technical experience to secure the very best value and service for you, the owners and customers.”
If re-elected, Purser said ,he would continue to:
• Secure the lowest possible electrical rates.
• Base decisions on cost/benefit analysis so expenditures yield benefits to all customers.
• Improve programs for the elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged, including discount rates and neighborly assistance.
• Provide clear, concise information concerning decisions and actions of the PUD.
• Continue to pursue reliable, cost-effective and local renewable energy sources.
• Support economic development to provide family wage jobs while maintaining the county’s unique quality of life.
“In the upcoming years, your PUD faces significant challenges, particularly with pressure on traditional hydroelectric rates, water rights, mandated state and federal requirements and continued modernization of our facilities and processes,” Purser said in the statement.
“For years to come, decisions made by your PUD Commission will affect our economy and quality of life.”
Purser was elected last month by the Energy Northwest Board of Directors to serve on the public power agency’s 11-member executive board.
He has 28 years of business and engineering experience in the energy industry and is versed in water treatment and waste disposal regulations and technologies.
Clallam County PUD is a nonprofit utility that serves 30,000 customers with electricity, water, waste water and broadband services.
Purser is the only PUD commissioner whose term expires this year. The other two commissioners are Hugh Haffner and Ted Simpson.
PUD commissioners serve six-year terms. If more than two challengers emerge during the filing period in early June, the two top vote-getters will advance to the November election.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
