What is ahead for PUD

"You may have some idea of where you are going, but, if you do not know where you are now, charting the correct course is nearly impossible".

I have been asked a few times what I see as the future for our PUD. That future, to some extent, will depend on who takes office in January.

I tend to think of planning in three phases:  short term (first year), mid range (year two and three) and long term (years four and five). These plans should roll ahead each year.   Beyond that, you can develop planning models based on estimates, statistical analysis and best guesses (unfortunately, my crystal ball is in the shop) that will give you some idea of what may come.

For the short term (first year), I would recommend putting a hold on all new projects to which we have not contractually committed.  We should work to get back to basics, fix the billing issues, develop a strong financial system that is kept current, with line item accounting so staff and commissioners could know how well each department and system is performing within their separate budgets.  Other first year priorities would be developing a robust, user friendly conservation program for water and power.  Keeping our constituents and customers informed on PUD activities and coordinating a proactive assistance program for our less fortunate neighbors would be high on that that list as well.

More on planning in future issues.
Tony

PS  My wife set up a facebook for the campaign today.  I will be posting in that as well, hopefully with fresh material.  She says that if several people "like" it, it will be somehow more accessable.
Thanks