Mr. Collins responded to my question.

"The easiest way to learn the answer is to ask the question."

I posted the questions from my previous blog, regarding his actual duties and responsibilities in the energy and utility industries, to Mr. Collins via his Facebook page.  He did respond, to me personally, not publicly on his Facebook.  I have asked him if I can add his response to my blog and am awaiting his permission.

He ended his response with the following question:
And I have a question for you: What is your experience in the energy and utility industries? 

Here is how I answered this question:

Mr. Collins,

I have never claimed to have experience in the energy and utility industry other than what I have learned from extensive research and personal contacts since I decided to file for election. 

The day-to-day operations of any large organization should be left to those with the training and expertise, the boots on the ground.  It is the responsibility of the elected officials to assure that adequate, qualified staffing is provided and that the right staff members are the right positions.  In addition, the Commissioner must monitor staff’s performance against the goals; objectives and budget as set by the PUD Board and other such duties as are delineated in Chapter 54.04 of the Revised Code of Washington

I have over 40 years experience as an elected Commissioner for the Hospital District dba Jefferson Healthcare, a municipal corporation with an annual budget of 77 million dollars and 581 employees.  My position with the Hospital district is similar to that of a PUD Commissioner.  My experience includes the adoption of organizational goals, objectives and budgets and involvement with contracts and the public bidding process, as well as working within the rules imposed by the open meetings law and public records acts and other tasks as delineated under Chapter 70.44 of the Revised Code of Washington

Tony

A question for Mr. Collins

"Sometimes it is not what you say, but what you leave out that makes the difference."

Mr. Collins, I have a question for your that I wanted to ask at the debate but was not allowed to do so:

In your handouts, you state:  "26 year career as a manager and consultant in the energy and utility industries"

However, on your Facebook page, it states:  "Originally trained as a clinical social worker, Kenneth had a career working for and consulting to industry on mental health and substance abuse issues in the workplace".

My question is:  What exactly were your duties and responsibilities while working in the energy and utility industries?

The answer might well reflect on your qualification for the office of PUD Commissioner. 

If you have the opportunity, please ask Mr. Collins this question and let me know his answer.

Thanks
Tony

It's Leader day!!

"Well, all I know is what I read in the papers."  Quote from Will Rogers, early 20th century humorist in The New York Times (30 September 1923).

I think this quote is quite appropriate with regards to the upcoming primary election,  There was only one candidate forum (debate) between the PUD candidates, sponsored by the League of Women Voters on July 3rd, so our local papers are a good resource for guiding your vote.

The Leader staff posed one last question to the candidates;  What separates you from your opponents and why should people vote for you?”  The answers appear in today's edition.  I have tried  not to comment on my fellow candidates campaigns, but this will be an exception.

These are the answers copied from the Leader:

Kenneth Collins wrote: “I have the courage to speak truth to power, the commitment to walk door-to-door in the district, the conviction to dig deeply into my own pockets to fund my campaign and the compassion to care about the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

My comment:  I do not quite catch the meaning of  "I have the courage to speak truth to power".

As to "the commitment to walk door-to-door in the district"   I commend his efforts.  I made a commitment to treat the voters the way I want to be treated, in other words, to not disturb their day or, especially, their dinner, and I have stuck to that commitment.  I have, however, taken the time to share myself and my views with you each day in my blogs at: DeLeo4PUD.blogspot.com

 I have also attended meetings of the PUD Commission, PUD Citizen Advisory Board, Friends of Public Power, Local 2020 and other gatherings of concerned citizens.  I have spent many hours of research on issues facing our PUD and our community.  I have done my homework!!

Regarding "the conviction to dig deeply into my own pockets to fund my campaign"  I found this on his website ,http://kennethcollinspud.com/ : 

Donate to the Campaign

Please send your contributions to: Campaign Treasurer Judith Collins, 415 Meade Road, Nordland, WA 98358 / Checks payable to: Kenneth Collins for PUD.

>>>According to today's Leader, Mr. Collins has raised $7,352.00 in campaign donations and spent $5,558.00.   Apparently, not all of the money is coming out of his own pocket.  Is this an issue of credibility???

The ads you have seen in the Leader, the printed material and cards I had available at the forum, all expenses for my campaign, to date, have, in fact, come out of  our pocket, my wife and I. 

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 Incumbent Ken McMillen wrote: “My experience, knowledge and understanding of state regulations will be of great benefit to voters. It’s not who has the most signs or biggest ads who will be the best commissioner. It is the man who has been on the job and knows all the complications of the energy world.”

I agree with Mr. McMillen in that local offices should not go to the highest bidder, the one who spends the most money on signs, full page ads and frisbies bearing their picture.  The candidate you choose should be the one that most reflects your position on issues facing the office for which they run and will listen to your concerns and work to resolve them.

Thank you and, P L E A S E   remember to vote, the clock is quickly running out.

Tony

Support local agriculture

"Locally sourced (grown) foods are good for you, good for the local economy and good for the environment, everybody wins.  This resource can thrive if supported by those you elect to represent you."

According to a November 2010 (most recent) report from the Jefferson County Economic Development Council aka Team Jefferson, the local food and farm cluster is a growth industry for Jefferson County.  In the same report, The Washington Employment Security Department estimates agriculture to be on of the fastest growing clusters in Jefferson County.

Sales at the Port Townsend and Chimacum Farmers' markets for 2013 were over one million dollars ($1,057,000.00), money spent here that stays here.  The Food Coop posts over ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00) in annual sales with much of its products purchased locally.  Buying foods locally provides a 6:1 financial return for the local economy.   Our restaurants feature local fresh fare and help build our tourism industry 

Locally grown foods are fresher, tastes better, are safer and more nutritious.  Locally sourced means no long distance transport, reducing the carbon footprint.

With global climate changes and the reduced water availability to agricultural areas in the southwest, we will become more and more dependent on what we can grow locally for what we put on our tables.  Not only vegetables, but meat, cheese and even spirits are produced in Jefferson County.

Our agricultural industry is supported by a variety of organizations such as WSU (Washington State University), Jefferson County Extension, the Landworks Collaborative, Conservation District and the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program. These, working individually and in concert have accomplished much in preserving our rural and agricultural environment.

What is really needed, however, is for Jefferson County PUD #1 to join this effort with respect to assuring adequate water for the local growers and producers.  The Washington State Department of Ecology manages our water supply.  We are in WIRA 17 (Water Resource Inventory Area 17), Quilcene-Snow Watershed.  Significant restrictions have been imposed on the taking of water for domestic and farm use to assure adequate water flows in streams and creeks to support spawning for endangered salmon stocks.

Our PUD should step up and work with the state and the other organizations to support our local agricultural industry, not only for the economic benefit to our area, but to assure an abundance of healthy, locally grown food on our tables and to protect the environment and our rural way of life.

If I am elected, this would be one of my priorities.

Thanks
Tony

The mirror

"The only thing worse than seeing yourself in a mirror is to see yourself in a video."

I picked up a video copy of the July 3 PUD Candidates debate today.  I seemed to have covered the material and responded to the questions from the audience.  Aside from that, lets just say I will use this video as a teaching tool and, at least to me, I have a lot to learn about being a politician.  On second thought, I take that back, I do not want to be a politician, I just want the opportunity to serve my community.  I do want to share my views and plans in a better way, however.

I am told that we are our own worst critics.  Having viewed this DVD and critiqued my performance, I apparently live up to that old saying.

Well, if chosen to move into the finals, I am sure that the first night jitters will have subsided by the next debate and, hopefully, my voice won't fail me again.

Have a great night, will be hot tomorrow so take it easy, use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.  And, Please, conserve water as much as possible.

Tony

PUD candidate debate rebroadcast.

For those of you who may have missed seeing the PUD Commissioner candidate debate, sponsored by the Leader and the League of Women Voters,  held on July 3rd, the recorded video is being rebroadcast over PTTV on Broadstripe Cable on channels 97 and/or 98.  I have been told they are broadcast frequently but check your guide for days and times.

See your PUD candidates in action.  The more you know about the candidates, the more informed you choice will be.

Thank you for your support, and your vote, but, regardless of who you vote for, make your voice heard!!
Anthony F. (Tony) De Leo
PUD Commission Candidate
District #2

Public Utility District

You and I, all of us, we are the PUBLIC in Public Utility District.  We own it; the Commissioners and staff work for us!  It is their job to take direction from us and act accordingly.

It is our PUD, make your voices heard, take control of your utility and the future of our area!

Thank you

Anthony F. (Tony) De Leo

Commission Candidate

Jefferson County PUD No. 1

District #2

Proper Planning Pays

"Even the smallest task, done without adequate planning, can become a big issue, requiring additional effort to correct problems resulting from missed steps."

I am sure we all have suffered the effects of diving into a project thinking it is so small or simple that the planning and designing would take more time than the doing.  The larger the project, the greater the loss of efficiency and required number of things that have to be redone.  This applies to managing a business or agency as much as it does to projects out in the shop.

I had been thinking, for days, about a small project out in my shop. Yesterday I had the time and started to work.  A simple project, make a bracket for an air reel.  Just cut 4 pieces of angle iron, drill a few holes, and there, done!!!  Working from the fuzzy plans in my head, off I went.  Cut the metal, measured and drilled the holes and, well, OOPS!!!  The leg of the angle had to go the other way.  Not a problem, cut more iron, same size, holes in different places.  Turned out I needed a wider flange for one side.  Back to the chop saw.

By this time, I was expressing my frustration to the universe in terms probably not appropriate for polite company.   Fortunately, my machines and the steel were my only audience.  Cut again, drill again, persistence pays, right??????  I finally took a deep breath and drew out the plans for this and, hey, look at that, just do this and it will work.

Persistence, under the right conditions, can pay, on occasion, but proper planning with adequate details and research, pays off, big time, every time.  Without a plan, how will you know what you want to accomplish, the details of it and what steps are required to accomplish the task.  Without establishing goals and objectives, how will you know how well you are doing or even when you are finished.

I know better, planning has always been a part of my working career, in the fire service, store layout or the management of a Hospital District.

Tony

 

On burning bridges

"Before you burn the bridge, you should make sure you can still get where you want to be after the damage is done."

In politics, attacking your opponent seems to be an accepted practice.   It seems that candidates forget that those they attack may be the ones they will be working with, both staff and elected.  I have tried to avoid this type of campaign, rather focusing on what has been accomplished, building on what is good, how I would do things differently and new directions and priorities for the future of our PUD.

When you belittle the efforts of those in power and their staff, you create a hostile environment in which you may soon be working.  For the most part, the people that are there now will still be there during your term in office.  If you are not elected, you may have raised public concerns about the ability of the organization to manage itself and reduced the community's confidence in the way that the District does business.  This can be devastating to the morale of staff and the ability of the organization to relate to the people it serves.

There is a thin line between informing the voters that you are competent and qualified to serve without inferring that your opponent is not.

Please, let's keep the mud slinging out of our local races.  The candidates for these positions have stepped forward to serve their communities and should be respected for that.

Thank you to those who have already voted and, to those who haven't, don't give up this opportunity for your voice be heard.

Anthony F. (Tony) De Leo

"Yes" and "RCW 74.38.070", these are the answers

"The answer to perplexing issues can frequently be found more easily that you might think, that is, if you are willing to seek them"

Now, what was that question again?   Can our PUD offer reduced rates for power to low income senior citizens, or, for that matter, any low-income citizens.

Fortunately, the answer is YES, my favorite answer.  The other question is by what authority can this be done?  A Washington State Law,  RCW 74.38.070.  I have included the text of the law below.  But, first, I want to give credit for this discovery to a local group of citizens, Friends of Public Power, banded together to support our PUD attaining its full potential as well as working on other great projects.

RCW 74.38.070 Reduced utility rates for low-income senior citizens and other low-income citizens.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any county, city, town, public utility district or other municipal corporation, or quasi municipal corporation providing utility services may provide such services at reduced rates for low-income senior citizens or other low-income citizens: PROVIDED, That, for the purposes of this section, "low-income senior citizen" or "other low-income citizen" shall be defined by appropriate ordinance or resolution adopted by the governing body of the county, city, town, public utility district or other municipal corporation, or quasi municipal corporation providing the utility services. Any reduction in rates granted in whatever manner to low-income senior citizens or other low-income citizens in one part of a service area shall be uniformly extended to low-income senior citizens or other low-income citizens in all other parts of the service area.

[2002 c 270 § 1; 1998 c 300 § 8; 1990 c 164 § 1; 1988 c 44 § 1; 1980 c 160 § 1; 1979 c 116 § 1.]

Notes:

     Findings -- Intent -- 1998 c 300: See RCW 19.29A.005.     Construction -- Severability -- 1998 c 300: See RCW 19.29A.900 and 19.29A.901.
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Thanks Jeff and all the members of "Friends". (The local group, not the TV show)
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Under Findings--Intent, see RCW 19.29A.005 see below.  I underlined the most relevant portions

RCW 19.29A.005 Findings — Intent.

(1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) Electricity is a basic and fundamental need of all residents; and

     (b) Currently Washington's consumer-owned and investor-owned utilities offer consumers a high degree of reliability and service quality while providing some of the lowest rates in the country.

     (2) The legislature intends to:

     (a) Preserve the benefits of consumer and environmental protection, system reliability, high service quality, and low-cost rates;

     (b) Ensure that all retail electrical customers have the same level of rights and protections; and

     (c) Require the adequate disclosure of the rights afforded to retail electric customers.

[1998 c 300 § 1.]
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Good things are possible when the right people are committed to the cause!!!
Tony

Getting to Yes

"The journey to NO can be as short as a single step while getting to YES may require many steps and more time, but the destination is worth the effort."

Those in power can hinder the energy and efforts of those they represent with a single word; NO.  This can take many forms, such as "it is illegal", "we don't do things that way", "we have too many things other things going on right now", but, no matter how you phrase, it is still "NO".

To me, NO is the last possible option and, then, only when you have exhausted all possibilities.  YES takes effort, commitment, open mindedness, imagination, teamwork, energy, foresight, many of the traits we hope to find in those we elect to represent us, to chart our futures, to make our little corner of the world a better place.

Be it in my role as a Hospital Commissioner or working on a project in my garage, I will try to find a way to get to YES.  The tools needed may be research, asking those with more knowledge on the subject, or it might be as simple as putting on my thinking cap.

When faced with a problem, I work toward getting to YES.  When you see my name on the ballot, I hope you will say YES to me as your PUD Commissioner.

Thank you

Candidate recommendation by Sierra Club - North Olympic Group

This a section of the message, dated July 16, sent by the Sierra Club - North Olympic Group, to their members.

Important Jefferson County PUD Commissioner Primary Election Coming Up 

The North Olympic Group is following closely the race for Jefferson County PUD Commissioner, District 2. Recently, the PUD has assumed the role of an electric utility but has fallen far short of what citizens had hoped for when Jefferson County voted to establish its own pubic electric utility and to end its longstanding relationship with Puget Sound Energy (PSE).

For this reason we think it's time for new PUD leadership. We encourage Sierra Club members to support candidates in the primary who understand the importance of environmental and conservation issues and the important role the PUD can play in developing a long-range strategy that emphasizes affordable and environmentally sustainable energy for Jefferson County. After the Sierra Club North Olympic Peninsula Political Committee Chairs interviewed all three candidates, we felt both challengers--Tony DeLeo and Kenneth Collins--are worthy of your support in the primary.

Since taking on the responsibility of a power utility, the PUD has sent hundreds of disconnect notices to lower-income citizens because it failed to continue the financial assistance programs PSE had in place for helping people pay their winter heating bills. Additionally, the PUD is faced with the prospect of turning back hundreds of thousands of dollars earmarked for conservation by the Bonneville Power Administration because of a failure to publicize and aggressively market these programs. Finally, despite the fact that Jefferson County has one of the highest solar adoption rates in the state, the PUD has failed to make solar one of its priorities. This is particularly important in light of the fact that, depending on the year, from 10-20% of the PUDs electricity comes from nuclear and coal sources that need to be phased out. It's time for a change.


 My thoughts
"Organizations that consistently take a stand and are willing to work for the good of all can be a valuable resource in making your decisions."

The Sierra Club has released its recommendations for the upcoming primary election.  Having been through their screening process, I can attest to the fact that they do their homework before taking a stand, be it on the election or protecting our environment and quality of life.

Tony

It's in the mail!!!!

"Once in a while, something other than bills and ads, comes in the mail, something important.  No, it is not a check, it is your opportunity to be heard, to have a voice in our future, it is your ballot."

Please, no matter who you support may support or feel will do the best job, mark your ballot and get it in the mail or to one of the drop boxes.  This is your chance to really make a difference!

And, as you exercise this right, remember, and thank, those in our armed forces who paid such a terrible price to assure that we can live in a country in which we retain the right to choose our own destiny.

Thank you to those who have served and are serving.  Thank you for our freedom!!

Tony

Contracts compliance requires monitoring

"The only thing worse than hiring someone from out-of-town to do the work is when you hire them and they do not do the work.!"

Jefferson County PUD #1, our PUD, was allotted $880,000.00, by the Bonneville Power Administration, for its electrical conservation program for fiscal year 2014 and 2015.  The PUD does not get the money up front, but is reimbursed for what it spends on conservation.

 For the two year period, per the most recent PUD report, $230,000.00 is designated for the category "Residential-General" but only 20% is currently committed.  For conservation efforts for low income, under "Residential-OlyCAP, for the same period, $200,000.00 was allotted with none (0%) currently committed.

Our PUD hired, under contract, Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc, a Seattle company, to manage and impliment the residential component of this program through September 30, 2015.  I continue to hear concerns at PUD Board meetings from the Citizens' Advisory Board that the PUD is not "burning through" the money fast enough, that BPA may require the PUD to return some of the allotment.

PUD staff are trying to work out the details for this program, something that, according to the contract with Cascadia, dated March 25, 2014, is Cascadia's responsibility as spelled out in Attachment "A".  I have not seen nor heard of many of the services that Cascadia is required to perform per the timeline, also included in attachment "A".  I raised this issue at a recent Board meeting and, basically, was told it would be OK, that they would have someone from Cascadia make a report at a future meeting.

I think that this is another example of the too few PUD employees being asked to keep track of too many things. They are doing their best to keep up with an overwhelming workload.

Contract management is a major portion of running any business or organization responsibly, efficiently and cost effectively.  This is a duty of staff, but the responsibility for assuring contract compliance rests solely on the PUD Commissioners.  The Commissioners need to be aware of the status of contracts and take action when required.  Part of  the Commissioners responsibility is to assure that there is adequate staffing to allow time to perform required tasks.

I have always been considered the detail person on the Hospital Board, reading the contracts and working with staff in monitoring them to assure that we are getting what we paid for.

I feel that a change on the PUD Board is necessary and I feel that over 40 years experience as a Hospital Commissioner, a very similar position to PUD Commissioner, will be an asset in moving the PUD into a more responsible form of management.

Thank you for visiting.
Tony

Part of my commitment to open, transparient government

This is an update to previous training programs I have attended, both classroom and on-line.  I did this to comply with the intent of ESB 5964 requiring training for elected officials.

Why I am a Candidate for PUD

"When you serve as an elected official, you must devote yourself to all areas, however, there should be a specific issue that deeply motivates you."

Reading, week after week, the articles in the Leader about the number of families going  through the hardship of having their power disconnected by our PUD, I decided to file for the PUD Commissioner post for District #2.

Having served on the Jefferson County Public Hospital District #2 (Jefferson Healthcare) for over 40 years, I am acutely aware of the financial issues within our area.  The Hospital Board and administration has made access to needed healthcare, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, a priority.  Yes, we try to make arrangements with patients for payments, but, if they just do not have the money, after in-depth review, many times we write off their bill to charity care.

When our PUD took over the power delivery system, I assumed that, since the PUD is owned by the people, that our financially vulnerable neighbors would be better off then when they had to depend on a large corporation, Puget Sound Energy, for their electricity.  This appears that, at least for now, they were better off under PSE.

We can, WE MUST,  do better by our less fortunate neighbors.  Lets be clear here, I am not referring to those whom just decide that they have better uses for their money than to pay their power bill, these deserve to suffer the hardship of a disconnect.  Our seniors on inadequate fixed incomes, the physically and mentally challenged who cannot work and those, through no fault of their own, are struggling to keep a roof over their families heads and food on the table.

I have frequently heard from the PUD Board that they cannot legally give away money (electricity).   Washington State Law, RCW 74.38.070, and our state constitution, Article VIII, Section 7, say otherwise.  Service can be provided at a reduced rate, some PUD's reduce rates by up to 60%, but the PUD must take appropriate action to make this happen.

I have heard it said by board members that the PUD is in business to sell power.  I agree, the PUD should be managed as you would any other business, but it should also have a heart, a conscience, that reflects the spirit of the our community.

Then there is the funding issue.  At the PUD Board meeting last night, it was announced that a "stuffer" would be in the next bill asking for your donations to the Power Boost Program.  The cost of this was estimated to be $1,500.00.  In addition to the marketing, the managing this type of donation program adds additional costs.

It has also been said that the rate study should be completed before any action is taken for provide for the less fortunate.  This will not be finalized until this fall, maybe later.  By that time, it may be too late to avoid financial crisis and disconnects for those in need.

If our PUD Board would just add a dollar, just one dollar, to the base rate on each of our nearly 18,000 monthly electric bills, that would generate over $200,000.00 a year to help our neighbors in need.  Not as much as PSE did, but it would be a start.

This is this issue that motivates me, that puts the fire in my belly, one of the main reasons that I want to serve as your representative on our PUD Board.

Thank you!!!
Tony

I wasn't invited

"If I do not make it to your party, it might just be because you forgot to invite me!"

According to the July 14 edition of the Peninsula Daily News, the local Republican Party hosted a gathering and invited local political candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to attend and speak.

For some reason, I never received any invitation.  Not sure why, that doesn't really matter.  What does matter is that the voters of our county know that I would have been there had I been invited or had even heard of it.  I try not to miss an opportunity to share myself and my positions with my potential bosses, the voters and have the chance to hear from you.

When you say that all will be  invited, you need to be making a list and checking it twice (Santa always does) to make sure that all are actually notified.

Sorry I missed it.
Tony

The PUD needs more staff

"There is a point of diminishing returns when you allow or, worse yet, demand that, your staff work too many hours doing too many tasks in too many areas of responsibility."

Today, at the PUD Citizen's Advisory Board meeting, Jim Parker, the utility manager (Chief Executive Officer) was asked if the meeting packets could be posted on-line a day or two before the meetings to allow everyone a chance to prepare for the meeting.

His response was that he would try.  He said that this is the type of work he usually does at night and on weekends.  This many hours, and I can speak from experience, will result in burnout for those asked to carry too much of a workload.  This type of work should be assigned to staff, not done by the CEO of a 30 million dollar municipal corporation.  Delegation would free up time for Jim to manage the PUD.   Only problem, there appears to not be anyone who is not already overloaded with work.

Running a tight financial ship should be praised but, when tired, overworked crew are at the helm, the rocks may be the destination of this ship.

Hopefully, when the rate study is completed, it will become apparent that the Commissioners should hire enough additional well trained, qualified and motivated staff members to assure that ALL needed tasks are completed in a quality manner and on time.

Never thought the day would come when I would say that a governmental agency needed more employees.

Thanks and see you at the PUD Commission meeting, tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 15, 5PM at the PUD office.
Tony

Our legacy?

"Before you take action today, you must consider its long term consequences."

When I decided to file as a candidate for PUD Commissioner, I made two promises regarding campaigning.  One was that I would not disturb your dinner by appearing at your door.  The other was no campaign signs to spoil our roadside views.

In doing a bit of research into the subject of political signs, I find that they are more than just a visual nuisance.  The corrugated plastic signs, used by most candidates, from what I can find, are made of #5 polypropylene, also known as Coroplast.  This material makes these signs nearly indestructible, and, in that, lies the problem, as polypropylene is highly resistant to photo degradation and will not decay for millennia.  #5 plastic (polypropylene) is not accepted  for recycling here, which, apparently is the case with most recycling centers.

So, winner or runner up, what do you do with those costly signs after the election?   I suppose you could store them until your next campaign, but only if you plan to run for the same office.  Not sure about others, but I do not have an excess of storage space here at home.

I always wondered if you could install them, like shingles (printed side in), on framing and make a sort of greenhouse out of them.  After all, they are corrugated, providing some insulation, and translucent to allow filtered sunlight in for your plants.  This has potential!!!!  Reusing resources to grow locally sourced food.

But, I fear, for most of these signs, their fate will be to languish in our landfills.   Forever??   Not quite the legacy I want to leave for our kids and grandkids, and the generations to follow.

Remember:   Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, the new "3 R's.
Tony

Vote 411 Voter Guide, League of Women Voters

Jefferson PUD No.1 #2

The commissioner is a member of the board of commissioners that oversees the Public Utility District. The PUD provides utility services and/or water planning to the customers of the systems it owns and operates. The PUD is empowered to develop and operate any facilities necessary for the distribution of its utility services.

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo (NP) I am semi retired, still serving as an elected Public Hospital Commissioner, a post I plan to continue if selected as PUD Commissioner

Biographical Information

Party Preference none

Address Po Box 1534, Port Hadlock Wa 98339

Campaign Phone (360) 385-6335

Campaign Email DeLeo4PUD@gmail.com

Campaign Web Site http://DeLeo4PUD@blogspot.com

YouTube Video none

Town where you live Port Hadlock, WA (Irondale area)

Experience:  I have served over 40 years as an elected Commissioner for Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2, dba Jefferson Healthcare, an integrated health care delivery system with an annual budget of 77 million dollars and 581 employees.

What do you think have been the most important contributions of the Public Utility District (PUD) to the economic and environmental health of your county in the past six years?

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo Prior to taking over the power distribution system from Puget Sound Energy, our PUD provided a safe and abundant water supply. In taking most, if not all, of this water for domestic and commercial use from wells, it reduced the environmental impacts that may have resulted from sourcing this water from rivers or streams. Clean, safe water, including an adequate supply for current and future needs, is a necessity for public health and community development. The PUD has continued to move forward consolidating independent systems to better manage supply and water quality. With local ownership of the power utility, the future development of our county is now in our hands. We will be able to help chart our future course in balancing development against maintaining our rural quality of life.

What do you view as the PUD's role in efforts to resolve complex issues of access to water for multiple purposes, including fisheries, agriculture, cities, existing and new residences, and industrial development?

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo I feel that our PUD has worked hard to consolidate local independent water systems into a grid that will better support current and future needs. As to protecting fisheries, the state has stepped in and taken that roll, resulting in restrictions negatively impacting the water availability for human use. I feel that our PUD should become more involved in assuring that an adequate irrigation water supply is available, particularly to designated agricultural areas, such as Chimacum Valley, to support the growing movement to locally sourced food. Team Jefferson, our local economic development council, supports the growth in this area but has concerns regarding local public policy commitment to support for our farming community, especially water availability. State law, RCW 54.16.030, allows PUD's to develop agricultural irrigation systems and our PUD should step up and take the lead in this area. Locally grown food benefits the health of the environment and our citizens.

What do you view as the role of the PUD in maintaining or improving your county’s water quality?

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo Aside from the City of Port Townsend, the PUD is becoming the supplier of water, for all uses, within our area. As it incorporates independent local water systems, it has consistently upgraded the quality and safety of their water supplies. The quality and safety of our water supply is a critical issue for the health of our population and the future of our communities. The responsibility for this sits squarely on the shoulders of our PUD Commissioners and the staff they direct.

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The PUD works with government agencies at all levels to address the county’s resource management needs. If elected, what existing programs would you recommend expanding or new ones you’d support initiating?

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo The PUD should work with our legislators to amend state law RCW 80.60.020 on net metering to broaden the availability to our community. As written, this law sets limits for customer generation of electric power (especially solar). This limit is based on a percentage of utilities peak demand for >>1996<<. Jefferson County has the highest per capita of homes with solar generating systems in the state, nearly 1%. Being so invested in solar, locally generated power, we have exceeded the limits set by this law. We should work with our governor and our representatives to update this law to reflect current peak demand statistics for computation and use state wide numbers to update the net metering system to encourage development of the clean, renewable, environmentally friendly power. Work needs to be done, in concert with the state, on balancing the need to preserve our fisheries resources while allowing adequate water for human use, including agricultural irrigation.

What is your perspective on the issue of climate change and what, if anything, do you think the PUD should be doing about this issue?

Anthony F (Tony) DeLeo Conservation of resources should be first and foremost in the minds of our elected leaders who set and implement policies in this area. They need to be aware of the latest projections of the impacts of the climate changes as well as forecasts of local population growth and resulting demands on our available water and electrical power systems, as well as other resources. Detailed, frequently updated plans for addressing the the new world that climate change could produce is essential for our future. If we plan now, make adjustments sooner than later, we can make the prospect of our future brighter. Our leaders must instill a community awareness of the future that, ignoring warnings on this issue, may bring. This is the time, today, right now, when we will decide what the future will bring. I have grand children and I want their world to be as good as, if not better, than the one in which we currently live

Your support is needed

"A word of support shared, by mouth or pen, can help more than you may realize."

First of all, thank you to all of you who have visited this site and learned a bit about me and my plans for our PUD.  Quite a bit has been accomplished by our local utility, but, I feel, there is far more that needs to be done and, in some instances, new directions need to be taken.

If you feel that I am qualified to help lead our PUD into the future and that my concerns about its operations and plans for their correction seem valid, please share this blog site with your friends and neighbors.  I would truly appreciate a letter to the editor, written by you, to the PT Leader newspaper.  Any way we can get the word out will help.

Even if you do not agree with some, or even all, of my positions, share this site anyway to allow others to make a more informed choice during the election. 

This will be short tonight.  Our daughter, her husband, their four kids and big dog visited for the day.  And now, tonight, for the very first time, their twin seven-year-old boys are having a sleep over here with grandma and PaPa .  Lots of love and LOTS OF ENERGY AND ACTIVITY.  This will be fun, I just know it!

Have a good evening and an uneventful Monday morning!
Tony

Knock, Knock!    Who's there?

"The level of a person's integrity is not measured only by their actions on the large issues, but rather, by all of their actions."

Not me! That's the answer.  Early on in this campaign, I said that I would not be the one ringing your doorbell and disturbing your dinner.  Many friends and supporters strongly suggest that I rethink this as it could make a big difference in the outcome of the election.

I want to get to know you, to hear your concerns but not in the 30 second contact at your door. I want to have the time to chat.  That is why, should I survive the test of the primary election, I will have a booth at the Jefferson County Fair to make sure that we have an opportunity for that chat.  If you cannot make it to the fair, get a few friends together and give me a call, I will come by and join you for coffee.  You can also contact me at DeLeo4PUD@gamil.com.


They may be right, we will find out in August.  Throughout the campaign, I have tried to be the kind of candidate that I would vote for, the one who says what they feel, in their hearts, that does not change their message to better fit their audience.

When asked a question and my research to find the answer leads in a different direction, I follow that lead if  it would result in a better outcome for those whom I would serve and represent.  Your questions and input should be expressed to  your elected officials and it is their first responsibility to hear them and act on them.  When you speak to those whom you have elected, you should demand that you be treated with the respect that you deserve.

The message here is that we need people in office who will do what they say and forward your concerns and questions to resolution.  To act for you, their bosses, in a way that will result in the best outcome for you and neighbors, not for them or the organization they represent.

Hoping to hear from you,
Tony

Who writes this stuff?

 "Wisdom and insight sometimes come in quite unusual vessels, like me."

Short answer, I do.  I have my wife proof-read the entries before I post them, but what you read here comes from me and the research I have done on the operations of, and the challenges and opportunities facing, our PUD.

I also write the quotes you see in italics at the beginning of each days posting.  In clear disclosure, I cannot say that, on occasion, something I have read or heard over the years has not influenced what I write, but not on a conscious level.

As I have said before, if my values, thoughts and concerns are similar to yours, please share this site with your circle of friends and family.  Through sharing myself and opinions with you, I hope that, if you like what you see here, that you will choose me to represent you on our PUD board for the next six years as your voice in the planning of our future.

Thank you
Tony

The hardware fix

"Characteristics and talents we have developed, over time, in one field can frequently translate well to a new endeavor, bringing fresh insights and new approaches to resolving issues."

A major part of my working career was spent in the retail building materials and hardware trade.  There are portions of that work that I do miss, though maybe not the stocking heavy boxes or carrying stacks of lumber.

It seemed that every week some new product would appear on the shelf, providing me the opportunity to add it to my "toolbelt" that I would use to help my customers with a project, new fixes for old problems.

Even with my years of experience, someone would occasionally come in with a problem for which I did not have an answer.  If I couldn't get the needed information from someone else in the store, I would tell the customer that I did not have an answer, if they would come back tomorrow,  I figure this out for them.  I would spend that evening doing the research.  There were other times that another customer would hear the discussion and provide a solution that had worked for them.

OK, nice story, but how does this relate to being a PUD Commissioner?  You take what wisdom you have and work to solve the issue.  If that doesn't work, track down someone who has the expertise.  Still not resolved, do the research yourself.  And then, there are the answers that come from an unlikely source.  Just because someone does not have a title, degree, or even a business card doesn't mean that they cannot provide the answer, the one that all the high-paid experts overlooked because it was just too simple to work or that it had never been tried in this context.

But, the most important thing to remember, above all, is that if you do not know the answer, say that you do not know the answer but that you will find it and let them know.  Ego should not have a roll in this, integrity and professionalism does, so, do it right, whatever it takes.

You will still, occasionally, find me wondering the aisles of a hardware store or lumber yard, seeing what's new and remembering how much I enjoyed helping my customers solve issues when I worked at De Leo Bros., Mickey's Cabinet Shop, Henery Hardware, Hadlock Building Supply or Home Depot. 

To my former customers and friends in hardware, thanks for the memories, the challengers and the wisdom gained

Tony.

This is part of the material I have gathered  to prepare for my future duties as a PUD Commissioner.  I am excited about a new opportunity for learning, and resolving issues. I enjoy doing the the 'homework".  I have always felt that you need to do at least two hours of preparation for every hour of meetings you attend.

Fiber Optic cable for internet

"Some solutions can be, on occasion, more complicated that the original issue being addressed."

Installation of 46 miles of a high speed fiber optic cable network within Jefferson County (Route NW-2) was initiated by NoaNet (Northwest Open Access Network), a non-profit cooperative, through cooperation with BPA (Bonneville Power Administration).  This also includes wireless facilities for sites that cable access was cost prohibitive. This project was initially funded by a $3.2 million dollar grant through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) and a county contribution of $500,000.00.

The system is developed as a wholesale statewide fiber infrastructure to bring the fiber backbone to community anchor institutions (CAIs) such as schools, libraries and governmental facilities.  The service provided to these users is on a fee for service basis.  Our PUD currently is implementing enhanced control systems for power and water distribution using this fiber cabling.

The plan is that the cable, for now, will be owned and operated by NoaNet with subsequent transfer to our PUD within 5 years, as explained to me.  As for service delivery to homes and private businesses, that will be the responsibility and discretion of a local ISP (internet service provider), privately owned companies.

According to Chuck Freeman from NoaNet, "Wholesale broadband services are sold to the ISP and they in-turn sell internet to their end users.  The wholesale charges are used to support the fiber infrastructure."

I write this to attempt to answer a question raised at the debate on July 3 regarding the availability of end user fiber services in Quilcene.  When the main fiber system is completed, it will be up to the commercial ISP to make this service available to our homes and private businesses, depending on the ISP's business plan for your area.

Thanks and, please, ask any questions.  Contact me at DeLeo4PUD@gmail.com
Tony

A question for Mr. Collins

 "At times, we feel the need to ask a question, not only for our own benefit, but for that of our community as well."

In the handout Mr. Collins leaves during his neighborhood doorbell visits, he lists, under About Kenneth Collins:

"26 year career as a manager and consultant in the energy and utility industries."

From reading this, I would assume that his duties included operational, functional management in the utility industry.

However, on his Facebook page, under About  Description is listed:

"Originally trained as a clinical social worker, Kenneth had a career working for and consulting to industry on mental health and substance abuse issues in the workplace."

We might ask Mr. Collins about his specific duties and responsibilities in the energy and utility industry.  Clarification of this may have an impact on our assessment of his qualifications for running our PUD.

I have remained focused on the issues in this race, but this question, I feel, needed to be asked.

Stay tuned

Tony

The juggling act

"When you ask someone to take on too many tasks while expecting a quality product, it is like handing a juggler too many balls, expecting him or her to keep them all aloft."

As with the overloaded juggler, too many tasks can make it difficult, if not impossible, to stay focused on each task adequately enough to produce the quality outcome expected.  As with the balls, some of the tasks will be dropped and fall from view.  While this results in some being left without action, it allows for more attention to be paid to those still in play.

Unfortunately, too frequently, it is chance, not choice, that decides which balls (tasks) will be left on the floor.  The blame for this should not fall on  the person doing the tasks, but, rather, on whomever assigned the overwhelming workload.

I feel that our PUD, in attempt to keep down costs, until they have a better handle of the finances, may have handed too few staff too many balls (assignments) to keep in the air.  Not providing  staff needed for management and customer services, such as conservation and programs for our less fortunate neighbors is, in the long run, loosing more than it gains.

I have recently heard statistics quoted that indicate that the PUD should have a staff of 57.  The source quoted was the Brown & Kysar Consultants report, prepared for the PUD, dated June 2010.  In reviewing the document, the only reference to suggested staff is on page 15, "Proposed Organizational Chart", and, after counting up all the suggested staff positions, I can only come up with 43, 46 if you count the Commissioners.

Along with an operational long and short range plan, a projects matrix should be developed, with completion dates and detailed responsibilities defined.  Once all of the required, and nice to have, tasks are listed, then, and only then, can a responsible assessment of staffing levels be performed.

Contracting out routine tasks, such as implementation of our PUD's conservation program does not work, as we have seen.  The dollars spent on out of town hired guns leaves the community, never to return.  When you hire staff and keep them local, a stronger loyalty develops along with ownership and pride in completing the assigned tasks.  As a bonus, the dollars spent locally on wages helps grow our economy.

The ballots will be mailed our soon.  I hope that this blog helps allow you to get to know me.  Watch for ads to appear soon in the Leader.  They will be small, but with my budget, the best I can do.

 As with so many of my fellow citizens, we have to prioritize where our limited funds will be spent.  The opportunity to serve you as a PUD Commissioner is important to me, but paying our bills comes first.  The "curse" of being financially responsible.

Enjoy the sunshine and please, conserve water where and when you can..
Tony

Your choice, and mine

"There is good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us.  It is up to you and I which we will seek.  Know this; whichever we choose, good or bad, that is what we will find."

Now on to my cow pasture philosophy of life:

"Some walk past the cow pies (dung) seeking daisies while others walk past the daisies to find the cow pies."

It is easy, and far too frequently necessary, to dwell on the negative during an election.  I truly try to avoid doing this by trying to show how I would do things differently, not how my opponent has failed at his or her post.  When you tear down the accomplishments of these currently in office, this reflects poorly on you and can, at least, harm the morale of the staff that has worked so hard to make those accomplishments.

When running for office, you must remember that some of those now in office will be the same people you will have to work with if you are elected and those working for the organization, whose efforts you have called into question, will still be there, as well.

As a candidate, you will create, during your campaign, the environment in which you will have to function, if elected.  I am trying to keep my portion of the campaign as positive as possible.  If chosen to serve my fellow citizens as PUD Commissioner, I would work to build on what has already been accomplished and make the changes and enhancements necessary to improve the our PUD and its service to you, the owners and customers.

We visited and shopped at the "Striders" garage sale today on Marrowstone Island.  Met some really great people and saw some old friends.

Hope you had a great holiday!!!
Tony

The Debate

"Frequently, after an important event, you hope that you performed better than you remember while fearing that you did worse".

First, let me say that I am proud of our citizens for the large turnout  for the debate last night, especially considering it was the eve of a long holiday weekend.  Those in the audience were very attentive and asked intelligent, focused questions.

I had prepared a list of talking points but, as usually happens with me, I shoot from the hip, saying what I think and feel, what is important to me, and I hope, to those I may be privileged to represent. 

 There was a question asked about the water supply in Chimacum Valley for agricultural purposes.  I must admit that I was not aware of the issue.  I said, that, to my knowledge, the PUD has an adequate water supply and reserve for current and future needs but I was referring to domestic use.

From a presentation by USGS at a PUD Commission meeting, there appears to be a large quantity of water held in the peat type soil there.  It was suggested that a test well be drilled to determine the flow available.  Much of the restrictions to water use are imposed by the state department of ecology.  We want to maintain adequate water for the wild environment and its inhabitants, but this must be balanced against our needs. If the local small farms are to grow and flourish, they must have access to an adequate water supply.  Our PUD needs to work with the DOE and our legislators to allow this important part of our local economy to thrive.

My focus has always been to have a contingency plan should the worst case scenario occur, while seeking to build on what we have accomplished and looking for new opportunities to make things better.  Unfortunately, too many in politics look for the faults, not virtues, in their fellow candidates and the organizations they wish to subsequently represent.  There is good and bad in everyone and everything.  If you focus only on the negative, that is all you will see.

Thanks to those attending the debate and to those who will listen to rebroadcasts on our local radio (KPTZ 91.9 FM) and view them at PTTV 

Enjoy this sunny holiday and, PLEASE, stay safe!!!!!
Tony

Berry picking

"At times, when the stresses of daily life start to mount and weigh heavily upon you, doing simple things, getting back to nature, like picking berries, can help relieve the pressure and reconnect you with the real world."

While I was out picking raspberries from our bushes today, a flood of memories came for a visit. 

As a child, some of my fondest memories involve our form of substance living.  We had a mini-farm down at the bottom of 19th Street in Port Townsend.  We raised a few cows, pigs, always chickens, rabbits, and even a goat or two.

Fruit trees and a large garden were a major part of our summer at home, as was gathering hay from along the edge of the roads in Port Townsend.  Back then, the city used a sickle bar mower to trim  along the streets,  making usable hay.  We would go out in the evening and gather this as winter feed for our animals.

We dug clams and fished, packing these in the freezer  or canning them for the winter.  We even salted some cod, not my favorite. We were not poor, but my father, of Italian decent and raised during the depression, strongly believed that the more we could provide for ourselves, the less dependent we were on fate or the economy.  This is probably  a major factor in my connection to nature and my basically frugal nature, both personally and professionally.

And then there was plank picking.  If you have not done this, I will try to explain.  In large patches of wild blackberries, we would reach as far back into the bushes as we could, then we would drop a 2x12 wooden plank onto the mass of vines and walk on it to get to the rest of the berries, gallon can on a cord around our necks

I have tried to pass some of this along to our grandkids.  I regret that I did not get a garden in this year but, when they come to visit, they help pick fruit and berries here at our home in Port Hadlock.  The rewards of their efforts are jar after jar of Grandma's freezer jam and fresh fruit.

Our young people should learn where our food comes from.  Take them to a garden, better yet, start your own pea patch.  They should not grow up thinking that our food somehow magically grows on   the shelves at Safeway.

Go out and pick some berries, you will feel better!!!  And remember, as my father used to say, "in the bucket kid, not in your mouth."
Tony

Joint Clallam - Jefferson Hospital Commissioners conference at the State Capitol with Rep. Van De Wege and Rep. Tharinger on healthcare issues

The hand at the helm

"For the most part, the elected officials receive the most public attention while the staff do all the work".

Jim Parker, manager of our PUD, took two hours from his busy schedule yesterday to answer my questions about the operations of the PUD including the acquisition of the power system, future plans for the PUD and how current projects are progressing.

As we spoke of the process of the transition from Puget Sound Energy to PUD power management, the complexity of the this task, growing the operations exponentially, seemed overwhelming.  He spoke of it in a rather matter of fact manner without the telltale signs of the high levels of stress that, I am sure, was part of this process.  In closing, he commented that we have been able to keep water flowing and the lights on, now we have a chance to make things better.

PUD Commissioner meeting tonight, July 1st, 5PM, at the PUD admin building.

Come and be heard!!!

Tony