About being an elected Commissioner

 Being an elected Commissioner involves more than the 30 second soundbite and riding in a convertible in a parade. It isn't about getting the things on your personal agenda done. It is not about becoming an important person in your community or receiving recognition for your efforts and accomplishments.

What it does involve is hours of research and study to keep up with the current events and trying to get a handle on what is coming.  You sit through long and, at times, frustrating meetings where you feel that nothing is being accomplished.  You must listen and consider the viewpoint of all voices in the room in a respectful manner even when you do not agree with what is being said.

It is about days and nights away from home and family, attending meetings and training sessions in far off and exotic places such as Pasco, WA.

It is much different than running for the office, the time when you can point out what the organization is doing wrong and how you can fix it.  You are now the face of the organization, and frequently the center of attention when things go wrong.  The one thing that you can depend on is that, whatever decision is made, some will disagree, frequently strongly.  You will delegate most  of the operational authority to the Chief Executive Officer (manager, etc) while knowing that, whatever happens or who caused it, you are ultimately responsible and will be held accountable.

You will seek the input of those you represent, but still be willing to act, not because it may or may not be a popular decision, but because it is the best option available for your community and the organization.  You need to be willing to make yourself heard during discussions, even if you are the only voice in the room raising the issue.  You need to be willing to press your position right up until the vote of the board has been taken and then be committed to support the board's decision, even if it was not the outcome that you felt was best.

You must be able to to balance allowing adequate time to study the issue against the need to act in a timely manner.  It can seem, at times, more comfortable or safer, to delay a decision or delegate it to a committee, but you must not allow this option to compromise taking action when needed. 

And you may ask why I would want to take on the job of being a PUD Commissioner, knowing all of  the stresses and long hours involved. The answer is that I love a challenge, I see things that can be improved, and I have 40 years of experience working under these conditions that have prepared me for the task.

Thanks for your support!!