Just a quick note
"A person must maintain balance in their life, sometimes a difficult juggling act when the to-do list just keeps getting longer. Fun must remain a priority or life can too easily become a mere existence"
I spent most of the day working on my old riding mower. It was time for some TLC on the old 1999 Murray. Changed oil, lubed the chassis, sharpened and balanced the blades and cleaned the air filter. It takes a bit of work and maintenance to get the most service out of older equipment, but it is worth it when you realize how much money you save.
When finished, I cleaned my shop and put all the tools and supplies away. Did a bit in the yard, hand to hand combat with weeds and those cursed wild blackberries. Didn't get in any woodworking today, but it is on my list, as are a few stained glass project, for the future.
I am glad that I choose to run for PUD Commissioner! This gives me the challenges that keep the blood surging, the brain processing and, hopefully, an opportunity to serve my community in a new role. Tomorrow, back on the campaign trail.
Thanks for your support!
Tony
Tony
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Curse of the short legged dog
"If we cannot see the humor that life's events sometimes offer, we are missing the best parts of life"
Please do not get me wrong, I love dogs, all breeds and sizes although not quite as much as goats.
We have a rather unique mixed breed dog, Gypsy, a 14 year old a half dachshund, half Jack Russel mix. In her youth, she was quite spry even with those short legs, now not so much. My mother-in-law has a Boston terrier, Darby, now 13 and still quite active.
Now to the point of this story. I am the person who mows and cares for both rather large lawns, ours and my mother-in law's. Having short legged dogs that are reluctant to go out to do their duty when the grass is even a bit too tall results in far more attention to lawn maintenance than I would otherwise deem adequate. Having just finished mowing both lawns, this was on my mind and thought would share.
The reason I am more fond of goats? They mow their own lawn!
Tomorrow promises a clear sunny day, great for seeking those "treasures" at local garage sales. Maybe I will see you there.
Tony
"If we cannot see the humor that life's events sometimes offer, we are missing the best parts of life"
Please do not get me wrong, I love dogs, all breeds and sizes although not quite as much as goats.
We have a rather unique mixed breed dog, Gypsy, a 14 year old a half dachshund, half Jack Russel mix. In her youth, she was quite spry even with those short legs, now not so much. My mother-in-law has a Boston terrier, Darby, now 13 and still quite active.
Now to the point of this story. I am the person who mows and cares for both rather large lawns, ours and my mother-in law's. Having short legged dogs that are reluctant to go out to do their duty when the grass is even a bit too tall results in far more attention to lawn maintenance than I would otherwise deem adequate. Having just finished mowing both lawns, this was on my mind and thought would share.
The reason I am more fond of goats? They mow their own lawn!
Tomorrow promises a clear sunny day, great for seeking those "treasures" at local garage sales. Maybe I will see you there.
Tony
Thursday, May 29, 2014
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
"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
Planning is a priority
"The best intentions and efforts, without proper planning, have little chance of success. Running a PUD without adequate, detailed plans in place is like nailing a bunch of lumber together hoping it will become a house". Tony De Leo
Plans probably exist within our PUD, but, I feel, we should ask for them if they are not adequately shared with us. We are the owners of our PUD and it is the duty of our commissioners to share how they view the future of our utility.
I will speak often on planning during the campaign . One of the most important duties for a PUD commissioner is to assure that adequate, in depth planning is done before any project begins.
Knowing your destination makes finding the right path far easier. Sometimes it is difficult, however, to determine when to stop planning and start doing. In far too many instances, an organization or, for that matter, an individual, can come down with a bad case of analysis paralysis, when the plan replaces project as all encompassing mission.
We have population projections, future utility demand estimates based on historical data and the current capacity of our power and water supply and their related infrastructures. These comprise most of what is required for comprehensive planning. Before any water line or electrical supply conductor is installed, careful assessment of current and future needs should be the driving force in determining where they will go and how big they should be.
My plan for tomorrow is to live the day to its fullest potential, how about you?
Tony
"The best intentions and efforts, without proper planning, have little chance of success. Running a PUD without adequate, detailed plans in place is like nailing a bunch of lumber together hoping it will become a house". Tony De Leo
Plans probably exist within our PUD, but, I feel, we should ask for them if they are not adequately shared with us. We are the owners of our PUD and it is the duty of our commissioners to share how they view the future of our utility.
I will speak often on planning during the campaign . One of the most important duties for a PUD commissioner is to assure that adequate, in depth planning is done before any project begins.
Knowing your destination makes finding the right path far easier. Sometimes it is difficult, however, to determine when to stop planning and start doing. In far too many instances, an organization or, for that matter, an individual, can come down with a bad case of analysis paralysis, when the plan replaces project as all encompassing mission.
We have population projections, future utility demand estimates based on historical data and the current capacity of our power and water supply and their related infrastructures. These comprise most of what is required for comprehensive planning. Before any water line or electrical supply conductor is installed, careful assessment of current and future needs should be the driving force in determining where they will go and how big they should be.
My plan for tomorrow is to live the day to its fullest potential, how about you?
Tony
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Life it too short
"Our time here is far too short so take the time to cherish the moment, laugh a bit and have that bowl of ice cream!" Tony De Leo
Commitments in our professional and personal lives can so fill every moment of our days that there never seems the time to enjoy the fruits of our labors. We take the time to mow the lawn but never spread a blanket on it and relax. The car gets washed and waxed but, with all we have to do, how could we possibly fit in a road trip?
We have to strike a balance between duty and enjoyment. In my case, I truly take my job, whatever it may be, quite seriously while, on occasion, taking a moment to lighten my load, and those of others, with a bit of merriment and laughter. It seems that there are two kinds of people, those who take their jobs seriously while others take themselves seriously (frequently to excess). I enjoy a good laugh, even if it is at my expense. If we cannot laugh at ourselves, we will miss out on so much!
P. S.
Technology has reached the De Leo household. Today, by necessity, I traded my old flip phone for a "smart" phone. Now the fun begins, so if you receive an undecipherable text or a call with odd noises in the background, you will know you have joined me on the slopes of this steep learning curve.
This was a great day spent with my wonderful wife!!
Tony
"Our time here is far too short so take the time to cherish the moment, laugh a bit and have that bowl of ice cream!" Tony De Leo
Commitments in our professional and personal lives can so fill every moment of our days that there never seems the time to enjoy the fruits of our labors. We take the time to mow the lawn but never spread a blanket on it and relax. The car gets washed and waxed but, with all we have to do, how could we possibly fit in a road trip?
We have to strike a balance between duty and enjoyment. In my case, I truly take my job, whatever it may be, quite seriously while, on occasion, taking a moment to lighten my load, and those of others, with a bit of merriment and laughter. It seems that there are two kinds of people, those who take their jobs seriously while others take themselves seriously (frequently to excess). I enjoy a good laugh, even if it is at my expense. If we cannot laugh at ourselves, we will miss out on so much!
P. S.
Technology has reached the De Leo household. Today, by necessity, I traded my old flip phone for a "smart" phone. Now the fun begins, so if you receive an undecipherable text or a call with odd noises in the background, you will know you have joined me on the slopes of this steep learning curve.
This was a great day spent with my wonderful wife!!
Tony
Monday, May 26, 2014
Comments on conservation
"Occasionally, when you do the right thing for the right reasons, consequences occur that create new, sometimes unexpected, challenges" Tony De Leo
Efforts to conserve our resources, be it power or water, make sense for all the right reasons including being better for the environment, reducing infrastructure expansion for future needs and saving money for our PUD customers. A bonus is that the costs of electric conservation are paid with funds allotted by the Bonneville Power Administration.
This sounds like a win-win situation for our PUD and its customers, right?. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as it sounds. When you have large expenses, conservation can be a problem in that every gallon of water or kilowatt of electricity not sold results in a reduction in funds available to pay the PUD's obligations.
What is the answer to this dilemma? In the past, very successful conservation programs, whether planned or the result of unexpected shortages, have forced the utility or PUD to raise the unit cost to its customers in order to make ends meet. If everything goes right, the customer's bill should not be significantly larger so long as they actively participate in the conservation effort. In the long run, the cost of running the PUD may be reduced because fewer high-cost expansions to power and water lines will be needed.
Something to think about, and discuss.
Tony
"Occasionally, when you do the right thing for the right reasons, consequences occur that create new, sometimes unexpected, challenges" Tony De Leo
Efforts to conserve our resources, be it power or water, make sense for all the right reasons including being better for the environment, reducing infrastructure expansion for future needs and saving money for our PUD customers. A bonus is that the costs of electric conservation are paid with funds allotted by the Bonneville Power Administration.
This sounds like a win-win situation for our PUD and its customers, right?. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as it sounds. When you have large expenses, conservation can be a problem in that every gallon of water or kilowatt of electricity not sold results in a reduction in funds available to pay the PUD's obligations.
What is the answer to this dilemma? In the past, very successful conservation programs, whether planned or the result of unexpected shortages, have forced the utility or PUD to raise the unit cost to its customers in order to make ends meet. If everything goes right, the customer's bill should not be significantly larger so long as they actively participate in the conservation effort. In the long run, the cost of running the PUD may be reduced because fewer high-cost expansions to power and water lines will be needed.
Something to think about, and discuss.
Tony
Sunday, May 25, 2014
A day off
"Family is such an important part of lives so we must be careful to not let them slip down the priority list, replaced by supposedly more important things." Tony De Leo
Our daughter and her four kids came over from Puyallup today to spend time with Gramma and PaPa (my wife and I). There is nothing more invigorating than having 4 young people, ages 4-9, running around the house, kept in by a rainy afternoon. Did I mention their somewhat large dog?? It was quite refreshing to have my mind diverted from Hospital District and campaign issues for a few hours.
Tonight I am working the latest revisions of the Policy Governance program used by us on the Hospital Board and a few other miscellaneous projects. Back to the grind tomorrow though that might be delayed briefly should one or two "Honey-Do" projects take priority.
Hope you had / are having a wonderful holiday with your family.
To all of you who served our county in the armed forces, thank you for all the blessings we have received through your sacrifices!!!
Tony
"Family is such an important part of lives so we must be careful to not let them slip down the priority list, replaced by supposedly more important things." Tony De Leo
Our daughter and her four kids came over from Puyallup today to spend time with Gramma and PaPa (my wife and I). There is nothing more invigorating than having 4 young people, ages 4-9, running around the house, kept in by a rainy afternoon. Did I mention their somewhat large dog?? It was quite refreshing to have my mind diverted from Hospital District and campaign issues for a few hours.
Tonight I am working the latest revisions of the Policy Governance program used by us on the Hospital Board and a few other miscellaneous projects. Back to the grind tomorrow though that might be delayed briefly should one or two "Honey-Do" projects take priority.
Hope you had / are having a wonderful holiday with your family.
To all of you who served our county in the armed forces, thank you for all the blessings we have received through your sacrifices!!!
Tony
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