I am ready!

 "Preparation is a critical part of success."

Yes, I am ready for my new opportunity to serve my community as your PUD Commissioner.

• Having done my homework, I have learned the related laws and much about the operations of our PUD, and I will continue to learn,  keep up with changing issues and your concerns.

• As a lifelong, fourth generation, Jefferson County resident, I know the area and its people.

• Forty years as an elected Hospital Commissioner has prepared me to work with the other Commissioners, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), and the public I will serve. 

• During my time on the Hospital Board, I have learned and I respect the difference between governance (board duties) and operations, critical to the organization's success.

• As a fire chief, I saw the how much damage can be done by a Board that becomes too involved in the day-to-day operations, something I will avoid doing.

• I have seen the positive results of having the right people, in the right places, and enough of them to get the job done,

• Now retired, I have the time to take on my new role as a PUD Commissioner while continuing my commitment to serve as your Hospital Commissioner.

• Two independent legal reviews of serving in these two offices have found no conflicts or issues. 

Yes, I am ready! I have spent a lifetime of community service preparing myself for this position, now all I need is your support and your vote!

A long evening

I attended the PUD budget hearing / regular meeting tonight, 5PM and it was, well, interesting.  The meeting room was packed and Jeff Randall, of "Friends of Public Power", presented suggestions on ways to provide assistance our low income neighbors now, rather than later, to head off the rash of disconnects we saw last winter.

I had to leave early, around 6:30. I had set up a candidate forum at Kala Point before I knew that the PUD would be meeting on Monday rather than Tuesday.  The turnout at the the Kala Point forum was a bit low, but those attending had great questions and we had a productive exchange.

It was a good night.
Tony

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Sharing the fruits of our labors with two of our grandkids, the twins, Jordan and Michael.

Tony's Vinyard, good crop this year.  Well, actually, this is just 4 vines I planted a few years ago.  Our grandkids live in an apartment, and, like so many young people today, they probably think our food is manufactured in some factory.  I grow things, like the grapes, so they understand where it really comes from. 

The campaign ate up the time we usually spend on our garden, but, next year, the kids and I will be putting in our potatoes, peas, and whatever else we decide.  I grew up with a large garden and want to share this with them.

Thank you to our local farmers who produce the best fruits and vegetables!!!

SPECIAL PUD MEETING NOTICE

Per the Leader (legal notice section) and the agenda posted on the PUD website, the budget hearing AND the regular business meeting will be held on Monday, October 6, 5PM, rather than the date and time set by PUD Board Resolution for regular meetings.  Per RCW 42.30.080, this is a special meeting and should be run  accordingly.

The agenda and the proposed budget are available, on line at:   .http://www.jeffpud.org/

I just wanted you all to know so you could attend.  I will be at the first part of the meeting, but I made a commitment for Monday evening, based on the regularly PUD schedule.

I took the Pledge

"Regardless of how much you may want something, compromising your personal ethical standards and honor are too high a price to pay."

The Port Townsend - Jefferson County Leader, in a attempt to raise the ethical bar for local political campaigns, has established the "Fair Campaign Pledge" and has asked those running to commit to its standards.  I have conducted, and will continue, to conduct my campaign to similar standards from the day I filed for office.  

Fair Campaign Pledge

• I will conduct my campaign honestly, openly and fairly. I will discuss the issues and participate in fair public debate with respect to my views and qualifications.

• I will not engage in, permit or condone defamatory attacks upon the character of my opponent; nor will I engage in invasions of personal privacy unrelated to campaign issues.

• I will not use or permit use of any campaign material or advertisement which misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts regarding my opponent.

• I will refuse to disseminate any campaign material or message in which I am not prominently identified.

• I will publicly repudiate support from any individual or group whose activities would violate this Fair Campaign Pledge.

I, Anthony F. (Tony) De Leo, candidate for PUD Commission, District, will abide by these standards

Regarding compact fluorescent bulbs

"When a concern is raised, error on the side of caution."

Someone asked my wife today if compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's) are dangerous and do they need to be enclosed in a fixture when used.

I did a bit or research and confirmed what I already knew.  The concern is that each CFL contains a small amount, around 5 milligrams,  of highly toxic mercury aka quicksilver.  If the bulb breaks, the vaporized mercury can be inhaled or it can settle as a fine powder. 

This is why it is important that, when the CFL stops working, you take it to an authorized disposal site.  These can be found at many stores that sell them or check the county website for locations. 

There have been some concerns about ultraviolet emissions, but, unless you have certain medical conditions, making sure you stay more than one foot away from the bulb is considered safe.  The issue of EMF (electromagnetic fields) has been raised, but this is a concern with all electrical equipment, even power cords.

So, to be safe and environmentally responsible,  assure that CFL bulbs are located as to minimize the chance of breakage and dispose of them properly.
I hope  this answers the question.

Here are two sites with additional info:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-compact-fluorescent-lightbulbs-dangerous/

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/drugs-products-medicaments-produits/consumer-consommation/home-maison/cfl-afc-eng.php