[Watchdogs] Ken Rigsbee and the Gary Bradley Connection
alfred stlouis
stlouis_98 at hotmail.com
Tue May 18 13:15:14 CDT 2010
We need to know more about Ken Rigsbee. Is he an associate of the notorious Gary Bradley? Bradley has a poor reputation in Austin due to his litigious background, and his attempts to avoid justice by hiding his assets so as to appear "judgment proof" in Court. If Ken Rigsbee does indeed have an association with Bradley, he needs to come clean with the extent of the business relationship. We must be careful to not let potentially corrupt or curruptible associates to influence Candidates for the PEC Board at this critical time. We have some evidence of co-optation of the current reform Board Members, and we need to continue to bring in fresh, new Directors who truly support reform and who will not be seduced by the $500. Per Plate Galas. Al
> From: watchdogs-request at pec4u.org
> Subject: Watchdogs Digest, Vol 25, Issue 17
> To: watchdogs at pec4u.org
> Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:07 -0500
>
> Send Watchdogs mailing list submissions to
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>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Don Casey's Responses to Questions Concerning Charitable
> Contributions and Green Power (Milton Hawkins)
> 2. Endorsements of (alfred stlouis)
> 3. Fw: PEC Board election endorsements (Paul Langston)
> 4. election endorsements (Linda Kaye Rogers)
> 5. Re: election endorsements (Carlos Higgins)
> 6. Re: election endorsements (Bill Christensen)
> 7. Re: election endorsements (Milton Hawkins)
> 8. Fw: PEC Election, June 2010, Directors of Dists. 4 and 5.
> (Paul Langston)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 12:06:59 -0500
> From: Milton Hawkins <milton.hawkins at gmail.com>
> To: Watchdogs <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Cc: Don Casey <don at decsalescompany.com>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] Don Casey's Responses to Questions Concerning
> Charitable Contributions and Green Power
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTiknRglTeDT6FGL8HivghQUhr_p-BGNXSUnSt8DL at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Friends,
>
>
>
> A few days ago, Carlos Higgins sent a message to the Board members and
> candidates asking for their responses to some specific issues involving the
> Board of Directors and the decisions the directors face. Here is a part of
> his message involving the issues surrounding ?charitable contributions? and
> ?green power?:
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Carlos Higgins <CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net>
>
> *To:* 'larry landaker' <larry.landaker at gmail.com> ; Patrick
> Cox<patrickcox at gmail.com>; Cristi
> Clement <clemoore at gmail.com> ; OC Harmon <och44 at verizon.net> ; Kathy
> Scanlon<kathy at planningworks.biz>;
> fromthisdesk at yahoo.com ; Lamont Ramage <lramage99 at yahoo.com> ;
> cp4pec at earthlink.net ; dpedersen1 at austin.rr.com ; dballew4 at austin.rr.com ;
> drvanderpal at gmail.com ; texas66 at aol.com ; tedlehrpec at gmail.com ;
> stonecreek at erfw.net ; tjkeel at keel.com ; joesummy at moment.net ;
> don_pec_dist5 at yahoo.com ; rtdram at aol.com ; rossfischer at gvtc.com
>
> *Cc:* Watchdogs at PEC4u.org ; Chris Porter <chris at thepicayune.com> ;
> pgeorge at statesman.com
>
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 13, 2010 22:05
>
> *Subject:* PEC Board
>
>
>
> May 13, 2010
>
>
>
> PEC Board members and candidates for the Board:
>
> * *
>
> *[. . .]*
>
> * *
>
> *CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS*
>
> Another issue of interest to members is that of Board policy and degree of
> control regarding charitable and other voluntary contributions of PEC
> money. What has been the Board?s role on this issue, and what should it be?
>
>
>
>
> *GREEN POWER*
>
> Finally, if any Board member?s or candidate?s motivation to serve on the PEC
> Board includes a strong dedication or commitment to substantially increase
> PEC participation in ?green power? and green power subsidies, neither that
> intention nor a commensurate concern for the attendant costs to be borne by
> PEC member/owners has been shared with the membership. Please briefly
> describe the extent of your interest in increasing PEC?s participation in
> green power, and your level of concern for the related costs to PEC members?
>
>
>
> Thank you for your attention to this.
>
>
>
> Respectfully,
>
>
>
> Carlos Higgins
>
> CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net 512 258 3564
>
>
>
> These are indeed issues of interest to members, and each Board member and
> candidate ought to provide us with a clear and straightforward response.
> Here is Don Casey?s:
>
> ___________________________
>
>
>
> *Don Casey**?s Response to Questions about ?Charitable Contributions? and
> ?Green Power?*
>
>
>
> As I stated in my BIO released to PEC,
>
>
>
> The PEC Board?s primary objective should be to provide low cost power to the
> members without compromising employee safety while maintaining an
> infrastructure to provide long term reliable service.
>
>
>
> I am opposed to all contributions *from PEC funds* except those ?in-kind?
> contributions that our personnel are uniquely qualified to make because of
> their training and experience, contributions that contribute to the safety
> and protection of our operations. (We do not want untrained people hanging
> banners on our poles, for example.)
>
>
>
> These ?in-kind? contributions, which cost the cooperative tens of thousands
> of dollars each year, more than satisfy the relevant guideline established
> in the seven Cooperative Principles.
>
>
>
> Managing the contribution process by PEC employees is an additional
> administrative expense, but for me, the most significant issue involved in
> ?charitable giving? is the time and energy required of the directors for
> this activity. I prefer to allocate my time to issues related to cost and
> service, issues far more important to the membership of the cooperative.
>
>
>
> There are many well-run charities that members may contribute to on their
> own. The boards of these charities may be more qualified to manage
> contributions than our board would be. I prefer to pass savings along to
> our members so that they may make tax-deductable contributions to a charity
> of their choosing.
>
>
>
> Green Power at this time is not the most cost effective source of energy. I
> believe that technology innovations will drive the cost of ?Green Power?
> down in the future while the relative cost of carbon-based fuels will
> continue to increase. When Green Power becomes cost effective, it will be a
> win-win situation for both the consumer and the environment.
>
>
>
> Right now, given the relative costs involved, I prefer to not use PEC funds
> for more Green Power ? BUT I will lobby for technology funding from all
> sources other than PEC for ?Green Power? research. For example, as I say in
> my statement, ?In my opinion there is a huge amount of Federal spending that
> is wasted and society would be much better served if a portion of these
> funds were redirected to Green Power research.?
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Don Casey
>
> Candidate PEC Dist 5
>
> May 15, 2010
>
> ___________________________
>
> *
> *
>
> *This is a clear and forthright statement, and one with which I
> wholeheartedly agree. *
>
>
>
> *PLEASE* notice that Casey?s statement above relates to contributions ?*from
> PEC funds.*? He is *not* addressing?or opposing?possible future charitable
> giving programs like Operation RoundUp, programs that are (1) *funded by
> donations* *volunteered* *by the membership* and (2) *administered by a
> committee of volunteers from the membership*. Nor is he addressing the
> existing 501(c)3 charitable giving program *funded and administered by the
> employees themselves*.
>
>
>
> With respect to his cautious and prudent approach to ?green power,? one need
> look no further than the experience of the city of Austin, whose financial
> difficulties have been widely reported and commented on here, to see the
> wisdom of Casey?s position.
>
>
>
> Regards to all,
>
>
>
> Milton
>
>
>
> Milton Hawkins milton.hawkins at gmail.com 830-868-9075
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 12:20:18 -0500
> From: alfred stlouis <stlouis_98 at hotmail.com>
> To: <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] Endorsements of
> Message-ID: <SNT125-W275060EF169C261329564EFAE00 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> Thanks to Milton and Carlos for the info on Candidates. Based on the information, I am going to take a much closer look at Mr. Rigsbee, and I will definitely not support Mr Carriker as I have found the Texas Monthly ratings to be generally reliable over the years, and we don't need a person rated as untrustworthy on the PEC BOARD. We have enough trust issues now with Mr Garza and the Exhorbitant Costly Surveys, and with Mr Landaker and others $500. per plate Dinners at the Wildflower Gala. Al
>
> > From: watchdogs-request at pec4u.org
> > Subject: Watchdogs Digest, Vol 25, Issue 16
> > To: watchdogs at pec4u.org
> > Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:05 -0500
> >
> > Send Watchdogs mailing list submissions to
> > watchdogs at pec4u.org
> >
> > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > http://pec4u.org/mailman/listinfo/watchdogs
> > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > watchdogs-request at pec4u.org
> >
> > You can reach the person managing the list at
> > watchdogs-owner at pec4u.org
> >
> > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> > than "Re: Contents of Watchdogs digest..."
> >
> >
> > Today's Topics:
> >
> > 1. PEC Endorsements (Carlos Higgins)
> > 2. Fw: Recommendations for your vote, PEC Dist's Four and Five
> > (Paul Langston)
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 19:32:54 -0500
> > From: "Carlos Higgins" <CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net>
> > To: <Watchdogs at PEC4u.org>
> > Subject: [Watchdogs] PEC Endorsements
> > Message-ID: <D7D89ACAD5CE40C9824E763D9FAFC74D at BLACKDELL>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Carlos Higgins
> >
> > CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net 512 258 3564
> >
> >
> >
> > PEC Electric Co-op Board Election.
> >
> > Several people have asked for my recommendations. Here they are, with my explanations for these choices included below.
> >
> > You do not have to reside in District 4 or 5 to vote for District 4 or 5 candidates. Although the candidates must live in District 4 or 5, respectively, they are to be elected by voters from throughout the PEC service area.
> >
> >
> >
> > RECOMMENDATIONS:
> >
> > District 4: Ken Rigsbee
> >
> > District 5 Don Casey
> >
> >
> >
> > You are voting not only to elect new Board members, but also on amendments to the PEC Articles of Incorporation.
> >
> > I urge you to vote YES for each of these amendments.
> >
> >
> >
> > HOW TO VOTE
> >
> > If you are a PEC member/owner, you should have received a ballot by regular mail. Using that ballot to vote is easy. Fill it out and mail it.
> >
> > If you'd rather vote using your computer, that's easy, too. Just go to the PEC WEB page, or directly to https://www.esc-vote.com/pec2010 To vote online, you'll need your VOTING ID number, which is at the top of the page containing the ballot that was mailed to you. If you need a replacement ballot, you can get one from PEC by calling them at 866 720 4357, or email them at pechelp at electionservicescorp.com
> >
> > If you vote either of these two ways, the deadline is June 11. Otherwise, you can vote in person at the annual meeting on June 19th.
> >
> >
> >
> > REASONS FOR MY RECOMMENDATIONS
> >
> > Candidates
> >
> > We have several fine candidates to choose from. I have briefly communicated with Ken Rigsbee and Don Casey, and they each leave me with favorable impressions. To a greater degree, though, my recommendations were influenced by the endorsements for them made by Milton Hawkins.
> >
> > In the last 3 years, Milton has been one of the most diligent and effective PEC members by far in working to protect our basic interests as PEC Cooperative member/owners. He closely observes PEC Board meetings, as well as Board elections and the candidates. I have great respect for his independent, astute and informed judgment. His endorsements for candidates Ken Rigsbee and Don Casey are copied below.
> >
> > Further, another member who has endorsed these two candidates is Attorney David Hall, who independently fought long and hard for better terms for PEC members in the settlement of the key PEC lawsuit. (That was the lawsuit resulting from the PEC4U legal action that finally got us on the road to having any say at all in our own Co-op. I have equally great respect for David's independent, astute and informed recommendations in this election.
> >
> >
> >
> > I have not discussed my recommendations with either KEN RIGSBEE or DON CASEY. I am recommending them because of the positive experience, ability and attitudes they would bring to the Board, and because I am satisfied each of them is an independent candidate. I believe each will work in the best interests of all of us - our co-op, our member/owners, and our PEC employees, and do so in a way that is open and responsive.
> >
> >
> >
> > Amendments
> >
> > The amendments do not go as far as I would like in giving appropriate ownership rights to the PEC member/owners, but they go a long way. These amendments represent a huge step forward for us in providing a basic "Bill of Rights" for us, so you absolutely should vote YES for them.
> >
> >
> >
> > EVERY VOTE COUNTS; YOUR VOTE JUST MIGHT DECIDE THE ELECTION
> >
> > You are probably aware of the recent low voter turnout in several local elections - as low as 2 to 3 percent. If this election has a low turnout, that makes it easier for any organization surreptitiously recruiting their own candidates to get their candidates elected.
> >
> >
> >
> > So please do vote for these independent candidates, and urge other PEC members to vote. Of course, I encourage you to forward this email to other members for their consideration.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thank you for your attention.
> >
> >
> >
> > Carlos Higgins
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Endorsement of Ken Rigsbee, District 4
> > by Milton Hawkins ? Sat May 15, 2010 10:02 pm
> >
> > UT Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Newsletter | Spring 2007
> >
> > Donor Profile:
> >
> > H. Ken Rigsbee, BSARE '67, Donates Time and Resources
> >
> > A proud fourth-generation Austinite, Ken Rigsbee is an alumnus who continues to give back to the department and the engineering profession. For many years, he has shown his gratitude for the positive experiences he had as a CAEE student Initially studying to become an architect, Rigsbee discovered more of an aptitude for architectural engineering and soon declared that as his major. That his father was a UT Civil Engineer was also a factor in his decision.
> >
> > As an architectural engineering student in the 1960's, he and several other students frequently gathered to study and spent many hours discussing "world affairs." Rigsbee learned that "if I always tried to do a little bit more than was asked of me, success would magically show up. This is the oft-mentioned 'extra mile' scenario, and it actually works." He also recalls the privilege of learning from challenging professors who collectively made UT one of the best engineering programs in the country.
> >
> > Upon earning his B.S. degree in 1966, he began his 36-year career with Phillips Petroleum Company as a junior design engineer in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he spent time working in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in Kenai, Alaska as a construction engineer where he oversaw nearly 30 projects around the plant and state. He later moved back to Bartlesville and served as chapter President of the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE); president and founder of the Oklahoma Engineering and Technology Guidance Council; and was twice awarded Young Engineer of the Year by the OSPE Bartlesville Chapter.
> >
> > In 1988, Rigsbee returned to Austin to look after Phillips' government relations activities in Texas and Louisiana. He later assumed the responsibility for several other southern states and then retired in 2002 when the company merged with Conoco.
> >
> > Rigsbee has donated both time and treasure to the department, serving as a member of the Visiting Committee between 1987-1990 and again on the Centennial Committee in 2003. He and his wife Sharon have included a bequest to the department in their estate plans which will become a gift in the name of his father, Herbert K. Rigsbee, BSCE '40. Ken was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Civil Engineering Department in 2003.
> >
> > Rigsbee enjoys being able to give back to UT because of the huge impact it made on his career as well as that of his father. He says, "I enjoyed being associated with a program that was made better by the efforts of those who succeeded me. When looking back at what UT has done for me and my career, I think that it's only fair to partially repay the school through contributions one may be able to make." He encourages current students who wish to be good alumni to "study hard, work hard, love and support your family, and then, try to do something to benefit others."
> >
> > Recently, it was announced that Rigsbee was elected as the National Society of Professional Engineer's (NSPE) President for 2008-2009. He is one of four UT CAEE alumni who have been elected President of this national professional organization. J. Neils Thompson, Joe Paul Jones and Bobby E. Price are former NSPE Presidents and UT alumni.
> >
> > Rigsbee's various ways of enriching the department and professional engineering organizations exemplify how an alumnus can give back to the university that spurred a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
> >
> >
> >
> > Endorsement of Don Casey, District 5
> > by Milton Hawkins ? Sat May 15, 2010 9:41 pm
> >
> > Friends,
> >
> > In case you're interested, I'm sharing my thoughts about the District 5 position on the ballot for the PEC Board of Directors. As you probably know, District 5 covers much of PEC's western service area, where most of you live. (Remember that you can vote for a candidate for each of the two open positions, District 4 and District 5, regardless of where you live.)
> >
> > I have met and talked at least briefly with each of the five candidates for District 5, and I'll first say a quick word about each.
> >
> > While looking at references on the Internet for Steven Carriker, I saw a Texas Monthly article that gave his performance in the Texas legislature a very poor rating. I posed a question about that, and to his credit he posted a detailed response, which you can find here: http://forum.pec4u.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12 . I am still troubled by what I read.
> >
> > I have appreciated very much Ross Fischer's statement: "Every dollar is a member's dollar." He might be willing to make cost containment a priority, as it certainly should be. But we have already won the major battles to secure access to meetings and records, areas where he has expertise, and if he has followed affairs at PEC closely over the past several years, and is thus prepared to make an immediate contribution, I am not aware of it (and I have followed PEC closely).
> >
> > Joe Summy has also followed PEC closely for a long time now, and I give him credit, as I have told him, for his interest and commitment. However, he persisted in his defense of the old regime even as the sorry story unfolded for all to see, and I believe his training and talents do not provide the combination we need on the Board at this critical time.
> >
> > Thornton Keel has had some interesting things to say about excessive compensation and inefficient operations, especially with respect to the continued use of the eighteen or so payment centers in this age of modern technology, but I've discovered little else that would make me think he is ready to direct our cooperative.
> >
> > I do know Don Casey, and I believe he is the man for the job.
> >
> > Don has been president of the Blanco County Farm Bureau for a number of years now, and I got to know him when for a brief time I served as a director of that organization. I saw first-hand his managerial skills and his ability to work with people from widely different backgrounds and unite them behind a common purpose. Over the years, we have discussed the condition of the cooperative, and he has taken an active interest in its improvement. He is one of the few members who voiced an opinion directly to Judge Dietz when the fairness of the Settlement Agreement was being debated.
> >
> > Don knows the history, and he knows the players. In addition, he brings extensive experience as an engineer and manager with Texas Instruments and other companies. More details can be found in his statement in the PEC Candidate Information mail-out.
> >
> > As you can probably tell from the tone and content of his statement, Don is a plain-spoken, direct, and forthright person, the kind who can make an informed judgment and then speak to the issue. And it is precisely that kind of strength that we need in our directors, the ability to set wise policy, and the courage to exercise oversight.
> >
> > We need an informed person with relevant experience, judgment, and integrity to fill this position, a person willing to help establish clear policy directives and to hold management accountable for the execution of those directives. I believe that Don Casey is that person, and I would encourage you to join me in supporting him for this office.
> >
> > Thank you again for your patience, and for considering my views. Please feel free to circulate this message.
> >
> > Milton
> >
> > Milton Hawkins milton.hawkins at gmail.com 830-868-9075
> >
> >
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> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 2
> > Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 17:10:07 -0600
> > From: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> > To: "PEC Watchdogs" <Watchdogs at PEC4u.org>
> > Subject: [Watchdogs] Fw: Recommendations for your vote, PEC Dist's
> > Four and Five
> > Message-ID: <32FB71461F024EE2BA4E592FFBAAEC69 at langston>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Paul Langston
> > To: "Jodi Babcock" ; The Beacon at nctv.com
> > Cc: Paul Langston
> > Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 5:07 PM
> > Subject: Recommendations for your vote, PEC Dist's Four and Five
> >
> >
> > Dear Friends and Neighbors
> >
> > I have many requests by the folks in Horseshoe Bay and Marble Falls as who should we vote for in the PEC election in May/June of 2010. You should all have your ballots in hand. I have been so stove -in and out of energy this year that I have not gone to meet and talk to all of the candidates. For sure, we have a lot of fine candidates and they deserve you attention and support. From the recommendations of some of the "Watchdogs" who stay right in step with Pedernales Electric Coop. I will pass them on to you.
> >
> > Vote for Ken Rigsbee for Dist. Four
> >
> > Vote for Don Casey for Dist Five.
> >
> > You are supposed to vote for a candidate in each District. These Candidates deserve our support.
> >
> > Paul Langston
> >
> >
> >
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> > ------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Watchdogs mailing list
> > Watchdogs at pec4u.org
> > http://pec4u.org/mailman/listinfo/watchdogs
> >
> >
> > End of Watchdogs Digest, Vol 25, Issue 16
> > *****************************************
>
> _________________________________________________________________
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:37:32 -0600
> From: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> To: <collinsdave at hughes.net>, "\" Carlos Higgins\""
> <carlostx at sbcgglobal.net>, "\"James E. Williams\""
> <fromthisdesk at yahoo.com>, "\"Ken Rigsbee\"" <texas66 at aol.com>, "\"Don
> Casey\"" <don pec dist5 at yahoo.com>, "PEC Watchdogs"
> <Watchdogs at PEC4u.org>, "\"Patrick George\"" <pgeorge at statesman.com>,
> "\"Jodi Babcock\"" <emporium @moment.net>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] Fw: PEC Board election endorsements
> Message-ID: <7FA1548CF788484BB9CDD1579076AC00 at langston>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> PEC Board election endorsements
>
> Dear Friends, neighbors and candidates in the PEC 2010 election.
> I found this letter from David Foster, sent, I suppose, to Chris Perry and/or John Watson.
> I thought this letter adds a new dimension to this election because Mr. Foster claims 7,000 members of his Clean Water Action. Any candidate who has gotten out and campaigned in the entire PEC area and contacted 7,000 possible voters and asked for their vote, well, fine but that's not likely.
> I suppose that there other active groups in the PEC area and they may bring thousands of votes for their choices of candidates.
> There doesn't,t seem to be much hope for anyone who is not favored by the Endorsement of one of these groups such as the Clean Water Action, folks. Does there?
> This "AT LARGE VOTING", so favored by our PEC Directors does not seem to serve the PEC Owner-Members well.
>
> Sincerely, Hollis P. Langston 404 Westward Ho Horseshoe Bay, Tx 830-598-1322
> langston at zeecon.com
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Chris Perry
> To: Chris Perry
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 10:00 AM
> Subject: PEC Board election endorsements
>
>
> Please consider the endorsement below and the one attached when you vote in the PEC election.
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: John Watson [mailto:jawatson at hughes.net]
> Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 9:13 AM
> To: John Watson
> Subject: PEC Board election endorsements
>
>
>
> Friends,
>
> Ballots for the PEC election should be arriving in your mailbox any day now. In addition to electing two directors there is a ballot question to vote on this year. As always the election is important to the future of our co-op and to us, as member/owners of PEC.
>
> With this election all 7 voting board members will have been freely elected by members rather than appointed by the banished and discredited Bennie Fuelberg. The election is at-large, which simply means each member is entitled to vote for a candidate in both District 4 and District 5.
>
> I hope you will join me in supporting two candidates that I believe will bring missing background and experience to the Board. The next few years promise to present a challenging environment for electric utilities. The expertise and judgment needed to prudently guide our co-op through these times can, I think, be greatly augmented by the election of Steve Carriker and Chris Perry.
>
> District 4
>
> Chris Perry
>
> Chris would bring a crucial, but missing, level of experience and knowledge on electric utility industry issues to the Board. His depth of current and historic knowledge about such issues as rate setting, conservation and renewable energy sources make him especially suitable for addressing the pressing matters and lending valuable counsel to both other board members and management. Below is an excerpt from his bio, which can be found at www.chrisperry4pec.com:
>
>
> District 5
>
> Steve Carriker
>
> Steve's experience as a director of 3 other successful co-ops give him the breadth of experience and the lived knowledge of how a director should discharge the fiduciary responsibilities that come with the position. In addition: Carriker has an equally diverse and relevant 30 years of experience. In addition to his business knowledge as a retired farmer/rancher and business executive he has been on the board of three effective cooperatives in Texas, headed the federal agency responsible for funding and promoting co-ops and has been an effective public servant in the Texas legislature. In his case, the critical and unique special expertise is in debt financing; an area lacking among the current board members and PEC staff and one of great importance to we members. His full bio will be in the mailed ballot.
>
> The ballot question asks members if they desire to amend the charter to add a members' bill of rights. The idea is to enshrine certain fundamental member rights such as a free and fair election of directors and open meetings and open records and require a member vote for any future changes to those rights. I recommend a "Yes" vote.
>
> Steve and Chris have also been endorsed by pec4u.org Steering Committee and Clean Water Action.
>
> You can vote by mailing in the ballot you receive or through the website by following the instructions. Remember you can vote for a director candidate in both Districts 4 and 5.
>
> I hope you will vote for Steve and Chris and alert your friends and neighbors as to this important election and your preferences.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Watson
> (830)868-4225
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 21:44:00 -0400
> From: Linda Kaye Rogers <rogers-pec7 at live.com>
> To: pec4u Watchdogs <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] election endorsements
> Message-ID: <BLU117-W22927747F9AECF06115EF7D1E10 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> As an avid student of human behavior, I guess I should not be so surprised---pleasantly, at the shift in thinking among this group. I don't mean to sound superior, but I KNEW before the Clean Water Action endorsement announcement, who they would endorse. It was a simple matter of following the dots to Chris Perry and Steven Carricker. That said, it is absolutely a delight to see some independent and insightful thinking among the watchdogs. While I agree only 50% with Carlos and Milton, et al's endorsements, it still gives me hope that democracy and freeedom of speech are still alive and well. As a member who has continued to attend our monthly board meetings, and a little research along the way, and definitely at lot of interacting with members, I have also reached the conclusion that Ken Rigsbee is an excelent choice for our board. The business experience he has to offer is much needed. I also continue to stand by my belief in the need for diversity on the board---
> we are a very diverse membership. My support also goes to Joe Summy. While I have not agreed with Joe on everything, I have found him to be a good listener and open/willing to consider my views. In this vein, I have discussed many things with him, and find that I must beg to differ that he was supportive of the "old guard" He simply had a more open mind and willingness to look at the whole picture and not let his emotions rule his head. This is something I personally find as a very important characteristic in someone who is going to represent me. And I believe his experience in his profession could bring some more of that diversity that I believe is important. Having spent a little time in the education sector the past few years, I have witnessed how important it is to have the skills that he brings with him.
>
> It is beginning to storm, so I feel compelled to sign-off at this time, even though I do have more to say!! I'll return later Happy voting--Linda Kaye Rogers
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox.
> http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_1
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 19:27:52 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Carlos Higgins <carlostx at sbcglobal.net>
> To: pec4u Watchdogs <watchdogs at pec4u.org>, Linda Kaye Rogers
> <rogers-pec7 at live.com>
> Subject: Re: [Watchdogs] election endorsements
> Message-ID: <470189.31157.qm at web81205.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Just for the record.
> ?
> Not a big thing, but Linda Kaye's note suggests I am a Watchdog member.? For all I know, the Watchdogs might not want people thinking I'm a member, so . . . . . .
> ?
> I appreciate the Watchdogs, and all the good things they've done for the PEC membership, but I'm not one, never?was one?and have never claimed to be one.
> ?
> I don't know who they are, or how many they are, but I'm glad they are there, doing what they do.
> ?
> Thanks, Bill Christensen and others of the PEC4U..
> ?
> Carlos Higgins
> Austin, TX
> 512 258 3564 CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net
>
> --- On Mon, 5/17/10, Linda Kaye Rogers <rogers-pec7 at live.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: Linda Kaye Rogers <rogers-pec7 at live.com>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] election endorsements
> To: "pec4u Watchdogs" <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Date: Monday, May 17, 2010, 8:44 PM
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 01:33:10 -0500
> From: Bill Christensen <billc_lists at greenbuilder.com>
> To: <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Subject: Re: [Watchdogs] election endorsements
> Message-ID: <a062309b9c817ca1671a8@[192.168.50.3]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
>
> Also just for the record.
>
> There's no such thing as a "watchdogs member" or "PEC4U member".
> There's no membership organization.
>
> If you're one of the many reading or contributing to this discussion
> on the Watchdogs at pec4u.org, that's a good thing. If it makes you
> feel warm and fuzzy to consider yourself part of a group, then go
> ahead and call yourself a "member" if you'd like.
>
> At 7:27 PM -0700 5/17/10, Carlos Higgins wrote:
> >Just for the record.
> >
> >Not a big thing, but Linda Kaye's note suggests I am a Watchdog
> >member. For all I know, the Watchdogs might not want people
> >thinking I'm a member, so . . . . . .
> >
> >I appreciate the Watchdogs, and all the good things they've done for
> >the PEC membership, but I'm not one, never was one and have never
> >claimed to be one.
> >
> >I don't know who they are, or how many they are, but I'm glad they
> >are there, doing what they do.
> >
> >Thanks, Bill Christensen and others of the PEC4U..
> >
> >Carlos Higgins
> >Austin, TX
> >512 258 3564 CarlosTX at sbcglobal.net
>
>
>
>
> --
> Bill Christensen
> <http://greenbuilder.com/contact/>
>
> Green Building Professionals Directory: <http://directory.greenbuilder.com>
> Sustainable Building Calendar: <http://Calendar.SustainableSources.com>
> Green Real Estate: <http://www.greenbuilder.com/realestate/>
> Straw Bale Registry: <http://sbregistry.greenbuilder.com/>
> Books/videos/software: <http://bookstore.greenbuilder.com/>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 09:24:55 -0500
> From: Milton Hawkins <milton.hawkins at gmail.com>
> To: Watchdogs <watchdogs at pec4u.org>
> Cc: Bill Christensen <billc at greenbuilder.com>
> Subject: Re: [Watchdogs] election endorsements
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTim1PZInwEPNy1xrVjgl5UEZpB5d9lJ38KRofMg3 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Friends,
>
> Thanks to Bill C's excellent work in organizing this list serve and his
> continuing labor as web master, we don't have to take Linda Kaye's word for
> who was--or was not--supportive of the "old guard."
>
> If your memory has failed you, and you don't recall some of those heated
> exchanges in the early months of 2008, for example, or if you a new reader
> of the postings here, just check out the *Archives*
>
> http://pec4u.org/pipermail/watchdogs/
>
> and search by *Author*. You'll find out exactly where each of us was on the
> issues, and what each of us said, and when, for the record.
>
> As somebody said once, facts are stubborn things.
>
> And Bill, I'm glad you attempted yet again to distinguish the PEC4U Core
> Group (or whatever it may be called) from the people who post on the
> Watchdogs site. As you state now, *and have so clearly, and repeatedly, in
> the past*, a person can be a member of the Watchdogs list serve, and post
> messages to the site, *without *being a member of PEC4U or having any close
> association with the folks who formed PEC4U or continue to act in its name.
>
> For the record,
>
> Milton
>
> On Mon, May 17, 2010 at 8:44 PM, Linda Kaye Rogers <rogers-pec7 at live.com>wrote:
>
> > As an avid student of human behavior, I guess I should not be so
> > surprised---pleasantly, at the shift in thinking among this group. I don't
> > mean to sound superior, but I KNEW before the Clean Water Action endorsement
> > announcement, who they would endorse. It was a simple matter of following
> > the dots to Chris Perry and Steven Carricker. That said, it is absolutely a
> > delight to see some independent and insightful thinking among the
> > watchdogs. While I agree only 50% with Carlos and Milton, et al's
> > endorsements, it still gives me hope that democracy and freeedom of
> > speech are still alive and well. As a member who has continued to attend
> > our monthly board meetings, and a little research along the way, and
> > definitely at lot of interacting with members, I have also reached the
> > conclusion that Ken Rigsbee is an excelent choice for our board. The
> > business experience he has to offer is much needed. I also continue to
> > stand by my belief in the need for diversity on the board---we are a very
> > diverse membership. My support also goes to Joe Summy. While I have not
> > agreed with Joe on everything, I have found him to be a good listener and
> > open/willing to consider my views. In this vein, I have discussed many
> > things with him, and find that I must beg to differ that he was supportive
> > of the "old guard" He simply had a more open mind and willingness to look
> > at the whole picture and not let his emotions rule his head. This is
> > something I personally find as a very important characteristic in someone
> > who is going to represent me. And I believe his experience in his
> > profession could bring some more of that diversity that I believe is
> > important. Having spent a little time in the education sector the past few
> > years, I have witnessed how important it is to have the skills that he
> > brings with him.
> > It is beginning to storm, so I feel compelled to sign-off at this time,
> > even though I do have more to say!! I'll return later Happy voting--Linda
> > Kaye Rogers
> >
> > ------------------------------
> > Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your
> > inbox. Learn more.<http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_1>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Watchdogs mailing list
> > Watchdogs at pec4u.org
> > http://pec4u.org/mailman/listinfo/Watchdogs
> > NEW INSTRUCTIONS: To remove yourself from this list, please send an email
> > to watchdogs-request at pec4u.org with UNSUBSCRIBE in the SUBJECT line. Or go
> > to http://pec4u.org/mailman/listinfo/Watchdogs
> > and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page.
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Milton Hawkins milton.hawkins at gmail.com
> P.O. Box 1502
> Johnson City, Texas 78636-1502
> 830-868-9075
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 18:07:06 -0600
> From: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> To: "PEC Watchdogs" <Watchdogs at PEC4u.org>
> Subject: [Watchdogs] Fw: PEC Election, June 2010, Directors of Dists.
> 4 and 5.
> Message-ID: <4115D34859C24DCFB172322A89BAA9A9 at langston>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
>
>
> I believe that this Clean Water Group elected the three candidates in the 2009 election. They did not tell many people about their part in that election. This year, their participation may have slipped out and become known without their planning on it. All of you voters should know about the influence of this Clean Water Action group.
> There may be other equally well organized, stealth groups who will carry this election.
> The power of this Clean Water group of a claimed 7.000 member network will overcome all of the hard work and effort of the individual Candidates.
>
> The decision of the four PEC Board Directors who denied us the Single Member voting plan, that they had all promised, left the door open for these large groups mostly outside of Dists. 4 and 5 to elect their Candidates.
>
> Regrettably, we can only blame ourselves because only a puny part of our 200,000 Member-Owners bother to vote at all.
>
> So, read this and see who will elect the directors, this year.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: dfoster at cleanwater.org
> To: dfoster at cleanwater.org
> Cc: Paul Langston
> Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:57 PM
> Subject: RE: PEC Elections
>
>
> Trying again...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dfoster at cleanwater.org
> Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 6:23pm
> To: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> Cc: "Lourdes Langston" <lourdesl at zeecon.com>
> Subject: PEC Elections
>
> Mr. Langston,
>
> I appreciate you writing me directly on this matter. I have seen the email you sent to the watchdogs group and I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on some misunderstandings as well as answer your direct questions.
>
> Clean Water Action has never taken sole credit for electing any candidates in any election that I have worked on, and I have been working for Clean Water Action for 15 years. I write the emails we send to out members on the PEC, and we may have have told our members in the PEC service area that Mr. Cox, Mr. Landaker, and Ms. Clement won thanks in part to our efforts--by which I mean the votes cast by Clean Water Action members who live in the service area. We do take some measure of credit when, with the help of our members, the candidates we endorse win. But in no way would I have, or have I ever, taken exclusive credit for such an outcome. We appreciate that a victory for any candidate we endorse is always due a variety of factors, not least the efforts of volunteers such as yourself. As the saying goes, success has many fathers. I do believe that it is likely that the candidates we endorsed last year would not have won without us (with the obvious exception of Mr. Cox, who
> was unopposed), but the same might be said for the efforts of other groups and individuals; the candidates might have lost without their efforts as well. Of course most of the the credit goes to the quality of the candidates themselves. Ultimately the decision is up to the full membership, or at least those who choose to vote. And our endorsed candidates do not always win.
>
> With that said, we believe we have a responsibility to screen candidates and make recommendations to our members. We are an endorsing organization. Our members have come to expect this of us, and these are important elections. The PEC is as you know the largest electric cooperative in the nation, and what is does can set a healthy precedent for others co-ops.. Energy policy is directly related to water quality and quantity, since conventional methods of producing electricity (coal, natural gas, nuclear) require vast amounts of water, whereas conservation, wind and distributed solar do not. And the burning of fossil fuels is a leading driver of climate change, which is fundamentally about water (rising sea levels, altered patterns of rainfall, greater rates of evaporation in Texas, etc).
>
> As to the question of a single-member district system vs. an at-large system or perhaps a mixed system, Clean Water Action does not have a formal position on this. We have never weighed in with the board on this matter. Since we are an environmental organization, this is not one of the core issues that we have screened candidates on. I am inclined to believe that such a question should be left up to the full PEC membership to decide in a fair and open election. However the PEC decides to elect board members in the future, we will still make recommendations to our members on candidates.
>
> As for our relationship with PEC4U, we are a completely separate organization. It is emphatically not the case that we sat down with the PEC4U steering committee at any time and 'chose' candidates to endorse. I did not even know the candidates we did ultimately endorse this year before they became candidates. Our endorsements are based on candidate responses to a questionnaire, their leadership abilities as demonstrated by their experience, and to some extent by their ability to wage an effective campaign. The decision of whom Clean Water Action endorses rests largely in the hands of our steering committee, of which I am NOT a member. Our steering committee members have decades of experience among them in environmental policy in Texas. Part of my job as Texas Program Director is to facilitate the endorsement process, getting the questionnaires out and back, and collecting whatever pertinent information I can and relaying it to the full committee. Of course what PEC4U does is
> of interest to the committee, just as what other groups may or may not being doing on these elections is of interest. If we have once again endorsed the same candidates as the PEC4U steering committee has, I submit once again that is due to the qualifications of the candidates.
>
> Finally, it pains me to read, yet again, Clean Water Action described as a 'special interest group.' We work for clean, safe water at an affordable price, and more generally, we work to keep toxins out of the air and water. How is that a 'special interest'? It is far more accurate to describe us an environmental advocacy organization. We stand to gain nothing from the outcome of this election, beyond what we hope will be a PEC board more inclined to work for sound energy policies. We will not gain financially no matter who wins. We do not accept contributions from candidates. We are limiting our communication on these elections to individuals who have voluntarily chosen to become Clean Water Action members. We have for example no plans to take out ads in the newspaper or on the radio.
>
> As for what we would like to see the PEC board accomplish, that is simple enough to describe. We would like to see the board--no matter who wins these elections-- promote energy conservation and renewable energy and reduce reliance on coal. We would like to see the PEC not invest in nuclear power, which is expensive and harmful to the environment. Not least, we would like to see the PEC set up rebate programs to allow its members to make energy efficiency improvements in their homes and businesses. We would like to see the PEC become one of our nation's leaders on these policy initiatives. We believe that this will put the PEC on a more sound financial footing, help keep members' energy bills in check and protect the environment. And yes, we would also like to see the PEC continue the reforms to prevent a return to the bad practices of the past. I will work with the PEC board for these goals no matter who wins this year's elections.
>
> Let me assure you that I have great respect for you and your role in helping end the 'bad old days' at the PEC. If we are unable to agree on every matter, at least we can agree on the value of efforts like yours and like ours to move the PEC towards a more sound energy future and towards more open governance. both of which can only benefit PEC members.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> David Foster
> Texas Program Director
> Clean Water Action
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 1:34am
> To: "David Foster" <dfoster at cleanwater.org>
> Cc: "Paul Langston" <langston at zeecon.com>
> Subject: Your letter of 5-07-10, Clean Water Endorsment for PEC Board election
>
>
>
> David Foster
> Texas Program Director
> Clean Water Action
>
> Dear Sir: I got word after the PEC election of June, 2009 that the weight of the Clean Water Action weighed heavily on the outcome of the voting. The three candidates that I had been working for, Cox-Landaker-Clement were elected and I was very happy. Then, I got word that the heavy voting from your group and that from other organizations had decided who won the election and that my work was just wasted effort.
>
> The three candidates that you backed, Cox-Landaker-Clement went on to do a lot of fine work for the Board except...on about five occasions, your candidates voted to keep "at large elections" and decided against "single-member district voting". This shift of the elected, reform candidates was surprising and amounted to abandoning their campaign promises..
>
> This left open the paved road for your group to elect the two candidates of this year's PEC election. With six of your members on the PEC Board you will be able to accomplish a lot of reforms.
>
> Logically, you have had plans formed for some time on what you want these Directors to do for Clean Water Action. Can you outline them for me?
>
>
> Appreciative,
>
> Hollis P. Langston 404 Westward Ho Horseshoe Bay,Tx 78657 830-598-1322
> langston at zeecon.com
>
>
>
>
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>
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> Watchdogs at pec4u.org
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>
>
> End of Watchdogs Digest, Vol 25, Issue 17
> *****************************************
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