HEA candidates share some thoughts; District 1: Ron Rainey, HEA board president

For the first time in many years, we have mud slinging by candidates running for the Homer Electric Association board of directors.

If you have not guessed by now, IBEW is behind much of the misinformation. All this verbal and written abuse is because of one very minor and misunderstood issue: the attempt by HEA and ACS to install joint services in a more timely manner and at a lower cost for all concerned.

An agreement was reached for HEA crews to install these services. IBEW objected to this even if HEA agreed to have a Telco IBEW lineman as a part of the installing crew.

HEA management then formed a LLC subsidiary to overcome this objection. Apparently, IBEW objected themselves into a corner they did not like.

They seem to think that these more efficient crews may cost jobs sometime in the future.

I cannot speak for the phone company, but HEA has not had a layoff for more than 20 years. Yes, more efficient crews may decrease the need for new employees some time in the future, but it is the responsibility of the board of directors to hold down costs and rates as well as take care of our employees. This board has done a very good job in doing both.

It is very unfortunate that a few misguided IBEW members have chosen to bypass the bargaining process in an attempt to control the board of directors. The current HEA board is well balanced. Three members are very pro-labor while six are current or retired business people.

If IBEW is successful in their attempt to elect John Standefer and Bruce Passe the board will then become five members supported by and committed to the bargaining unit and four independent.

For the good of the co-op, please re-elect Bob Turkington and Ron Rainey. We are both fiercely independent and serve only one group the HEA members.

Ron Rainey, President

Homer Electric Board of Directors

PO Box 2004

Kenai, Ak 99611

907 283-1560