Membership to PEC Board: Resign Already!

Opinion

By Linda Kaye Rogers

It seems the lawsuit settlement is going to remain foremost in the minds of PEC members for a while longer. There are currently two prevailing sets of thinking about the lawsuit and the proposed settlement. One is “that's life, let’s get on with the business,” coming mostly from the defendants in the suit. The second is the feeling that the guys who caused the problems may get off scot-free.

I certainly do get an earful, as I am out and about talking with PEC member/customers.

There seems to be universal agreement that PEC provides good service, but it is not without its problems. Two Wimberley members recently shared their stories about unexplained extra charges. One said he received almost a full year of charges when his meter was changed, and he was in the process of moving out of that location. No one at PEC could or would explain the large bill. He was forced to pay or lose service to his business. The other local member decided to move his lines underground and was charged a new meter fee, but had no new meter. Members further north have complained about inconsistent power flow, but have received no answers to their complaints.

These are just a few examples, and it goes to show that no business is perfect. Overall, there is a strong consensus that we enjoy outstanding service from PEC's rank-and-file employees.

Most dissatisfaction expressed thus far is a response to the results of on-going investigations of PEC's internal dealings, and the disposition of those results. We are about to hear Austin District Judge Deitz’s ruling on the fairness of the proposed settlement which exonerates the very guys who caused the problems.

Most members say they want a delay in a settlement ruling, pending the Navigant investigation/audit of PEC. It now seems like we are being asked to sign a blank check without realizing the full extent of the damage. With so much information of mismanagement already disclosed, it’s tough to see anything “fair” about the current settlement proposal. Members are very alert to this fact. Members want to know “all there is to know” before agreeing to anything.

If Judge Dietz rules to delay the agreement and additional wrong-doing is uncovered, it will add more fuel to the fire.

Many members also feel that ALL current Board members should resign. I can tell you from reliable sources, that this is not going to happen. Nor are we likely to get an apology from any of them. The exception here is E. B. Price, who has already acknowledged errors and apologized. He will be retiring from the PEC Board in June.

I have made two requests to the Board for an apology. Paul Langston, a candidate for the District 5 member/advisory director seat, made a public appeal for an apology at PEC's April 21 Board meeting. I dittoed his statement and can tell you that both of us were met with steely stares. The Directors apparently feel they have done no wrong and there is no need to apologize. The meeting was taped and is available for viewing on the pec.coop website.

I agree with the opinions of most of my fellow members. It's just flat wrong when there is hard evidence that mismanagement has occurred and the wrong-doers express no remorse or regret and continue the charade by clinging to their seats on the Board. I am now more resolved than ever to act for change. As a candidate for PEC's District 7 board position, my pledge is to always be a member first and foremost.

Linda Kaye Rogers grew up on a small family farm in the Rio Grande Valley. She received her BA and Masters of Science in Social Work from UT Arlington. She has taught smoking cessation, communication skills, stress management and parenting in hospitals, corporations, community groups and churches. Linda Kaye moved to Wimberley in 2000 where she built a straw-bale cottage and immediately established a rainwater collection system as her water supply. That same year she began volunteering at the Katherine Anne Porter School and has worked in various capacities at the school. She is an avid organic gardener, animal lover, conservationist, and environmentalist. In 2005 she spearheaded efforts to defeat a road bond that would have benefited a developer and cost Woodcreek North residents a dramatic and 20-year tax increase. Linda Kaye is a member of PEC4u, the group of PEC members who initiated the investigation of PEC Board governance and practice.