In my office, there’s a photo of a street light – a light bulb, really – strung over the intersection of Main and Market in Cortez under which trucks loaded with local wool are headed to Gallup’s railhead. The photo is from 1934, five years before the formation of the Empire Electric Association Cooperative. Does anyone remember that other electric company? They failed because they didn’t innovate and adapt. Will anyone remember Empire Electric in 70 years if we don’t innovate and adapt?

Renewable energy prices are on par or cheaper than coal. Renewable energy employs more people in electricity generation than oil, coal and gas combined. What is EEA doing to adapt to this new reality?

There aren’t many opportunities at the ballot box where we can vote to help our community, our country and our world adapt and innovate: voting for the right leadership in our local electric coop is one. I’m voting for Carolyn Dunmire, Greg Barker, and Eric Lindgren in EEA elections this spring. The three have a combined 75 years working as professionals in the energy industry. Between them, Carolyn, Greg and Eric have experience as engineers, energy consultants, research scientists and community leaders. Their top priority is to ensure that our rates are affordable, and these candidates have the knowledge necessary to steer Empire in the right direction.

Mail-in ballots should arrive any day now. Vote for energy expertise so Empire Electric and our community adapts and innovates.

Jeffrey Pope

Dolores