The results of Vermont Electric Cooperative’s (VEC) annual election were announced at the Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Jay Peak Resort. A total of 2,972 members cast their ballots for five ballot items and four director seats.Two bylaw changes passed, oneencouraging all eligible members to run for the Board of Directors and the other allowing directors to participate in board meetings by videoconference. A bylaw change that would have placed term limits on directors was voted down by the membership.
A ballot item approving VEC’s participation in a 2.5 megawatt solar project also passed, as did a Capacity Purchase and Sale Agreement with nuclear power producer NextEra Energy Seabrook, LLC.
Four positions on the VEC Board of Directors were up for election. In total, eight candidates vied for these director seats.
In District 1, incumbent Don Worth of Island Pond ran unopposed and received 379 votes.
In District 6, candidates Molly Lambert of Swanton and John Youland of Montgomery Center ran for this seat. Molly Lambert won with 182 votes, while John Youland received 178 votes.
In District 7, former Board member John (Jack) Miller of North Hero ran unopposed and received 441 votes.
For the West Zone At-Large seat, incumbent Dan Carswell of Franklin won reelection with 554 votes. Leslie Nulty of Jericho Center received 496 votes; Bob Pearl of Grand Isle received 327 votes; and Charlie Van Winkle of Underhill received 254 votes.
Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, VEC is the largest locally-owned electric distribution utility in Vermont, serving more than 32,000 Co-op members located in 74 towns in northern Vermont.
Source: VEC 5.12.2015