More than 6,700 Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) members cast ballots during a special election completed on Tuesday, July 26th. Results for 3 ballot items and a director election in VEC’s District 3 were announced on Tuesday evening at a special meeting of the VEC membership which was held at VEC headquarters in Johnson. A proposed transmission line upgrade from Lowell to Jay passed with 5,340 votes in favor and 1,379 opposed; an agreement to purchase power from Hydro-Quebec passed with 5,970 votes in favor and 700 votes opposed; and a bylaw amendment allowing the board of directors to set methods allowing for the retirement of patronage capital passed with 5,572 in favor and 991 opposed.
‘High voter turnout reflects the importance of energy issues to VEC members. As an electric cooperative, our members have a voice in making important decisions about our energy future,’ said CEO Dave Hallquist. ‘The level of involvement in this election is unprecedented and we view this as a very positive sign for the future of our democratic organization. This is one of the advantages of being a co-op.’
Voter participation in this special election was more than double the participation seen at VEC’s recent annual meeting election in May. Ballot Question #1 regarding the $12 million in transmission upgrades drew the greatest amount of interest primarily because the upgrade would provide a connection to the electric grid for GMP’s renewable wind project in Lowell.
In VEC’s District 3, candidate Carol Maroni was elected with 379 votes to fill a vacant seat on the VEC Board of Directors. Six other candidates ran for the open seat and results are as follows: Michael Ladd received 311 votes; Lerry Chase received 240 votes; Joseph Torter received 184 votes; Steve Merrill received 86 votes; Amy Kelly received 79 votes; and Dianne Laplante received 66 votes.
Source: VEC. 7.27.2011