Voters have apparently decided that they want an insider to help the Snohomish County PUD lower its rates.
Early returns had former PUD employee Toni Olson leading business owner Betty Neighbors Tuesday evening for a position on the agency’s three-member commission.
Olson said she believes her experience gave her an advantage.
“(Voters) wanted a commissioner that had some understanding of the utility industry,” she said.
Olson retired from the PUD in October 2003 after working 22 years in a variety of administrative jobs, including assistant general manager. She also worked in private industry for 15 years.
The PUD has had some of the state’s highest electricity rates since the 2000-01 West Coast energy crisis. The high rates have contributed to a record number of power disconnections since 2000.
Olson, 59, is from Everett.
PUD commissioners serve six-year terms. The position was open because incumbent Cynthia First decided not to run again.
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