There must be a dramatic shift in authority and power at the PUD. Historically, the manager had the responsibility to manage and lead the PUD. That arrangement worked successfully for many years. The board of commissioners acted as advisors and maintained a direct link to the public interests.
There was a shift in that arrangement when it became popular for the commission to assume leadership. The manager got his marching orders from the commission. That is no longer practical. We have a rate crisis that we must successfully work through with leadership we can trust.
The three elected commissioners have lost their way. They are not viewed as effective leaders of the utility. In a meeting, Cynthia First defined her role as PUD commissioner: “We are basically citizen volunteers receiving a stipend” in her exact words. Results prove this is not good enough – we need a heavy hitter.
It was a pleasant surprise to me that Ed Hansen accepted the challenge to manage the PUD. He is a proven leader, respected locally and nationally. But, with the election just months away, it’s only natural that commissioners want to survive politically. Commissioner Berkey is trying to emerge as the leader. I say to Commissioner Berkey, and the other two: take a well-deserved break. Commissioners: stand down and let Hansen run the utility – restore authority to the manager.
The PUD and northwest utilities must unite to speak with a common voice to address the chaos within BPA. BPA would like to see an additional $800 million dollar revenue increase this fall. They are seeking input from the public. Ratepayers: give them some ideas – tell the BPA to reduce its multi-billion dollar budget.
This shift in leadership authority needs to happen not only for the ratepayers, but also for the employees of the district who have been humiliated and embarrassed by the events in recent months. They have not seen the pride and respect deserving of effective leadership of the PUD in years.
Marysville
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