Nominating petitions for three district seats on the Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees will be available Monday, Feb. 12, at the cooperative’s office in Wellington.
Cooperative members interested in a seat will need to secure at least 25 signatures from members residing in their district, similar to the process that township trustees and school board members must follow.
Petitions must be filed with the cooperative by 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 12.
Board members whose terms expire in 2018 include James R. McConnell, District 2; Judy A. Pickworth, District 5; and Keith E. Lowe, District 8. The election will be conducted in June and July using mail and electronic ballots. Winners will be announced at the July 17 annual meeting.
How are the candidates selected?
Those who wish to represent their district on the board of trustees must reside in the district for which they are running. They must obtain at least 25 signatures of members within their respective district. Nominating petitions will be available starting Monday, Feb. 12.
What are the trustee petition particulars?
Under the LMRE Code of Regulations, a husband and wife hold a single, joint membership with the cooperative, and therefore only one can sign the petition for their joint membership. The signatures will be validated by the cooperative.
The candidate must be a resident of the district they hope to represent and must have received electric service from the cooperative for at least one year prior to being elected to the board of trustees.
Members are not eligible to seek election if they have been employed by the cooperative within the past five years. Candidates cannot be employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the cooperative or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures, or supplies to members.
What are the board’s primary responsibilities?
The board sets rates and policies and oversees the operation of the cooperative by approving budgets and work plans, reviewing financial and other reports, and appraising management performances.
How much time is required of a board member?
February through December, the board usually meets on the first Saturday of each month. The meetings begin at 8 a.m. and usually last four to five hours. The January meeting lasts the better part of a weekday in early to mid-January and is devoted to reviewing and approving the budget.
In addition to attending monthly meetings, board members spend four to 10 hours per month reading materials to prepare for the board meeting. Trustees also serve on one or two committees that meet periodically. Many attend state, regional, and national meetings, as well as various training and educational courses. Trustees are encouraged to complete a national certification program by the end of their second term.