Directors needed to carry on traditions
Capital Electric Cooperative’s 62nd annual meeting will be held
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Dwight Wrangham, chairman of the Capital Electric board of directors, encourages members to consider serving their electric cooperative. |
June 3 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. This year, three members will be elected to serve on the board of directors. Longtime directors Duane “Rusty” Lasher and Bernard Falkenstein, both from District 2, recently announced they will not seek re-election. Blaine Doppler, a director from District 1, also declined to seek re-election.
Elected to serve three-year terms, the nine members who make up the Capital Electric board of directors set policies and make decisions which guide the cooperative into the future. Dwight Wrangham, chairman of the board, says with three of those nine seats available this summer, it’s time for members to start thinking about whether they have the time and desire to serve their electric cooperative.
“I encourage anyone who thinks this may be something they’d like to do, to learn more about serving their cooperative. Talk to current or former directors or call the cooperative, tour the service area and experience firsthand why it’s an exciting time here at Capital Electric,” Wrangham says.
“I can assure that you will enjoy, benefit and feel gratified by your service. If you visit with any of the directors, you will likely find they’ve served for many years—not because they have to, but because they want to. They find it rewarding, and I believe you will, too.”
Chairman Wrangham answered the following questions:
What qualities should a candidate possess?
“Directors must have a willingness to serve and a desire to carry on the traditions of Capital Electric Cooperative while planning for the future. Our directors work to furnish the membership with reliable, cost-based electric power.”
Do candidates need to be well-versed in the electric industry?
“No; candidates need not be experts in the electric industry. The decisions made by the board relate more to policy rather than operation. However, directors will learn more about how the budget works and how the cooperative is governed. Directors may pursue the credentialed cooperative director certificated program through the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, as well as other educational opportunities offered through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.”
What is the time commitment necessary to serve on the board?
“The board of directors meets once a month, and that meeting lasts the better part of one day. Prior to the meeting, directors will review mailed material in preparation for the board meeting. Occasionally, directors will be requested to attend additional meetings or other functions on behalf of the cooperative. Other elective regional and national meetings can add up to 10 additional days per year.”
Do directors receive compensation for their time?
“Yes, they receive compensation for the days they serve. While it is not a salary, it is compensation for some of the time commitment.”
This summer, the Capital Electric board will lose two directors who have each served on the board for more than 30 years. What will the board lose, and gain?
“We greatly value the institutional knowledge and wisdom Rusty Lasher and Bernie Falkenstein bring to the board; they will be greatly missed. At the same time, it is an opportunity for new directors to bring a fresh perspective to the board. This will be a time of transition for Capital Electric. Our main priority is to make sure the board is well-represented, both now and in the future. Fortunately, we have directors who have served varying lengths of terms, from one to 33 years. Each person brings his or her own thoughts and ideas to the table, and this diversity encourages amore thorough discussion of the issue at hand.”
Why did you choose to run for the board, and when were you elected?
“I can remember lineworkers drilling holes for the poles which brought electricity to our family farm northeast of Bismarck. I’ve always been aware of the importance of Capital Electric Cooperative. As an adult, I attended the cooperative’s annual meetings and observed the election process. I realized being a director was something I wanted to do. I was elected to the board in 1994.”
What have you learned in your service to the board?
“I learned the importance of working together; of sharing and listening to the varying views of my fellow directors, and making decisions knowing all views have been considered.”
What can the members of Capital Electric learn from your service, and why should they consider serving on the board?
“I’ve served on the board for 13 years, and those 13 years have been extremely gratifying. We live in an area where the demographics continue to change and expand. We’ve seen a lot of growth. Capital Electric has been a vital part of this community since 1948, and we’re here to stay.
“Teamwork, both in and out of the boardroom, has contributed to our success. I want to thank our current directors and employees, and take a moment to reflect on our history. Cooperatives were formed to accomplish what one person alone could not do. Together, we continue to provide affordable and reliable electric service to our member-owners and take pride in our growth. Now we must look to the future and fill three crucial spots on the Capital Electric board of directors. If you have an interest in being a part of this exciting future, please contact myself or any of my fellow directors or the cooperative office to learn how you can contribute to the community by serving on the board.”