Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative will hold an election this spring for board directors serving co-op districts 1, 2 and 3. All co-op members in those districts have an opportunity to vote by mail or online. Ballots and voting instructions were mailed April 29.
As a cooperative, Polk-Burnett is owned by its members and governed by a board of directors elected from its membership. Board directors serve a three-year term and attend monthly meetings to guide policy and budget decisions for Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.
"Each member has a vote in the election of board directors," said General Manager Steve Stroshane. "Electric cooperatives are unique because we are owned and governed by the members we serve. Co-op directors are local members who live and work here. They understand and listen to our local community. They represent the best interests of all members when making decisions for the co-op and respond to local issues-such as economic development and renewable energy-with hometown values.Local board governance is one of the greatest advantages of our co-op business model."
When decision makers are elected by local peers, you can be certain our local community is represented. Co-op directors live in the communities we serve and want to see our local communities thrive.
Co-op District 1 includes parts of Osceola, Alden and Garfield townships, and Farmington and Somerset townships. Incumbent Director Cindy Thorman of Osceola is running unopposed.
Co-op District 2 includes part of Osceola Township, and St. Croix Falls, Eureka, Sterling, Laketown and Milltown townships. On the ballot are incumbent Director Mike Morris of Luck and Erick Vitalis of St. Croix Falls.
Co-op District 3 includes part of Garfield and Alden townships, and Lincoln, Blackbrook, Clear Lake, Vance Creek, Star Prairie, Forest and New Haven townships. Incumbent Director Ed Gullickson of Amery is running unopposed.
Election results will be announced at Polk-Burnett’s 82nd annual meeting July 8, which will be held online this year; there will be no in-person meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
See map of co-op districts and more information about the co-op’s board of directors.