Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Committee clears two for LPEA board race

Critics say conflicts of interest taint candidates

A La Plata Electric Association special committee ruled that two aspiring candidates for next month’s election to fill four LPEA board seats are eligible to run.

The decision Thursday followed a sometimes sharp debate Wednesday among current board members and critics who said that incumbent Britt Bassett and first-time candidate Gregg Dubit should be ineligible because of conflicts of interest.

Critics, led by Christi Zeller, said Bassett and Dubit work for or have vested interests in LPEA competitors who sell electricity. Article III Section 2 of LPEA bylaws says that to become or remain an LPEA board member, a person may “not be in any way employed by a business selling electric energy or (be) a major supplier of the cooperative.”

Zeller, who is the executive director of the La Plata County Energy Council, made the objections at Wednesday’s board meeting. She said she was not there in her role with the council but as a concerned citizen.

Zeller and supporters said Bassett helped write regulations for solar gardens and now has an interest in one. A solar garden is a communal investment in a solar array large enough to sell excess energy to LPEA through net metering.

Dubit is a self-employed energy auditor and an independent contractor to Shaw Solar.

Zeller, in a phone interview Thursday, thanked the committee for a thorough investigation but said she is disappointed by its decision.

“I want more transparency,” Zeller said. “I’d also like to see a code of ethics for LPEA board members and disclosure statements by candidates and elected members.

“I‘m glad I was able to focus some sunshine on this issue,” Zeller said.

The election supervisory committee was given the task of interpreting Article III Section 2 of the bylaws. Committee members are Barry Spear, the LPEA legal counsel; Tiffany Lee Parker, La Plata County clerk and recorder; and Cindy Straight, the LPEA billing clerk.

In a statement Thursday, Spear said the committee considered comments at the Wednesday board meeting, Zeller’s email alleging conflict of interest, correspondence with Bassett and Dubit and a confidential memorandum from him to the board.

Committee members interpreted the words of the bylaws literally, as ordered by the board, Spear said.

“Mr. Bassett and Mr. Dubit are not employed by a business which sells electric energy,” Spear’s statement said. “Therefore, Ms. Zeller’s request to disqualify these candidates from the election at the LPEA annual meeting is denied, and the candidates are considered qualified.”

daler@ durangoherald.com



Reader Comments