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Originally Posted by jeffk
This "need" for "transparency" feels like what happened at Gunstock, a board thinking it is their job to override the management of the company. The management is focused and knowledgeable about the company and it's market. The governing board does NOT have this focus OR depth of knowledge. The board's job is oversite and setting the broader direction of the company by working WITH management, NOT micromanagement.
So, it is agreed by all that any information the board has requested it has access to. Where is a lack of transparency?
The board agreed that NHEC should diversify into internet access as a member service. That IS happening. The pace of that is NOT an issue since stuff happens on the way between planning and implementation.
It disturbs me that certain "enlightened" board members want to bypass security about members and contracts to make it "easier" to do their jobs. That seems irresponsible.
We have a utility that is providing reliable power and adding affordable internet services to more remote areas.
Let's not "Gunstock" it up with foolish and unnecessary bylaw changes or contentious directors that whine about such issues.
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JeffK, What's going on at NHEC is not remotely like the Gunstock debacle. As for the board "overriding" management, under the Co-op's structure members own the company, we elect the board, management works for the board, not the other way around. Also worth noting: as a utility NHEC has monopoly powers and as a co-op, it regulates itself -- unlike other utilities regulated by the state Public Utilities Commission. Thus, meaningful board oversight of the reasonableness of rates and effectiveness of operations is crucial. Finally, NHEC's new broadband venture illustrates the power of member engagement (it originated with members, not the board or the management) and it was launched by a fruitful collaboration between visionary board members and hard-working management. Both sides in the election debate agree the current board needs to be changed to achieve the result you -- and really, we all -- want: a well-functioning collaboration between board and management.