Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardInSandwich
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.
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Sorry but I disagree. It is exactly like Gunstock, a bunch of board members interfering with the management of a "company" that is, overall, functioning well. While I agree that the board is ultimately in charge, a wise board knows that they need to tread lightly and reign in their egos. The broadband initiative coming from outside management shows that the overall structure IS open to significant change. It IS happening. The fact that it is contentious and the rollout is a bit rocky is not surprising for a major change. That doesn't mean a power grab is necessary. THAT is what happened at Gunstock and appears to me what is happening here. The result was a dysfunctional "company".