Vote Today in NHEC election...YES to bylaw change!

RichardInSandwich · 06-05-2024, 10:58 AM

If you get your power from NHEC, you can and should vote in the Co-op’s annual election — the liveliest in memory. But act now. Balloting closes on June 12, and if you’re voting by paper ballot, you should mail it right away to make sure it gets there on time. To vote online follow directions on the ballot.

Why should you bother? Well, the 85-year-old Co-op is owned by its members, who elect its governing board. And, as it’s now widely known, its governance is in crisis. For the past year or so, it’s been locked in an endless series of 6-5 votes. Board meetings are marked by contention. Each side blames the other, but it’s clear something must change.

Our grass-roots organization, NH Broadband Advocates, is the largest organized group of NHEC members. In 2020 we spearheaded the drive to get the Co-op into the broadband business, which now serves 10,000 members and is on target to expand to 60,000. We’ve played a role in the last four elections, we watch the Co-op’s affairs closely, and we care deeply about its success — both on the electric and the internet side.

We strongly believe the way to get the Co-op back on track is to vote YES on a simple, straightforward bylaws change that guarantees directors have access to the information they need to make sound decisions. And to vote for the only three candidates who support this amendment — incumbents Leo Dwyer and Jeff Morrill and first-timer Jerry Stringham.

Opponents of the bylaw amendment have resorted to scare tactics. See this link to a letter to the editor which appeared this Tuesday in the Laconia Daily Sun: https://www.laconiadailysun.com/opin...5d05247ed.html The proposal has safeguards to prevent the harms claimed by opponents.

Only about 10 percent of Co-op members typically participate in annual elections, so elections are typically decided by narrow margins — both for board candidates (this year there are 9) and for initiatives to amend the bylaws.

It’s in your interest to participate in this election! Use your privilege to vote!

Thanks for your attention.

Richard Knox, Chair
NH Broadband Advocates

06-05-2024, 10:58 AM	#1
RichardInSandwich Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2024 Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Vote Today in NHEC election...YES to bylaw change! If you get your power from NHEC, you can and should vote in the Co-op’s annual election — the liveliest in memory. But act now. Balloting closes on June 12, and if you’re voting by paper ballot, you should mail it right away to make sure it gets there on time. To vote online follow directions on the ballot. Why should you bother? Well, the 85-year-old Co-op is owned by its members, who elect its governing board. And, as it’s now widely known, its governance is in crisis. For the past year or so, it’s been locked in an endless series of 6-5 votes. Board meetings are marked by contention. Each side blames the other, but it’s clear something must change. Our grass-roots organization, NH Broadband Advocates, is the largest organized group of NHEC members. In 2020 we spearheaded the drive to get the Co-op into the broadband business, which now serves 10,000 members and is on target to expand to 60,000. We’ve played a role in the last four elections, we watch the Co-op’s affairs closely, and we care deeply about its success — both on the electric and the internet side. We strongly believe the way to get the Co-op back on track is to vote YES on a simple, straightforward bylaws change that guarantees directors have access to the information they need to make sound decisions. And to vote for the only three candidates who support this amendment — incumbents Leo Dwyer and Jeff Morrill and first-timer Jerry Stringham. Opponents of the bylaw amendment have resorted to scare tactics. See this link to a letter to the editor which appeared this Tuesday in the Laconia Daily Sun: https://www.laconiadailysun.com/opin...5d05247ed.html The proposal has safeguards to prevent the harms claimed by opponents. Only about 10 percent of Co-op members typically participate in annual elections, so elections are typically decided by narrow margins — both for board candidates (this year there are 9) and for initiatives to amend the bylaws. It’s in your interest to participate in this election! Use your privilege to vote! Thanks for your attention. Richard Knox, Chair NH Broadband Advocates