4 May 2009
Candidate Response: Mark Mayfield
Why do you wish to serve as a Director of PEC?
It would be my hope to restore the trust of the membership with its Cooperative leadership, and to continue to build upon the excellent utility service that has been provided over the years by the PEC.
Please explain what you see as the proper role of a Director of PEC.
Having served on several national, state and local Boards and public bodies, the role of a Director is primarily three things: 1) The creation of its public policy; 2) Public accountability and transparency within the implementation of that policy; and 3) Fudiciary responsibility unto its membership.
What do you see as the one or two greatest challenges facing PEC in the next year?
1) Restoring the public trust which will allow PEC to move forward and build upon its successes; 2) The creation and implementation of renewable energy policies as we face ever rising energy costs and climate change.
There are currently pending two legislative bills in Austin regarding the governance of electric co-ops in Texas. One is known as the Rose/Fraser Bill (HB1390 and SB 921) and the other is the Swinford Bill (HB 3820). The PEC board voted on April 6 to support the Swinford Bill and to oppose the Rose/Fraser Bill. If you had been a Director, how would you have voted and why?
Having read both bills, I would support HB3820. I completely support the public accountability provisions within both bills however I would be opposed to the regulatory oversight of the PUC and favor the consumer protection of the Attorney General. Having worked in a regulatory climate throughout my professional career, I understand the implementation and costs related to such regulation and approval processes. This cost ultimately is passed down to the membership, and in my opinion is generally unnecessary. I believe with real membership protection and participation, and a public accountability within the Co-op’s leadership, the people will govern effectively and efficiently.
Some members have advocated what they call a “Bill of Rights” for PEC members. Basically the idea is to require that certain aspects of governance such as fair elections open to all members, Open Meetings, and Open Records provisions can be changed only by a vote of the members, not by a By-law change adopted by the board of directors. Do you view this as a good idea? Please explain briefly.
I do, and I would support this, because it goes to the heart of what a Cooperative is; open governance and service to a membership body. I do not support the concept of the creation of public policy that will affect the masses being created and implemented by a chosen few when the masses have not been called upon, heard and given due consideration. Just because you are a Board member doesn’t always equate to being right.
What role, if any, do you feel PEC should play in promotion of so-called “distributed generation” of electricity by members (solar panels, wind etc.)?
I believe PEC should be a leader in the research and creation of alternative energy sources, and I would support the funding for such.
Based on the information available to you as a PEC member and candidate for Director, how would you rate the financial condition of PEC – strong, adequate, basically sound with a few problems, precarious, or other description. Please feel free to explain briefly.
At this point, I believe the financial condition is adequate. However, as we have learned, the recent reduction of the bond rating presents some serious caution in moving forward. The Board recently approved a new audit firm which I support. Further, internal auditing practices and effective internal controls could assure financial viability and provide general public and member confidence.
Should PEC adopt term limits for Directors?
Only upon vote by the general membership; again at the very heart of Cooperative purpose and government.
Do you think the cooperative model for electricity distribution service, first adopted in the 1930s, remains a viable model for the 21st Century? Please explain your views briefly.
Sure I do. Cooperatives should be about providing a utility service to its membership in the most effective and efficient manner possible. PEC has a proven record of this very activity. The lack of public accountability which has been its former model does not negate the fact that the membership has been provided with an excellent public utility at a fair price.
Mark Mayfield <mmayfield@txhf.org>
512.755.3024
Please take all discussions to the Candidate Forum.
2009-05-04 ::