Members vote only for candidates representing their respective districts.

DISTRICT #1 CANDIDATES

Michael L. Nugent:  I, Michael L. Nugent, have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. for 20 years.

My board experience includes the Unocal Employees Federal Credit Union from 1993 to 1996; the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2000; the Kenai Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2003; the North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2003 and Homer Electric Association from October 2003 to present.

My work experience includes three years as a Mechanical Engineer in oil refining in Texas; four years as a Mechanical Engineer in the copper smelting industry in Montana; 15 years as a Mechanical Engineer and in various supervisory positions at fertilizer facilities in Alaska, Washington, and California; four years as owner/operator of a small grains and hay farm in Montana; six years as General Manager of Agrium’s Kenai Nitrogen Operation in Kenai, Alaska. I am presently retired and enjoying Alaska.

If elected to represent the members of Homer Electric Association, my main goal will be to ensure that electrical service be provided as reliably and as reasonably priced as possible, both now and in the future.

DISTRICT #2 CANDIDATES

Debbie Debnam:  I, Debbie Debnam, have been a member of HEA for 13 ½ years and have served on the HEA Board for the last six years. During this time, I served as Deputy Secretary, Secretary Treasurer, Finance Committee Chairman, voting delegate to NRECA, CFC, APA Acre/Care and NRTC. In 2003, I received an NRECA Utility Board Certification and graduated from the NRECA Management Internship Program.

I have been the owner of Alaska Wedding Brokers in Sterling for seven years and have done independent business and financial consulting since 1976. My extensive utility experience was drawn from 15 ½ years of utility management in Alaska.

If elected my goal will be to work for the members of HEA with perseverance and dedication to seek ways to minimize the escalating cost of electricity affected by the dwindling supplies of natural gas.  Also, to prudently go forward with new technologies and search for alternate energy sources for power generation.

Ed Oberts:  I, Ed Oberts, was born in Soldotna and grew up on my Dad’s homestead in Sterling. I graduated from SOHI in 1981. My wife, Leona Oberts, owns and operates Cornerstone Books and Supplies. Our daughter, Allyson, now attends SOHI.

As a realtor at Redoubt Realty, I see our community continuing to change and grow. I have enjoyed working for the borough Mayor, the Alaska Legislature and the City of Kenai. I have also worked in the Oil and Gas, Tourism and Fishing industries.

My past board experience includes serving as the President of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, elected to the Central Emergency Services Board, and appointed to the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Board.

I am concerned about the future of electrical rates as our local natural gas prices are being linked to the Henry Hub price of natural gas in Louisiana. As your elected representative overseeing the operations of Homer Electric, my goals will be:

• Safety first
• Reliability
• Low cost electricity

I will take my role as board member seriously looking out for the best interest of the Member/Owners and will only authorize money to be spent as if it were my personal money.

 DISTRICT #3 CANDIDATES

Loren Ahlers:  I, Loren Ahlers, have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. for two years.

My board experience includes: Charter member, North Slope Borough Utility Board, Charter member, North Slope Borough Electric Enterprise Tariff Board, member, Arctic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative, City council member and Mayor, City of Kaktovik.

My work experience includes:  Mechanical Operator Barter Island Dew Line Site, member, Operating Engineers Local 302; owner, Barter Island Electric (providing electricity for the City of Kaktovik, Alaska); Supervisor, North Slope Borough Utility Department, Kaktovik, Alaska; Supervisor, North Slope Borough Department of Municipal Services, Kaktovik, Alaska; owner, Loren Ahlers Plumbing (providing plumbing, heating, mechanical for Community of Kaktovik, Alaska); Plant Manager for Harold Kaveolook School, Kaktovik, Alaska, retired 2006.

If elected, I will represent the members of our Cooperative by being open and accessible to them. I believe we need to become self-sufficient in the generation of electricity and provide safe, clean, reliable, economical power throughout our service area.

Jenny Dewees:  I, Jenny Dewees, have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. for 10 years.

My work experience includes waitressing, childcare, caregiving, and customer service.

If elected to represent the members of Homer Electric Association, my main goal will be to keep members informed of developments in HEA’s progress with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority on issues pertaining to the Healy Coal power plant as I feel this is an important development, to not only Healy, but all HEA members.

Brian Hirsch:  I, Brian Hirsch, have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. for five years.

My board experience includes: Chair of Cook Inlet Alliance, President of Fireweed Academy, founding member of Growing Power, Inc., community food security organization, and founding member of the Sustainable Energy Council of the Alaska Peninsula

My work experience includes:  Development Director of Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, a coalition of 64 Tribes and First Nations in Alaska and Canada; Executive Director of Earth Energy Systems, addressing renewable energy and community development in rural Alaska; Private consultant to businesses, state and federal government agencies, tribal governments, corporations, Universities, and non-profits; energy analyst.

If elected to represent the members of Homer Electric Association, my main goals will be to:

• Research and develop alternative and renewable energy technologies to ensure the lowest possible energy rates for HEA members over the short and long term, thus promoting local economic development.
• Increase reliability of power distribution, especially in remote areas.
• Work with local contractors to promote renewable energy on new and existing construction.
• Increase training and job opportunities.
• Conserve non-renewable resources and reduce pollution from energy production.

Roseleen “Snooks” L. Moore:  I, Roseleen L. Moore, have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. for 30+ years.

My board experience includes current HEA board, past chairperson; Alaska CFAB, board member, past chairman; United Fisherman of Alaska, member; North Pacific Fisheries Association, member; Homer Chamber of Commerce, member, past treasurer; Women’s Fisheries Network, member; Kachemak Bay Defense Fund, board member, Secretary/Treasurer; Alaska Seafood Promotional Council, board member; National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council, board member, chairman; National Fisheries Institute, member.

My work experience includes 26 years co-owner of Northern Enterprises Boat Yard, Inc., 37 years owner/operator of fishing operation in Cook Inlet, AK Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound. Currently fishing Bristol Bay on F/V Razor’s Edge.

If elected to represent the members of Homer Electric Association, my main goal will be to keep our electric rates competitive with the rest of the Railbelt area of Alaska. Competitive rates will hopefully attract new business to the Peninsula. We have had a lot of change on the board, and though change is good, stability is also important for any organization.