I have won re-election to the GVEA Board from District 4 members – 58% to my challenger’s 42% and was sworn in at the board meeting June 29, 2021. I will continue to diligently represent all GVEA members with my commitments outlined below.
I am running for re-election to the GVEA Board of Directors in District 4. The district boundaries and map are shown below. While much has been accomplished in the 5 1/2 years I’ve served, the next few years will be critical in guiding the future course of providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members. GVEA and I recognize that the money GVEA uses to operate is not ours – it’s the members’ money. This mean ALL members – residential and business, both commercial and industrial.
Campaigns tend to play to people’s fears and emotions. That’s not me. In service as a director, I will be honest in promoting trust with our members.
I have served on the GVEA Board for nearly 6 years, with 20 years prior actively engaging as a member. I feel fortunate to bring my expertise and broad knowledge of GVEA, technology, and the utility industry to complement a diverse board. We have accomplished a lot in the past 6 years, but of course, the challenges and opportunities don’t stop.
If I convey nothing else to you, with your trust, I pledge I will continue to serve you on the Board with honesty, integrity, knowledge, diligence, and commitment toward meeting our members’ energy needs for a brighter future. I ask for your vote.
Ballots will be sent out May 14, 2021 and the postcards that provide for on-line voting will be sent out May 13. On-line voting will be available at noon, Friday May 14, 2021.
A number of goals I seek in the next 3 years include:
- Stabilize and reduce rates
- Expand energy efficiency programs for members
- Increase reliability
- Facilitate Railbelt utilities working together
- Building Trust with members through actions and improved two-way communication
- Decide on how to address our aging 1960’s, 1970’s coal and diesel generation with solutions that will last at least 20 years.
- Setting a path to meet our 26% Carbon Reduction Goal by 2030.
- Upgrading technology in all areas of operations
- Continue to return capital $ credits to members
Here is my list of GVEA Accomplishments in the past 5 1/2 Years and significant issues before us into the future.
I support the following:
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GVEA Mission and Vision
Mission: Recognizing GVEA’s importance to the economic, environmental and social
viability of our communities, the Cooperative’s mission is to safely provide its
member-owners with reliable electric service, quality customer service and
innovative energy solutions at fair and reasonable prices.
- GVEA Values
- Strategic Directives from the Board of Directors to Management – aka Marching Orders.
- GVEA Bylaws
- GVEA Board of Directors Policy Manual
Keep up to date with GVEA issues by checking my Facebook page.
Members are always welcome to contact me directly for questions, concerns, or feedback.
Gary Newman
1083 Esro Rd.
Fairbanks, AK 99712
907-488-2001
gvea@chena.org
If you’ve read this far, congratulations. In recognition of GVEA’s 75th Anniversary, I’ve been researching back how electricity came and has developed in Fairbanks. You can download the presentation here. Note in particular Slide 6 for a comparison of electric rates in 1921 vs. today.
How are we doing compared to 100 years ago?
District 4 is described as including downtown Fairbanks, north of Airport Way and east of Peger Rd up to the Chena River; the subdivisions of Island Homes, Hamilton Acres, Shannon Park and Birchwood Homes; all areas east of the Steese Hwy heading north out of Fairbanks and south of Goldstream Rd, including Chena Hot Springs Rd; also Secluded Acres Subdivision, located east of Ft. Wainwright and north of the Chena River.
GVEA District 4 Map Boundaries – Zoom in as needed