WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A BOARD MEMBER?

Article III, Section 1 of the Wharton County Electric Cooperative Bylaws states, “The business affairs of the Cooperative shall be managed by a board of nine (9) directors, which shall exercise all of the powers of the Cooperative except such as are by law or by the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative or by these bylaws
conferred upon or reserved to the members.”  The board’s job is to develop policies and goals and to see that these goals are carried out by management.

To be eligible to serve on the board, you must be a member in good standing; reside in the district you represent; not be in a business primarily engaged in selling
electrical or plumbing fixtures/supplies to the members of the cooperative; and not be related to a WCEC employee or director.

When a membership is held jointly, either the husband or wife is eligible to be a director as long as both meet the qualification requirements.

In addition to meeting the qualifications set out in the bylaws, a prospective board member needs to understand that there is a time commitment involved in serving on the
WCEC board. During the year, board members devote an average of four hours a week to WCEC. This includes not only the monthly board meeting but also reviewing and preparing for meetings, attending training and talking to members. The board meetings are held at night, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Prospective board members need not have a background in co-ops or even in business—but an open mind, common sense and a willingness to listen to alternate viewpoints is essential. The most important qualification a board member can have is to care and want what is best for all concerned. 

In late March, a nominating committee will meet to select a slate of candidates for three seats on the WCEC board. Up for nominations this year are:

• DISTRICT #2: Currently held by Leroy Kaspar. Mr. Kaspar has reached the end of his term limits and is not eligible to be re-elected.
• DISTRICT #5: Currently held by A.J. Kresta. Mr. Kresta has reached the end of his term limits and is not eligible to be re-elected.
• DISTRICT #8: Currently held by Jim W. Harton who is eligible to run for another term.

If you live in one of these districts and meet the qualifications, please consider running for the board. Contact Brenda R. Silva, WCEC executive secretary, by Monday,
March 9. She will put you in contact with the nominating committee. If you do not live in one of these districts, please consider running in 2021 or 2022.