I write this as an open letter to all OPALCO members residing in District 4 (Shaw, Bell, Canoe and Crane islands).

Elections for the Board of Directors are coming up, and we should all be receiving ballots in the mail mid-April. I want to strongly encourage all District 4 members to read the candidate statements (available on the OPALCO Web site ) and recognize what a remarkable candidate we have in John Bogert.

John’s background (bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton, master’s degree in electrical power engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, and a remarkable work history in the electrical power industry) make him a standout for this position. He has already served on the board as secretary/treasurer and is an outstanding and compassionate community leader on Shaw Island.

In these critical times, with all the environmental challenges that face us, John Bogert will provide the expertise and leadership that our island communities need. I urge you all to get your ballots and return them to OPALCO before noon April 30, or vote in person at the May 1st OPALCO annual meeting on the ferry.

Brian K. Lynch
Shaw Island