The two candidates for public utilities commissioner from District 1 offer differing viewpoints and experiences. Fortunately for voters, both have strong credentials and could effectively guide Clark Public Utilities.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Sherry Erickson for the position while acknowledging that James Oneil also is a worthy candidate. As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to provide information and foster discussion. The Columbian trusts that voters will seek out information about the candidates before casting an informed vote.
Erickson and Oneil are running to succeed Jim Malinowski, who did not seek reelection in the north county district. The winner will be elected to a six-year term on a three-person commission that oversees Clark Public Utilities, which provides electricity and water throughout the region. The job is becoming increasingly difficult, with climate change, advancing technology and mandates from lawmakers in Olympia impacting those basic functions.
In that regard, Erickson’s experience will be particularly valuable. She is trained as an engineer and has worked as a consultant for utilities throughout the United States, developing valuable technical knowledge regarding how energy is produced and delivered. During an interview with the Editorial Board, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges.
“I would rather invest in hydro than wind at this point in time,” she said, adding that she supports the development of small modular nuclear reactors.
As Erickson writes in her campaign materials: “Advances in technology and complex customer demands are fundamentally changing the utility industry. We need an energy expert to ensure that the power supply and clean water are uninterrupted.”
Oneil has a background in business development and a long history of community service that has resulted in several notable endorsements and a strong fundraising effort. He is knowledgeable about Clark Public Utilities but does not have the breadth of technological knowledge demonstrated by Erickson. Instead, he is focusing his campaign on customer service and engagement with the community — also important functions of a publicly owned utility.
“My main concern is reliability and affordability,” he told the Editorial Board.
Oneil also wisely points to the economic impact of Clark Public Utilities. On his campaign website, he writes: “CPU is a community-focused company that aids in job creation and supports regional economic development initiatives. CPU supports the community in so many ways — from the Stream Team to group volunteerism to Operation Warm Heart; there is no shortage of ways CPU gives back.”
Clark Public Utilities has a strong tradition of reliability and excellent customer service. But changes to the industry – driven by climate change and statewide efforts to reduce carbon emissions – will present new challenges.
Erickson offers insight on how to best meet those challenges. In speaking with the Editorial Board, she highlighted the importance of securing grants to help fund innovative projects. In her campaign materials, she stresses the development of incentives and strategic pricing to shift customer habits and avoid overloading the electrical grid during peak hours.
Oneil also has strong ideas for providing efficient service, but Erickson’s industry knowledge gives her a slight edge. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Sherry Erickson for public utilities commissioner from District 1.
