Runoff Election Results - Thank You District #1!
Results of the MPEI District #1 Runoff Board of Directors Election Announced on August 10th:
Ryan Zorn (349 votes)
Joe Smyth (328 votes)
Thank you to everyone who encouraged, supported, and voted for me. The local support during this process was really amazing. Special appreciation to Lisa and our kids--they are really the best ambassadors a candidate could have! On to the work ahead...
Ryan Zorn (349 votes)
Joe Smyth (328 votes)
Thank you to everyone who encouraged, supported, and voted for me. The local support during this process was really amazing. Special appreciation to Lisa and our kids--they are really the best ambassadors a candidate could have! On to the work ahead...
Initial Election Results
Results of the Initial MPEI District #1 Board of Directors Election Announced on May 13th:
Ryan Zorn (217 votes)
Joe Smyth (189 votes)
Phillip Archer (116 (votes): Phillip subsequently endorsed Ryan Zorn in advance of the runoff election
Christine Larkin (103 votes): Christine subsequently endorsed Ryan Zorn in advance of the runoff election
Ryan Zorn (217 votes)
Joe Smyth (189 votes)
Phillip Archer (116 (votes): Phillip subsequently endorsed Ryan Zorn in advance of the runoff election
Christine Larkin (103 votes): Christine subsequently endorsed Ryan Zorn in advance of the runoff election
Why Ryan Zorn?
Born and raised in a Colorado area served by a rural electric cooperative, I have a special appreciation for MPEI’s essential service and community impact. I graduated from Colorado School of Mines, and my career has been dedicated to analyzing the energy sector, weighing the costs and benefits of all energy sources, allocating capital towards the most deserving participants and projects, and leading small- to mid-size companies. These experiences are particularly relevant to the work of the MPEI board of directors.
For decades, we have not been confronted with budget-breaking costs, disrupted supply, or limitations on the energy choices that best serve our households and businesses. That is changing. MPEI recently voted to exit its contract with the current supplier of our electricity and now faces critical decisions regarding the future supplier of our power. As your representative, I will prioritize future supply sources that preserve grid stability, are able to scale seamlessly with customer needs, and are delivered at a regionally competitive cost while minimizing the impact to communities and environments that enable the production and transmission of our power. I will make decisions that are thoroughly researched and data-driven.
In addition to the coming transition related to our power supplier, MPEI just transitioned its day-to-day leadership with a new General Manager (in effect, its President) & Chief Financial Officer. I have occupied each of those executive roles during my career and understand the responsibilities these leaders have to the members and employees of MPEI. The board must be active in ensuring that these leaders are well-integrated in their roles and are having positive impacts on the culture at MPEI and the service it provides to its members.
Small communities offer unique opportunities to pitch in and create a positive impact for all. From coaching kids, to chaperoning eighth graders in D.C., or offering professional perspective at MPEI—I’m all in! #zorn4mpei
For decades, we have not been confronted with budget-breaking costs, disrupted supply, or limitations on the energy choices that best serve our households and businesses. That is changing. MPEI recently voted to exit its contract with the current supplier of our electricity and now faces critical decisions regarding the future supplier of our power. As your representative, I will prioritize future supply sources that preserve grid stability, are able to scale seamlessly with customer needs, and are delivered at a regionally competitive cost while minimizing the impact to communities and environments that enable the production and transmission of our power. I will make decisions that are thoroughly researched and data-driven.
In addition to the coming transition related to our power supplier, MPEI just transitioned its day-to-day leadership with a new General Manager (in effect, its President) & Chief Financial Officer. I have occupied each of those executive roles during my career and understand the responsibilities these leaders have to the members and employees of MPEI. The board must be active in ensuring that these leaders are well-integrated in their roles and are having positive impacts on the culture at MPEI and the service it provides to its members.
Small communities offer unique opportunities to pitch in and create a positive impact for all. From coaching kids, to chaperoning eighth graders in D.C., or offering professional perspective at MPEI—I’m all in! #zorn4mpei
Local Endorsements
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Former MPEI District #1 Candidates:
Phillip Archer Christine Larkin MPEI Members: Jen & Joe Gould (click to read) Katie & Christian Hornbaker (click to read) Whitney & Tyler Huber (SkyHi Op-Ed links here & here) Becky & Daren Jacobson (link to read) Kristie & Mark Spiewak (click to read) Lyndsey & Jason Stuerman (click & click to read) Jennifer & Jeff Bauckman Leah & Zane Bishop Mike Blevins Tony Bradley Kristen & Craig Cahalane Rich Cimino Eva & Tim Claus Tammy Cowgill Kerry & Jay Crandell Dani & David Deramo Pam Dudley Susan & Sky Foulkes Lisa & Neil Funk Rochelle & Jon Gould Rachel & Brad Hawkins Megan & Geoff Henderson Traci & Rick Holden Heidi & Chris Humber Rich Karlin Walter (Buz) Koelbel Andy Lewis Mark Line Kris Manguso Amanda & Mikie Morrison Angie & Derek Ortner Tara & Dave Prather Christy & Chris Raines Kristyn & Adam Roe Suzanne & Kirk Smith Tyler Spafford Owen Stanford Lorena & Alex Stokeld Lesa & Kevin Talley Sarah & Dan Thomas Amy & Tim Wilson 
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Mountain Parks Electric Candidate Questionnaire
How has your work experience, education and background prepared you to be a valuable addition to the MPEI Board of Directors?
After graduation from Colorado School of Mines, I’ve occupied leadership roles with multiple vantage points on the local, national, and global energy sector. These experiences combine to offer a deep understanding of energy systems and unique perspectives on the important issues facing MPEI which include the evaluation and handling of Tri-State contract termination costs, the negotiation of commercial terms on future power supply agreements, and the evaluation of economics and impacts of local generation projects that could be built and operated by MPEI--all while ensuring that recently hired day-to-day leaders of MPEI are integrated and successful in their roles.
MPEI’s mission is to deliver safe, reliable, cost-effective, sustainable energy and services to better the lives of our members and communities. Its vision is to be the energy provider of choice and to support the communities we serve while realizing the full potential of the grid. What does this mean to you?
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For approximately 23,000 customers, MPEI is the sole provider of electricity that underpins modern living and the protection of life and property from a harsh mountain climate. Therefore, the standard for delivering safe and reliable power no matter the conditions is incredibly high. Because electricity is a non-discretionary expense, providing service at a transparent, stable, and regionally competitive cost allows consumers to optimize consumption choices that meet their needs within their budgets. Finally, MPEI should prioritize and secure power from sources that can preserve grid stability while minimizing impacts on environments and communities that generate and transmit our supply.
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As a not-for-profit, consumer-owned utility (a co-op), commitment to community is one of MPEI’s core principles. How are you involved in the local community?
I was born and raised in rural Colorado within a household that prioritized community service. My wife, Lisa, and I have three kids in East Grand schools allowing me frequent interaction with the Fraser community. I eagerly support causes that promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and quality education. I just finished coaching three basketball teams for Fraser Valley Recreation and assist with local youth and middle school football programs. Lisa and I are recent additions to the local Young Life board. Unfortunately, I’ll miss the MPEI annual meeting as I’ll be chaperoning East Grand Middle School eighth graders on their trip to Washington D.C.
Is there anything about MPEI that you would like to change?
There is plenty of change already happening at MPEI--which should not be underestimated. This board will have its hands full in two critical areas. First, MPEI recently hired a new General Manager and Chief Financial Officer from outside the organization. It is imperative that the board ensure that these day-to-day leaders of the organization are effective and successful in cultivating culture and service that we can all be proud of. Second, this board will be tasked with perhaps the most consequential decision in MPEI's 77-year history--the selection of and transition to a new power supplier. I can't think of a more exciting and important time to have a front row seat in evaluating innovative alternatives, identifying and minimizing risks, and seizing new opportunities for the benefit of MPEI customers.
Meanwhile, let's not take for granted what MPEI has been providing to its members. MPEI’s electricity rates have not changed since 2016—that stability has been a great service to our community during an inflationary environment. At the end of the day, reliability of service at low and transparent prices matters most to energy consumers and the vitality of our local economy. I will do everything I can to ensure that MPEI is run efficiently with local customer service as a top priority and to prudently navigate the coming changes to the energy systems that MPEI manages.
Meanwhile, let's not take for granted what MPEI has been providing to its members. MPEI’s electricity rates have not changed since 2016—that stability has been a great service to our community during an inflationary environment. At the end of the day, reliability of service at low and transparent prices matters most to energy consumers and the vitality of our local economy. I will do everything I can to ensure that MPEI is run efficiently with local customer service as a top priority and to prudently navigate the coming changes to the energy systems that MPEI manages.