Homer Electric Association (HEA) members elected three directors to represent each district of HEA’s service territory after utilizing a mail-in ballot system. All members were mailed ballots to cast votes, due to the state’s social distancing guidelines.
Ballots and the required notice of the annual meeting, where voting would have normally taken place if not for the health mandates, were mailed to members on April 10. HEA told KSRM that their goal was to tabulate quickly so the election results could be announced on May 7. They were successful.
- In District One, which represents Kenai, Nikiski, and parts of Soldotna: James Duffield II of Kenai ran against Erik Hendrickson of Kenai. Members elected James Duffield II.
- In District Two, representing the rest of Soldotna, Sterling, and the Kasilof area: Charles “C.O.” Rudstrom of Soldotna ran unopposed and was elected to represent the district.
- In District Three, made up of South Kasilof and the Kachemak Bay area: incumbent Eugene Alan “Jim” Levine of Homer ran against Troy A. Jones of Homer and Pete Kinneen of Anchor Point. Voters re-elected Mr. Levine.
For any members experiencing problems or struggles and are in-need of HEA’s assistance, Bruce Shelley of HEA encourages members to contact them whenever necessary: “I do want to reach out because there are several people that are hurting due to loss of jobs and their businesses are at stake here. Please call-in to Homer Electric. Let us help you. We don’t know if you need that help unless you can give us a call, so please give us a call. We definitely want to help you during this time. A good number to call in on is (907) 235-8551. We want to help during this time.”