The issue of term limits is almost as heatedly debated as the issue of compensation. One of the pros of term limits is that it puts a harness on long-term corruption. We should not allow those who are wholly self-serving to stay on our board and term limits are a last resort method of ensuring that their trough feeding will come to an end. Term limits also put a cap on stale methods and doing things just because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Looking at the other side, experience can be a valuable asset in the performance of duties and, typically, persons new to a job or position are not as expert as those with years of practical application behind them. Developing the art of managing, directing, or providing oversight can be hard work if you’re new to a playing field. You can learn a great deal from books and lectures, but you will never learn as much as when you have hands-on experience. The opportunities to learn from others and from your own mistakes are invaluable and are to be prized. Although I have over two decades experience in the electric utility industry, I am not arrogant enough to assume that I know it all. Likewise, it will take some time for me to become fully knowledgeable of the cooperatives inner workings. This time and experience would allow me, over time, to more effectively carry out the fiduciary duties that are assigned to the Board.
As of now, three terms of three years each seems appropriate to me. It would give new members time to get up to speed and then give a healthy number of years of service to the coop in a knowledgeable and efficient manner. I think having experienced members on the board is crucial. But it is also crucial to have fresh insight and unique voices. By limiting board servitude to three terms, PEC could establish a healthy blend of experience and eagerness, and that will be beneficial to us all.
About Me
- Fromthisdesk
- Georgetown, Texas, United States
- I am a director in the electric utility industry with over two decades of experience. My career has challenged me to face and solve the issues facing us in the evolving electric generation landscape. My professional experience includes nuclear, fossil, hydro, and wind energy generation projects. I have managed and provided oversight for multi-million dollar capital projects totaling over one billion dollars including multiple Clean Air Act initiatives. I am a U.S. Naval submarine force veteran with over eight years of active duty including service during the Desert Storm initiative. I hold multiple certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP), LEED AP, U.S. Naval Nuclear Engineering Supervisor and Engineering Management from the University of South Carolina. I reside in Georgetown, TX and I am an active supporter of local civic and charitable organizations. The views expressed on this blog are my personal viewpoints and do not reflect the official opinion of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.