Director Elections

The following candidates have filed petitions for election to the United Electric Co-op Board of Directors.

Cordell Searle

• Uncontested incumbent, Cassia

I was born and raised in Burley, graduating from Burley High School in 1984. I then attended Utah State University, majoring in accounting. After college, I returned to Burley to the farm with my family. I run a dairy and farm with my family south of Burley where we grow the majority of our feed on the farm that has been in our family for years.

Jodi and I have 7 daughters ranging in age from 25 to 43, and 22 grandchildren who are the joys of our lives.

It has been a privilege representing the members of United Electric Co-op as your board member for the past 16 years. I have served as the secretary and treasurer for the past 6 years. I have tried to represent the average United Electric customer because I feel that in these turbulent times, it is important to have board members who look out for everyone’s best interest. It is important for members to have open lines of communication with their board of directors so their voices, opinions, concerns, and suggestions for solutions can be heard.

This is a challenging time in the electric industry, as utilities and their customers are facing unprecedented pressures and changes. I have engaged in meetings with Bonneville Power Administration and other regional representatives to work toward viable solutions to the changing electric industry.

I would like to continue representing United Electric members as we find solutions and make difficult decisions that will affect our community in the future.

David Phillips

• 

  Uncontested incumbent, Minidoka

I am David Phillips, a born-and-raised native of this area. I was raised in Rupert where I met my sweetheart, Lorna. We have been happily married for 42 years. We have 3 children: Lindsay, Stegen, and Breonna, all of whom live here in Minidoka County. I loved raising my children here, and now watch my grandchildren grow in the same way.

I am proud to live in the United States of America where opportunities for everyone to succeed exist. I own and operate Silver Hawk Dynamics and Bitman Farms.

I enjoy working with people and coming up with creative solutions to problems. I have always been involved in electricity in 1 way or another since my graduation from a 2-year college in 1981. I love being on the board of United Electric, and my goal is to always advocate for, promote, and support the members of the United Electric Co-op. I find joy in improving the quality of their lives, and I love the idea of neighbors helping neighbors—or in this instance, co-ops helping co-ops.

I am honored and proud to serve you as director.