The following candidates have filed petitions for election to United Electric Co-op's Board of Directors:
Brent Bowen
I was born and raised in Burley, Idaho, on a farm south of Burley in the Pella area, where I currently reside. I attended school in Burley and graduated from the Burley High School. I furthered my education at Brigham Young University, majoring in agricultural economics. I served a 2-year mission in England and Wales for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
After college, I returned to the Pella area and began my farming career. I currently produce sugar beets, garden bean seeds, and certified wheat seeds.
I married Julie Baker, also from Burley. Together, we have 4 wonderful children: 2 sons and 2 daughters.
I served on the Unity Light and Power Board for several years and helped with the process of merging with Rural Electric. I went off the board at that time when the board was reduced to its current size. I am now serving on the current board and enjoy working with the management and staff of United Electric.
I am interested in the issues concerning our power rates in all aspects, especially irrigation. Because of this, I am proud that we are a cooperative and are owned and governed by the members we serve.
Thank you,
Brent Bowen
Dean Nielsen
Dean was born and raised in Paul, Idaho. He attended Paul School, West Minico Jr High, and Minico High School, graduating in 1974. He attended college at Weber State and Boise State for a short time before realizing he wanted to be at home working on the farm.
Dean married Jill in 1978, and they began their life together, having 2 children, Adam and Daisy. Adam and Amy have 2 children, Jack and Adalyn. Daisy and Randy have 2 children, Dalana and Nick. Throughout his career, he has always been involved with the family in the business of farming and feeding cattle with his father, brother, and currently with his son, Adam, and his grandson, Jack. Dean and Jill joined Adam and Amy, and together, they opened Double Check Supply in 2001.
Dean began serving on the United Electric board in May 2006 after being appointed to fill out the remaining term of a board member who had moved. During his time on the board, he served as board president for 3 years. Dean states he has served on this board with many distinguished gentlemen, and it has been an honor and pleasure to serve with them. He also has enjoyed his relationship with the managers and staff at United. He would like to continue serving on the board to help keep the co-op strong and try to keep rates as low as possible.
Dean is currently serving on the board of directors at Amalgamated Sugar. In the past, he served for 18 years on the Minidoka County ASCS/FSA committee and 3 years on the Idaho Cattle Association Board.