United Electric Director Elections

3 candidates have announced their election bids for the United Electric Co-op Board of Directors.

United Electric Co-op Inc. bylaws allow member-owners to vote by mail-in ballot or in person at the annual meeting.

Enclosed with this instruction sheet are two envelopes: a prepaid return envelope addressed to United Electric and a secrecy envelope in which member-owners will place their completed ballot.

Member-owners mailing ballots must complete the following steps to ensure their vote counts:

  • Mark the ballot and put it in the colored secrecy envelope.
  • Insert the sealed ballot envelope in the return envelope provided.
  • Sign the return envelope.

Mailed ballots must be received at the United Electric office by Tuesday, March 15. Hand-delivered ballots may be submitted at United Electric by 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, or at the annual meeting by 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15.

Why vote?

Democratic member control is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles. This principle gives you a hand in shaping the way your cooperative operates. Make your voice heard. Cast your vote.


Ron Osterhout

Ronald Osterhout - Cassia

Ron Osterhout is a native of Burley, was raised on the family farm, and farmed with his father until graduating from Utah State University. Married in 1963, he and Judy are the parents of seven children, eighteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Business Experience: Over 35 years as Certified Public Accountant with experience auditing electric cooperatives and providing taxation, accounting, estate, financial planning, and advisory services.

Electric Cooperative Experience:

  • Director of United Electric Co-op, Inc. since 1998.
  • Director of Unity Light & Power Company before the consolidation of Unity Light & Power Cooperative and Rural Electric Cooperative to form United Electric Co-op, Inc. in 1998.
  • Served on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association from inception until 2018.
  • Served as the Idaho Director on the Board of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association in Arlington, Virginia from 2006 through 2014.
  • Presently represents United Electric Co-op, Inc. as Snake River Power Association Secretary and is treasurer for the Idaho Cooperative Utilities Association PAC and the Idaho Action Committee for Rural Electrification PAC. (Political Action Committees)

Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Utah State University with post graduate courses in business and accounting at Arizona State University.

Community Service: Member and past president of the Burley Rotary Club, Past president of the Burley Chamber of Commerce. Eagle Scout and lifetime involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Lifetime service in local church congregations.

Dedicated to our customers by:

  • Providing a safe and rewarding environment for employees.
  • Providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
  • Keeping our rates equitable for all classes of customers.
  • Preserving United Electric Co-op, lnc.’s longterm financial stability.
  • Continuing a fiscally sound Capital Credits retirement policy.

David Smith

David Smith - Cassia

Hi, my name is David Smith and I’m running for the United Electric Board of Directors. I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Heyburn, Idaho. For the last 25 years I have resided in the Unity area with my wife, Jeannie. We have three married children and seven grandchildren. In 1999, we started a custom farming business which we still own and operate. Through the last forty years, I have enjoyed serving our community. I have been involved with my church, served on the Burley FFA advisory committee, volunteered during the Spudman races and served as a past president of the Burley Booster Club. The rapid growth of our community will require strong decision-making skills and forward thinking, to keep our electrical coop successful. I look forward to working with other board members and the community. Thank you.


David Hruza

David Hruza - Minidoka

I was born in Rupert, Idaho, April 24, 1961, and oh, the lessons I learned growing up on the family farm and dairy. I graduated from Minico High School in 1979 with agricultural related interests. While at Minico I was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), band; I built a fifth-wheel stock trailer in Ag class; went to state on several judging contests and was an alternate to go to the national FFA conference for the Dairy judging contest in Kansas City.

I spent two years attending College in Jackson, Mississippi & Vancouver, Washington. I began farming in 1982. I farmed and operated a dairy full-time until 2000 when my interests turned toward insurance and investing.

As a licensed Insurance and Securities producer I opened Hruza Insurance Agency in 2001 with the desire to help people live safer more secure lives. I am a past president of NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors), Idaho State association and of NAIFA Southern Idaho’s local association. I am moderator for Leadership in Life Institute courses and Life Underwriter Training Council Federation courses through the American College and Naifa. I have worked closely with the NAIFA Federation on many legislative issues over the years. I have traveled back to Washington D.C. to represent NAIFA members Day on the Hill. I was recognized as Advisor of the Year by NAIFA Southern Idaho. I received the LUTCF designation in August of 2010 and was the recipient of the Bill Rankin Award in 2016.

I am also a member of the Big I Association for property and casualty insurers. I am a past President and Director of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. I am an Elder at Mini-Cassia Community Christian Church in Heyburn, Idaho. I belong to the National Ski Patrol and the Kiwanis Club. I thoroughly love what I do because it involves helping people.

Since I was elected to the United Electric Board 3/21/2018, I have earned my (CCD) Credentialed Cooperative Director designation. I am currently working on my (BLC) Board Leadership Certificate. I have 4 courses accomplished with 3 scheduled to finish by March 15, 2022. I have served and am serving as the voting delegate for United Electric at the annual meeting in March 2022.

Saving the best till last, I am blessed to have married Marlisa Dillon, October 21, 1983. We have six children, 4 of which we adopted in July of 2002. We reside northeast of Rupert and enjoy all the beauty and opportunities this area has to offer.