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If you’re reading this, you are probably paying more for your energy than you have to! Other rural electric cooperatives in our region have kept their rates from rising by relying on more locally produced energy and being forward thinking in how they deliver energy and organize to ensure the best service for their members.
As a member-owner of Grand Valley Power (GVP), you have the power to vote for board members who prioritize cheaper, locally-sourced energy. Voting begins on July 8 and ends with the election on August 8.
In much of Colorado, big, out-of-state companies call the shots on energy and Coloradans have little say in how it is sourced, managed, or priced. But we have the freedom to vote for candidates who will keep our costs low and support producing energy right here at home. In 2027, GVP will be moving away from their contract with Xcel to a new contract with Guzman Energy that will allow them to produce 20% of our power locally, as opposed to 5% under the current contract. We need leaders on the board who will work hard to produce energy locally so we can take advantage of the energy resources we have right here in our backyard.
The importance of these elections cannot be overstated; these elections have an impact on everything from how much we pay, where we get our energy from, what mix of energy resources we use to generate our power, transparency of decision making, and what services are provided to member-owners like you. Typically less than 10% of member-owners in Grand Valley Power vote in these elections, and we want to see more member-owners make their voices heard in their energy future.
Please commit to voting in the Grand Valley Power elections this year to ensure a healthy, just, and self-reliant Western Colorado.
If you’re reading this, you are probably paying more for your energy than you have to! Other rural electric cooperatives in our region have kept their rates from rising by relying on more locally produced energy and being forward thinking in how they deliver energy and organize to ensure the best service for their members.
As a member-owner of Grand Valley Power (GVP), you have the power to vote for board members who prioritize cheaper, locally-sourced energy. Voting begins on July 8 and ends with the election on August 8.
In much of Colorado, big, out-of-state companies call the shots on energy and Coloradans have little say in how it is sourced, managed, or priced. But we have the freedom to vote for candidates who will keep our costs low and support producing energy right here at home. In 2027, GVP will be moving away from their contract with Xcel to a new contract with Guzman Energy that will allow them to produce 20% of our power locally, as opposed to 5% under the current contract. We need leaders on the board who will work hard to produce energy locally so we can take advantage of the energy resources we have right here in our backyard.
The importance of these elections cannot be overstated; these elections have an impact on everything from how much we pay, where we get our energy from, what mix of energy resources we use to generate our power, transparency of decision making, and what services are provided to member-owners like you. Typically less than 10% of member-owners in Grand Valley Power vote in these elections, and we want to see more member-owners make their voices heard in their energy future.
Please commit to voting in the Grand Valley Power elections this year to ensure a healthy, just, and self-reliant Western Colorado.
Meet the candidates running to represent you
Jim Marshall
Education: Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 1978.
Professional Experience: Certified Petroleum Geologist; Consultant in oil and gas, mining, and environmental fields; 45 years.
Volunteer Experience: Co-chair GJ Cleantech Business Coalition, 2019-present; Programmer for KAFM Community Radio, 1999-2023; Board member KAFM Radio, 2001-2003 (President, 2003); Mesa County COVID Response Team volunteer, 2021; Board member La Roche HOA, 2024-present; Part-time caregiver, senior neighbor couple, 2020-present; Member 50th HS Reunion Committee.
Lindsay Byers-Gray
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Colorado State University, 2008; Fruita Monument HS, 2003.
Professional Experience: Self-employed for 10 years; Past nonprofit, higher education, and entrepreneurial work: Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Christian University.
Volunteer Experience: Kiwanis Club, Young Professionals Network, Family Health West Governing Board, Family Health West Foundation Board.
Thomas Lake
Education: Master’s Degree in Health Administration.
Professional Experience: Hospital Administrator, Supply Chain Manager.
Volunteer Experience: Various boards of nonprofits: Habitat for Humanity, Roaring Fork Credit Union, Clover Glenn Homeowners Association.
Jesse Mease (Incumbent)
Professional Experience: Owner of Monument Powder Coating, Inc., for 21 years; and MaxiSweep, Inc., a manufacturing company for swimming pool vacuums, since 2020.
Volunteer Experience: Current Vice-President, Grand Valley Power Board of Directors (also board representative to Western United Electric Supply); Lower Valley Fire District Board of Directors; 4-H and FFA; Fruita Monument High School Boys Wrestling Team; Maverick Aquatics Swim Club; Mesa County Swine Superintendent for 10 years; Deacon for Loma Community Church for 10+ years.
Bill Rooks (Incumbent)
Education: Master’s Degree, Adams State College; Graduate, Colorado State University; Mesa Junior College.
Professional Experience: Researcher, Grand Valley Hybrids, 25 years; Farmer and mentor of regenerative agriculture practices.
Volunteer Experience: Organizer and participant in Western Colorado Angus and Golden Genetics bull sales; Hospice volunteer with Camp Good Grief, nine years.
Brian Woods (Incumbent)
Education: Environmental Restoration Engineering, Colorado Mesa University.
Professional Experience: General Manager of Clifton Sanitation District, 1992-2020; Underground Miner, 1987-1992; Construction, 1981-1986.
Volunteer Experience: Current secretary, Grand Valley Power Board of Directors (completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership programs); current Chairman of Clifton Fire Protection District Board of Directors. Past: Grand River Mosquito District Board of Directors, 2002-2020; Clifton Water District Board of Directors, 2000-2010; EMT/Firefighter with Clifton Volunteer Fire Department, 1992-2002.
More information (including candidates’ financial disclosures) can be found on GVP’s website.
Everything you need to know to vote
Election date: August 8, 2024
Your ballot should have been mailed to you on July 8.
You have three options to submit your vote:
- Return your ballot by mail to Grand Valley Power headquarters (845 22 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505).
- Drop your ballot off in-person at Grand Valley Power headquarters (845 22 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505) before 4 pm on Thursday, August 8.
- Vote in-person at the Grand Valley Power annual meeting located at the Colorado Mesa University Campus Meyer Ballroom from 5:30-8 pm.
Meet the locals for better energy
Jim Marshall
Education: Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 1978.
Professional Experience: Certified Petroleum Geologist; Consultant in oil and gas, mining, and environmental fields; 45 years.
Volunteer Experience: Co-chair GJ Cleantech Business Coalition, 2019-present; Programmer for KAFM Community Radio, 1999-2023; Board member KAFM Radio, 2001-2003 (President, 2003); Mesa County COVID Response Team volunteer, 2021; Board member La Roche HOA, 2024-present; Part-time caregiver, senior neighbor couple, 2020-present; Member 50th HS Reunion Committee.
Lindsay Byers-Gray
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Colorado State University, 2008; Fruita Monument HS, 2003.
Professional Experience: Self-employed for 10 years; Past nonprofit, higher education, and entrepreneurial work: Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Christian University.
Volunteer Experience: Kiwanis Club, Young Professionals Network, Family Health West Governing Board, Family Health West Foundation Board.
Thomas Lake
Education: Master’s Degree in Health Administration.
Professional Experience: Hospital Administrator, Supply Chain Manager.
Volunteer Experience: Various boards of nonprofits: Habitat for Humanity, Roaring Fork Credit Union, Clover Glenn Homeowners Association.
Jesse Mease (Incumbent)
Professional Experience: Owner of Monument Powder Coating, Inc., for 21 years; and MaxiSweep, Inc., a manufacturing company for swimming pool vacuums, since 2020.
Volunteer Experience: Current Vice-President, Grand Valley Power Board of Directors (also board representative to Western United Electric Supply); Lower Valley Fire District Board of Directors; 4-H and FFA; Fruita Monument High School Boys Wrestling Team; Maverick Aquatics Swim Club; Mesa County Swine Superintendent for 10 years; Deacon for Loma Community Church for 10+ years.
Bill Rooks (Incumbent)
Education: Master’s Degree, Adams State College; Graduate, Colorado State University; Mesa Junior College.
Professional Experience: Researcher, Grand Valley Hybrids, 25 years; Farmer and mentor of regenerative agriculture practices.
Volunteer Experience: Organizer and participant in Western Colorado Angus and Golden Genetics bull sales; Hospice volunteer with Camp Good Grief, nine years.
Brian Woods (Incumbent)
Education: Environmental Restoration Engineering, Colorado Mesa University.
Professional Experience: General Manager of Clifton Sanitation District, 1992-2020; Underground Miner, 1987-1992; Construction, 1981-1986.
Volunteer Experience: Current secretary, Grand Valley Power Board of Directors (completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership programs); current Chairman of Clifton Fire Protection District Board of Directors. Past: Grand River Mosquito District Board of Directors, 2002-2020; Clifton Water District Board of Directors, 2000-2010; EMT/Firefighter with Clifton Volunteer Fire Department, 1992-2002.
More information (including candidates’ financial disclosures) can be found on GVP’s website.
Everything you need to know to vote
Election date: August 8, 2024
Your ballot should have been mailed to you on July 8.
You have three options to submit your vote:
- Return your ballot by mail to Grand Valley Power headquarters (845 22 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505).
- Drop your ballot off in-person at Grand Valley Power headquarters (845 22 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505) before 4 pm on Thursday, August 8.
- Vote in-person at the Grand Valley Power annual meeting located at the Colorado Mesa University Campus Meyer Ballroom from 5:30-8 pm.