Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is governed by a local board of trustees. Board members are members of the cooperative just like you — they pay the same electric rates as you and live in your community.
You can vote for one candidate in each district, even if you do not live in a district up for election. Read the following pages to learn more about this year’s candidates. You can view videos of the candidates at butlerrural.coop.
Members will also vote on changes to the cooperative’s code of regulations this year. The proposed changes are listed on the following pages.
Results will be announced during our virtual annual meeting April 24. Visit butlerrural. coop or call 513-867-4400 to register for the meeting. Election results will also be published in the June issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine and on our website.
DEADLINE TO VOTE IS APRIL 22
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
ONLINE
> Visit butlerrural.coop and click on “Vote Now” or type “directvote.net/BRECOH” into a web browser like Google Chrome or Safari.
> Log in using your member number and election passcode, which are listed on your ballot.
SMARTHUB
> Access SmartHub at butlerrural.coop or through the mobile app. If you’re not registered for SmartHub, set up an account by visiting butlerrural.coop or download the free mobile app.
> Log in to your SmartHub account and select the “Vote Now” button to access your ballot.
MAIL
> Mark your selections by completely filling in the box next to the candidate of your choice.
> Detach the ballot and mail it using the enclosed return envelope.
> Do not mail your ballot to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and do not include payments in the return envelope.
> Ballots must be received by April 22. Please allow sufficient time for mail delivery. Due to postal service delays, you are encouraged to vote online or through SmartHub to ensure your ballot is received on time.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 3
Somers Township in Preble County
Family
Married to my wife, Karen, for 43 years and have seven grandchildren.
Education
Graduate of Shawnee High School and earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certifications from NRECA.
Employment
Full-time self-employed farmer.
Leadership and community activities
United States Air Force Veteran, former Preble County Commissioner, and past McCulloughHyde Memorial Hospital Foundation board member. I have been a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative board member for 45 years and previously served as president. I have served on Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives’ board of directors for 18 years and NRECA’s board of directors for 14 years.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy traveling, watching movies, playing
DISTRICT 4
cards, and spending time with family.
Why are you interested in serving on the board? With the experience and knowledge I have gained, I feel confident I can continue to make decisions that will benefit the cooperative and our members.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
The increasing demand for electricity while generation resources are declining due to more restrictive regulations puts a greater strain on the ability of the electric grid to ensure a steady and dependable source of power.
How would you fulfill our mission?
By listening to the concerns of our members and staying abreast and informed of the many issues facing us as a cooperative and the electric utility industry.
Thomas McQuiston is running unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.
Gratis Township in Preble County and German Township in Montgomery County
Family
I am married with two daughters and a son.
Education
Bachelor of science degree from Wright State University with a major in finance and a minor in accounting. Graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1993. Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership certification through NRECA.
Employment
Retired from General Motors and retired from the U.S. government as a civil service employee in the Department of Defense, which included time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also retired from the Army, Navy, and Navy Reserve.
Leadership and community activities
Served on the Preble County Planning Board, am an active life member in the Veteran of Foreign Wars, AM Vets, and the American Legion.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy restoring tractors and older
pickup trucks.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I want to help maintain reliable and affordable electricity to our community and ensure we are prepared for the changes and challenges we will face in the future.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Keeping electricity rates as low as possible, cyber security, the potential closing of coal-fired power plants, renewable energy, infrastructure for electric vehicles, and ensuring all members of the co-op have sufficient internet access without increasing rates for members.
How would you fulfill our mission?
By continuing my education and increasing my knowledge of the electric utility business and by continuing to work as a team player with the other eight board members and staff at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
Jay Hasbrook is running unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.
Thomas McQuiston SOMERS TOWNSHIP
Jay Hasbrook GRATIS TOWNSHIP
MEET THE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 9
Colerain and Crosby townships in Hamilton County and Fairfield and Ross townships in Butler County
Family
Married 45 years to my wife, Marilyn, with three children, Daniel, David, and Jessica, and ten grandchildren.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Miami University. Graduated with honors cum laude and Most Outstanding Engineering Technology Student.
Employment
Retired from Miami University after 20 years as the electric utility system manager where I oversaw transmission, distribution, and generation and $4 million budget.
I also worked at the City of Hamilton in utility engineering and General Motors in electrical/mechanical skilled trades.
Leadership and community activities
Hamilton Christian Center elder council, 31 years, and missions and music; 166 blood and platelet donations, which is 20 plus gallon equivalence over 30 years, at Community Blood Center and Hoxworth Blood Center; Miami University engineering technology industry advisory council and adjunct instructor; Millville youth baseball
Family
I’m married to my wife, Sarah, and we have three beautiful daughters – Autumn (5), Ava (3), and Allie (1). My wife and I were born and raised in Ross, Ohio, and plan to continue raising our family in the community.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering from Miami University and associates degree in electromechanical technology from Southeast Community College.
Employment
I work for Tallgrass Energy as a project engineer/project manager and am the owner of KO Landscaping LLC, which services the areas surrounding Ross.
Leadership and community activities
I lead projects for an oil and gas company with assets in Ross and Morgan townships. I recently organized and helped facilitate
coach and manager.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy watching my grandkids’ sports, doing projects and repairs for family and friends, and watching movies.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I would like to offer my extensive experience and education in the electric utility field to serve you and give back to our community with the time, attention, dedication, and faithful attendance needed as your trustee.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
The American energy industry is facing unprecedented rapid changes with increasing demand, decreasing generation, and the integration of renewable energy resources.
How would you fulfill our mission?
I will be your representative who understands the electric industry, energy policies, and approaching energy challenges. I will be your advocate to help lead your cooperative to ensure you continue to receive affordable and reliable electric service.
Toys for Tots, raising almost $10,000 this Christmas season.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors. I also help my wife with her bakery business, Cakes by Sarah LLC.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I have lived in Ross most of my life and would like to be more involved in my community by using my education and background to improve my local co-op.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Maintaining the cost effectiveness and reliability for customers.
How would you fulfill our mission?
I would provide insight from another utility company to help improve carbon emissions, cost, and reliability.
Scott Lessing ROSS TOWNSHIP
James O’Brien ROSS TOWNSHIP
PROPOSED CODE OF REGULATIONS CHANGES
The proposed changes replace existing Article IV, Section 5.
The current section and the proposed changes are listed below.
The board of trustees’ governance committee reviewed the cooperative’s code of regulations and found our current policy
Current Article IV, Section 5
SECTION 5. Removal of Board Member.
Any member may bring charges against a Board member and, by filing with the Secretary such charges in writing together with a petition signed by at least ten percent of the members, may request the removal of such Board member by reason thereof. Such Board member shall be informed in writing of the charges at least ten days prior to the meeting of members at which the charges are to be considered and shall have an opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in respect of the charges; and the person or persons bringing the charges against the Board member shall have the same opportunity. The question of the removal of such Board member shall be considered and voted upon at a meeting of members and the unexpired term for any vacancy created by such removal may be filled by vote of the members at the Cooperative’s next annual meeting held for the purpose of electing Board members.
Proposed Article IV, Section 5
SECTION 5. Removal of Board Member.
Any member may request removal of a trustee for Cause by filing with the Secretary in writing a detailed description of each charge and the evidentiary basis therefor together with a petition signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the members. If more than one (1) trustee is sought to be removed, individual charges against each such trustee and the evidentiary basis for each such charge shall be specified. At the next regular or special meeting of the members occurring not less than forty-five (45) days after the filing of such charges, the member bringing the charges against the trustee shall have an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in support of the charges; and the trustee shall have the opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in response to the charges. The question of the removal of such trustee shall be considered and voted upon at the meeting of members by all members present at the meeting – including members of the Board of Trustees. The trustee(s) being considered for removal shall also be permitted to vote. The removal of no more than two (2) trustees may be considered or voted upon at any meeting of members or in any twelve (12) month period.
to remove board members does not match national trends. The proposed change does not indicate there is a problem with the board of trustees. The change gives the board of trustees the ability to act in a timely manner should a justifiable cause develop.
Any trustee may request the removal of another trustee for Cause by delivering to each trustee a notice, signed by at least two members of the Board of Trustees, setting forth the charges against such other trustee. The question of removal shall be considered and voted on at the next regularly scheduled or special meeting of the Board of Trustees during which the trustees filing charges and the trustee against whom charges have been filed, shall have the opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence regarding the charges. The vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all trustees (including the trustee against whom such charges are brought), shall be required in order to remove a trustee for Cause.
For purposes of this Article, “Cause” shall mean any of the following:
a. Failure of the trustee to attend four (4) consecutive meetings of the Board of Trustees or failure to attend six (6) regular monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees in any twelve (12) month period.
b. Long-term disability of the trustee, consisting of the inability to perform the essential function of such trustee’s position for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or longer, as certified in writing by a qualified medical doctor.
c. The trustee pleading guilty or being convicted of any (i) felony, (ii) theft offense, (iii) drug abuse offense not constituting a minor misdemeanor, or (iv) a crime of moral turpitude.
d. Failure of the trustee to serve in accordance with or in violation by the trustee of any material term, condition, or provision of the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation, Code of Regulations or policies, which failure or violation has a material adverse effect on the business and affairs of the Cooperative.
Notwithstanding the forgoing provisions of this Section, the trustee against whom charges are brought shall be informed in writing of the charges at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting of members or the Board of Trustees, as appropriate, at which the charges are to be considered. No trustee shall be removed from office unless the specific charges against such trustee are supported by clear and convincing evidence.
Any vacancy created by removal of a trustee under this Section shall be filled pursuant to Article IV, Section 6 of this Code of Regulations.
