DEAR EDITOR:

Since the Cobb EMC Board elections of November 2011, there have been a number of letters and editorials directed towards the many issues that have plagued the company for the last three years. Indeed, the recent elections were driven by a desire to change the direction of Cobb EMC and to ensure the Board is accountable to the EMC’s membership. This letter is to let the public know that the new Board members have been actively pursuing constructive change as put forth during our campaigns. We do not presume to speak officially for the Board, but wish to give our perspective to inform your readers:

* We have ensured policies are in place to prevent any future gifts or loans of EMC members’ money to the CEO, senior staff or Directors. There will be no more using Cobb EMC for personal gain or self-dealing business ventures.

* The bylaws of the Corporation are being reviewed and over the coming months will be revised. There have also been conversations with other EMCs regarding good corporate governance. Proper revising of the Bylaws will take time and those board members elected in March will participate in the process.

* Changes are underway to release more information regarding Board meetings and their decisions. Financial information is now available on the Cobb EMC website and additional information will soon be added. This is part of our commitment to building a bridge to the membership. A mechanism is being explored for the membership to have a dialogue with the Board and Senior Management at Cobb EMC on a regular basis. We are dedicated to ensuring accountability and are putting policies in place to make certain that is what members receive.

* The Board is aware of the financial issues concerning Plant Washington. The plans for this facility are under review from a financial, environmental, and operational perspective.

* An RFP has been issued for providing bulk power to the EMC beginning in 2016. This is no secret and the RFP can easily be found on the internet. The proposals for power will be evaluated over several weeks with a decision (made by the new Board) after the next election, scheduled for March 31.

It is important to remember the EMC is a private corporation and that substantive changes to the firm’s governance are coming. We view this as an opportunity for positive and constructive change that will serve the membership while also reassuring the employees. Cobb EMC is a great company and our goal is to ensure it becomes the best service provider in the country — a model in both governance and operations, for the benefit of the members.

Finally, we have found relations with the incumbent Board members to be cordial and cooperative. Although many of them are leaving as of March 31, they have been open to our suggestions and supportive of the change in direction. Similarly, the new CEO, Chip Nelson, and his senior team have been very cooperative in providing information and bringing the new Board members up to date on current activities.

We look forward to continuing to work on this in the months ahead and hope the members who elected us will be pleased.

David Tennant
Ed Crowell
Charles Swanson
Cheryl Meadows