Utilities’ complex nature requires specialists on Light Board, but there’s still time to tinker
The case for day-to-day leadership is persuasive. The case for electing a majority of the Light Board seems less so.
I’m grateful to the informal working group for taking on CMLP’s governance. Utilities are complicated, and the case for specialist day-to-day leadership is persuasive. The case for electing a majority of the Light Board seems less so.
While the working group is correct that elections add a lever for accountability, the link between elections and selecting for expertise is unclear. How many voters will have the time and inclination to assess needs and judge qualifications?
That said, there is also time to experiment. A new board would not take shape immediately under the current proposal. Could we assess current reporting from CMLP, how it might be improved, and what can be done to make better use of it in the interim? If anything, this would support higher-quality elections should the time come.
Mike Punzalan
High Pine Circle
