Incumbent Fred Brog (left) is challenged by Devin Simpson (right) for Lower Valley Energy’s District 2 Board of Directors position. COURTESY PHOTOS

Lower Valley Energy is currently holding their annual elections for open positions on the cooperative’s Board of Directors. Of the two open seats in the election, only one is contested with long-time incumbent Fred Brog being challenged by current Town of Thayne Mayor Devin Simpson for District 2.

“One of the hallmarks of a cooperative utility is that our board is composed of you, our members,” stated Lower Valley Energy in their annual report. “You elect our board of directors to fill seven total district seats, and every year we hold an election.”

Only those who live in an area that is up for election will receive a ballot. District 2 comprises all areas north of Strawberry Creek Road and White Tail Lane. The eastern boundary is Highway 89 to the Teton County boundary in the Snake River Canyon. All areas west of Highway 89 in Etna and Thayne are included in this district. This district includes the Town of Alpine at the municipal boundary, along with Freedom, Wayan, Irwin, Swan Valley and Lane’s Creek.

“As a lifelong resident of Star Valley and a proud member of the Thayne community, I am honored to announce my candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors for Lower Valley Energy,” said Devin Simpson in a statement posted to Facebook. “With a deep respect for our region’s heritage and a strong commitment to our future, I seek to represent the interests of our members while supporting the continued growth, innovation, and reliability of our cooperative.

“My professional background combines hands-on experience in local industry with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. I believe in the importance of affordable, sustainable energy and in keeping decisions local—made by those who live and work in the communities we serve.

“I appreciate your consideration and would be honored to serve and give back to the cooperative that powers our homes, businesses, and future. Together, we can ensure Lower Valley Energy remains strong, resilient, and member-driven for generations to come.”

Incumbent Fred Brog also released a statement, saying “I am committed to the success of our cooperative and feel that my conservative nature will continue to guide us through the unsettled, challenging issues of the energy world. I would like the opportunity to continue to work on the crucial issue at hand. I ask for your vote.

“We are working on two major projects that will culminate in helping our rates come in even lower. I have been a part of the above good decisions since 1988 and would like to bring in more projects to our cooperative.

“I am a native of rural Wyoming/Idaho (the state line runs through our ranch) and with the help of my family, operate a farming and beef production business in Freedom. I am a certified cooperative director and understand cooperative issues. I have served on two national boards-NCSC and CFC-which are two national financial institutions from which Lower Valley Energy borrows money.”

District 5 is also up for election this year, however current board member Bob McLaurin is running unopposed. District 5 is located in Teton County.

Because District 2 is the only district with a contested election, only those who live within the district will receive a ballot. Both an electronic ballot and a paper ballot will be received. Vote can be cast with the paper ballot until the Annual Meeting on June 26th or electronically until the 25th. Votes can also be cast on the Smarthub app.