GRANT COUNTY — Dale Walker announced he is running for Grant County PUD Commission District position two.

“I’m a purist when it comes to PUD philosophies,” he said.

Walker explained he believes the PUD is drifting in its policies away from what it should be doing. His goal is to bring the PUD back to doing what customers want.

“I would be a strong proponent for providing services for customers without making a profit (from them),” he said.

Making a profit while selling surplus power to utilities outside of Grant County is acceptable, Walker added.

He explained how his experience will help him serve the position.

“I’ve served on numerous boards of directors,” he said.

Walker is a member of the Grant County Planning Commission and serves on the Board of Directors of the Grant County Economic Development Council. He has experience serving the Washington State Potato Growers Association, Washington State Crop Improvements Association, Washington State Pea and Lentil Commission, Moses Lake Conservation District, Columbia Basin Rodeo Association, Moses Lake Rotary Club and the Grant County Crop Improvement Association.

On any board he’s ever served, there is difference of opinions and it is important for all opinions to be heard and respected, he said.

“We don’t have that at the Grant County PUD right now,” Walker said.

He explained the current position two commissioner, Greg Hansen, is disrespectful of other commissioners’ opinions, leaving little room for compromise. Walker explained he may not always agree with other commissioners’ opinions, but he will always listen.

He has a goal to make sure the ratepayers in his district are heard and they get what they need.

“This utility does an excellent job of a lot of things,” Walker said. “Their financial position has improved dramatically since 2005.”

The utility’s focus on environmental stewardship and the operations department are handled well, but dealing with ratepayers is handled poorly, he said.

A large part of the problem is the lack of information given to ratepayers, he explained. Ratepayers are often left in the dark about why decisions are made.

He said the commissioners must stop fighting among themselves and pay attention to what ratepayers need.

“When ratepayers have a better understanding of how the utility operates, the concerns tend to dissipate,” Walker said.

He explained he has a great deal of respect for the utility as a whole but believes change is needed on the commission.

Walker grew up in Moses Lake and attended Big Bend Community College. He served the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968.

He’s been married to his wife Cheryl for 36 years and raised three sons on a farm in Moses Lake. Walker owns a seed company.

Candidates can file for election June 7, according to the Grant County Auditor’s Office.

Position two is currently held by Greg Hansen.

Commissioner position B (at large) is also up for election this year and is currently held by Bob Bernd.

Originally published March 19, 2010.