EPHRATA - Moses Lake businessman Noah Zemke, 32, said that he wants to represent a younger generation on the Grant County PUD Board of Commissioners as he announced his bid for the at-large seat held by Bob Bernd.

The central Washington native said he wants to bring more electric car power charging stations to Grant County to reduce dependency on foreign oil by using local hydropower for transportation needs.

"As the leaders of our country push for more green technology we need people who see, understand and embrace the future for transportation. Those changes will require an infrastructure that can handle the move to more electric cars. If we don't get in front of it then we stand to lose revenue from lost visitors from recreational activities," he stated. He said more electric car charging stations would also allow municipal departments to switch to electric vehicles.

After graduating from Ephrata High School in 2000, Zemke went to school in Missoula, Mont. before returning to earn an associate's degree in applied science from Big Bend Community College. He has a wife and two children.

Quincy resident Robert Hogg is also seeking a Grant PUD commission seat. He is running for the district 3 position held by Larry Schaapman.

Hogg did not respond to requests for an interview.