Meet your board candidates Matthew Boersma DISTRICT 3
Matthew Boersma; his wife, Dr. Nicole Boersma; and their children reside on Mill Creek Road in Greensburg. He holds undergraduate degrees in religion and computer science from Manchester University and a master’s degree in philosophy. He is a PhD candidate, completing his dissertation in Hebrew Bible and early interpretation. Boersma is an adjunct professor in Biblical studies. He also serves as the technology director for a non-profit organization, Who’s Yer Gamers, which is committed to providing free/low cost tabletop gaming opportunities in Indiana. Boersma teaches Taekwondo at the Decatur County Family YMCA and trains with Grandmaster Dan Coblentz in Westport. He is an active member of the Northview Church of the Brethren where he serves as the stewards chairperson. He views the REMC board as an opportunity to give back to his community. Boersma has an interest in energy and the environment. “I feel that by serving on the board, I might be able to learn how the REMC is working toward sustainable energy practices and how to do so in the future,” Boersma said.
Jeff Lawrence DISTRICT 3
Jeff Lawrence and his wife, Connie, reside on East Base Road in Greensburg. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. As a director, Lawrence wants to see an environment of transparency and accountability at both DCREMC and Hoosier Energy. He believes DCREMC should
6
MAY 2020
provide reliable service and fair rates to ALL members at the lowest possible cost with open and honest communication. Lawrence voted against the 2018, ‘19 and ‘20 budgets. He believes that implementing the business practice of formalizing major projects prior to determining a budget, requiring competitive bids, then using those bids to complete the budget, would facilitate major cost savings. Lawrence also voted against the most recent rate increase because subsidies exist between and within rate classes. He is an advocate for equitable treatment of ALL members. During the past three years, Lawrence has helped numerous members reduce their energy consumption and combine meters (when possible) to reduce the cost of facility charges. He has aided commercial members with the reduction of demand charges, assisted members with eliminating intermittent and repetitive outages, and has educated members on the advantages of solar energy. When elected in 2017, Lawrence made a commitment to represent the interests of the members of the cooperative and if re-elected, he plans to continue his commitment to serve as an advocate for the members of Decatur County REMC.
Steve AmRhein DISTRICT 4
Steve AmRhein and his wife, Diane, reside on State Road 3 south of Greensburg. He is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a degree in mathematics. AmRhein spent the early part of his career working in the information technology field for Batesville Casket Company before becoming a high school math teacher. He recently retired from teaching and continues to enjoy working on the family farm on which he was raised. AmRhein is a member of the Immaculate
Conception Church in Millhousen where he serves on various ministries. He is also a member of the Greensburg Knights of Columbus and serves on the board of trustees for Decatur County Community Schools. AmRhein was elected to the DCREMC board of directors in 2011 and is currently serving as chairman of the board. He also serves as the Indiana Electric Cooperatives board delegate, representing DCREMC. By participating in education and training courses, he has completed his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate from NRECA. AmRhein is dedicated to serving the members of DCREMC and looks forward to continuing to meet our changing power needs while developing new opportunities to deliver excellence to the members. He believes it is important for members to be aware of energy solutions and services supported by DCREMC. AmRhein welcomes the opportunity to continue serving the community and representing the members of DCREMC.
Gary Cunningham DISTRICT 4
Gary Cunningham and his wife, Joane, reside on Southwest 60 in Greensburg. He is a certified insurance agent and has owned and operated Cunningham Racing and Repair Service for 25 years. The company designs, engineers, and repairs all types of equipment. Cunningham currently serves as vice president of Decatur County Farmers Mutual. He has managed a successful business which has helped customers solve problems with equipment for many years. Cunningham feels this will be an asset to strengthen the Decatur County REMC moving forward in its development. “I am honest and straight forward and willing to work hard,” Cunningham said.
