2016 May GCEC Florida Currents Issue

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

M AY 2016

Plan Now for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21. Take time before the warnings begin to evaluate your situation, collect supplies and write down a plan. The difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor may be your preparation. See page 6 for details.

Notify County of Special Needs PAGE 4    May is Electrical Safety Month PAGE 5 n

Gulf Coast

Safety starts here.

Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover.

Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com.

Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com.

Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services.

Use outlets with ground-fault circuit interrupters—the buttons in the middle— to reduce the risk of electric shock.

We value your membership. We value you.

Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.

MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA

www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

Inside

May 2016 Vol. 5, No. 7

Nature’s Pantry Beckons 12

Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218

Floridians forage for wild, edible plants that enhance meals.

© 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

M AY 2 0 1 6

3

Gulf Coast

Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs

Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area XX

Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010

XX

Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667

XX

Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115

XX

Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683

XX

Walton County Phone: (850) 892-8065 Fax: (850) 892-8366

XX

Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316

Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities, the division, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.”

This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those needs.

Persons with special needs may preauthorize emergency response personnel to enter their homes during searchand-rescue operations, if necessary, to

ensure their safety and welfare following disasters.

This registration must be updated annually. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program.

If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency.

The level of care given in special needs shelters goes above the basic firstaid care available to shelters open to the general population.

All information provided is kept strictly confidential. n

Help Reduce Demand for Electricity

Office numbers: Southport................(850) 265-3631

(800) 568-3667 Wewahitchka...........(850) 639-2216

(800) 333-9392 Panama City.............(850) 481-1188 4

M AY 2 0 1 6

H2O Plus, a program available to you from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for electricity. We just need your participation.

Using energy wisely has never been easier. A device is installed on your electric water heater that allows our power supplier to cycle your unit for short periods. By managing energy use when demand is high—when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity—our supplier can reduce demand when electricity is most expensive, delaying the need to build facilities to generate more power, alleviating or pushing those costs out to the future. An added benefit is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, thereby helping the environment. You still will have enough hot water for showers and household chores. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available.

For more information, please call GCEC Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn. She will take down your information and, after ensuring the program is a good fit for your household, schedule an installer to visit your home and install the device at no cost to you. In fact, for your participation, we will make a one-time credit of $25 to your electric bill. We look forward to hearing from you soon. n

May is Electrical Safety Month Look for home electrical hazards and practice safe habits May is National Electrical Safety Month. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International to spearhead the annual effort to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.

GCEC promotes electrical safety throughout the year by providing literature and safety demonstrations at local schools and community events.

“Extension cord misuse and overburdened electrical systems are two of the main causes of home electrical fires,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “It is important to be aware of these common and preventable hazards, as well as other safety measures you can take to ensure that your home is electrically safe.”

The National Fire Protection Association estimates 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year involve some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.

Awareness and education are critical to reduce the number of electrical fires. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to educate the public. It has a number of resources on its website, www.esfi.org.

One is the National Electrical Safety Month Electrical Safety Advocate Guide. It provides resources designed to raise awareness of safe practices. The guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to be an electrical safety advocate and champion the cause of minimizing electrically related deaths and injuries in your community, school and workplace.

Using a metal utensil to pry a bagel out of a toaster is a bad idea—particularly if the toaster is still plugged into the outlet.

Photo by Mike Teegarden

Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees and communities prevents electrical fires, injuries and fatalities. For more information about electrical safety, visit www. esfi.org or www.gcec.com. n M AY 2 0 1 6

5

Gulf Coast

Plan Now for Hurricane Season Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21

It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms.

The National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issue watches, warnings, forecasts and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.

Hurricane Preparedness Week is your time to put plans together in the event of a land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Learn how with the daily tips below. Share these with your friends and family to ensure they are prepared.

Sunday, May 15, 2016 Determine Your Risk Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and start preparing now for how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland.

It is easy to forget what a hurricane is capable.

The U.S. has not been directly impacted by a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in more than a decade. However, hurricanes such as Ike, Sandy and Isaac remind us that significant impacts can

Hurricane Charley destroyed electric utility infrastructure throughout the state in 2004.

Photo courtesy of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

6

M AY 2 0 1 6

occur without being major hurricanes.

Many people suffer from hurricane amnesia in the forms of complacency, denial and inexperience.

This remarkable hurricane streak is going to end.

We have to be ready for it to happen this season.

Monday, May 16, 2016 Develop an Evacuation Plan Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you are in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you would go and how you would get there if told to evacuate.

You do not need to travel hundreds of miles.

Identify someone—perhaps a friend or relative who does not live in a zone or unsafe home—and work it out with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Secure an Insurance Check-Up Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat.

Remember, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you will need a separate policy for flood coverage. It is available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www. floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Assemble Disaster Supplies You are going to need supplies not just to get through the storm, but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough nonperishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long.

You will need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. Many of us have cell phones, which run on batteries. You will need a portable, crank or solar-powered USB charger to keep the battery going.

Uprooted trees and flying objects crushed homes and businesses in the path of Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Photo courtesy of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

Thursday, May 19, 2016 Strengthen Your Home If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many of the retrofits do not cost much or take as long to do as you may think.

Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand winds.

Friday, May 20, 2016 Identify Your Trusted Sources of Information The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center are your official sources for hurricane forecasts and the issuance of hurricane watches and warnings.

Your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office provides information regarding the expected impacts from storms for your area.

Emergency managers make decisions regarding evacuations.

Organizations such as FLASH make disaster safety recommendations. Media outlets broadcast this information to you.

All work together to be your trusted sources, especially for those less able to care for themselves.

Saturday, May 21, 2016 Complete Your Written Hurricane Plan The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, odds are you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions.

Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies in order. You do not want to be standing in long lines when a hurricane warning is issued. Supplies you need may be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line.

Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It means the difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. n M AY 2 0 1 6

7

Gulf Coast

GCEC Clears Vegetation From Rights of Way Federal law requires GCEC to remove hazards Do you live in Wewahitchka, Ebro or Crystal Lake? Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews will work in May to clear rights of way in that area from trees and plants that threaten members’ access to safe, reliable power.

GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.

When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right of way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members.

The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages. GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n

Remembering a Special Friend On March 5, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative lost a co-worker and a friend, Tomica Lowery.

Memorial services were March 11 and 12 in Panama City and Wewahitchka.

Tomica worked in the Wewahitchka and Panama City offices as a cashier/receptionist.

She took classes at Gulf Tomica Lowery Coast State College and completed the nationally recognized Continuum Customer Service Training Program.

“Tomica was a dedicated employee,” GCEC CEO/General Manager Michael White said. “She was also devoted to her family and her church.

She was a people person who loved shopping and seeing movies. She always had a smile on her face, and enjoyed helping our members. She is sorely missed by all, and we are keeping her family in our prayers during this difficult time.” n

 Sunland Center will present their   second annual “Art in the Park” Show

 

8

M AY 2 0 1 6

 Saturday, May 7th, 2016

  

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.

Four-bedroom, one-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Rents monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409.

Three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home in Lynn Haven. Great room with fireplace, two-car garage, privacy-fenced backyard and shaded, private patio. Quiet, friendly neighborhood on low-traffic street. Lease/purchase possible. $1,265 a month. (850) 271-0289.

Three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lynn Haven.

Garage and wooded area behind backyard. On a cul-de-sac. $1,035 a month. (850) 271-0289.

For Sale Medline blood pressure cuff, stethoscope. Perfect working order, $25 for both. (850) 773-1970.

Mobile home steps. Five steps with handrails on both sides. Black metal with pressure-treated wooden steps. New in June 2015. Located at Howard Creek. $50. (850) 227-6679.

Pomegranates, figs and lemons. (850) 639-9698.

Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957.

36-ft. Special Forces boat. High-speed, fiberglass, full flotation, fire retardant, full propeller protection, 455 hp 2300 RPM Detroit diesel, roomy cabin, tow system, hynoutic steering, 40 total hours on engine and 514 c 2 tol twin disc hydraulic transmission, new 4 blade 28x28 propeller. Beautiful, extra-strong, built for towing or commercial work. $40,000, firm. (850) 8142763 or (904) 403-0315.

20-ft. pontoon boat with lift trailer and 17-ft.

Sylvan bass boat, aluminum with 75 hp Suzuki.

Reasonable prices. (850) 639-3266 or (850) 381-4530.

Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up.

Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424.

Trees: pomegranate, 10 varieties of figs, Japanese snowball, dwarf sweet lady finger banana and lemongrass. (850) 639-9698.

sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer and dryer, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds, etc. For details and free estimates, call (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com.

Complete home maintenance service: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent, clean drains, lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect all home equipment, including fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build.

Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Has underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, closet and garage shelving/ organizers, flat-screen TV mounts, surround

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150 ft. on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads.

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies:

For Rent

For Sale

Real Estate

Free

Miscellaneous

Trade

Wanted

Items:

Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.

M AY 2 0 1 6

25

2016 Miss Tupelo Pageant May 14, 2016 Saturday - 6pm CST at Wewahitchka High School Benefits: Wewahitchka Gator Track Team For More Information: Mary Holley 832-7006

ARMED FORCES DAY

MAY 21, 2016

MAY 21, 2016 TUPELO HONEY FESTIVAL

Tupelo Blood Drive May 21, 2016 Saturday 9 am – 2 pm For More Information: Tammy Bevis, One Blood 850-394-7353

SATURDAY, 9:00AM – 4:00PM CST 111 Lake Alice Park Drive, Wewahitchka, FL 32465

Arts & Crafts Festival Home of the Country’s finest Tupelo Honey, farmers from the area will have booths of honey in packages, along with food vendors, arts & crafts, and live entertainment by Dickey Merritt & The Original Bama Jam right on the banks of mossy Lake Alice.

Benefits: Scholarships for Graduating 2016 Seniors For More Info: Michael Gortman or Leigh Little Newsome 850-639-2605 or 850-340-3002

26

M AY 2 0 1 6

EMPLOYEES CLUB OF THE CITY OF WEWAHITCHKA P.O. Box 966 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 850-639-2605 850-340-3002 TupeloHoneyFestival.com Email: info@tupelohoneyfestival. com

Gulf Coast

Move Over

Legislation protecting emergency workers was expanded in 2014 to include utility vehicles All Florida drivers should be aware of the state’s “Move Over” law, enacted in 2002 and amended in 2014.

The law states drivers approaching a law enforcement or emergency vehicle parked along the roadway must slow to a speed 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit if traveling on a two-lane roadway. If traveling on a roadway with multiple lanes of traffic in the same direction, drivers must vacate the lane closest to the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Drivers may not be aware of an amendment to the law that was effective July 1, 2014. As of this date, the law has been expanded to include sanitation and utility vehicles.

The jobs of our line technicians are hazardous and can become even more dangerous when they work on the ground around traffic.

Let’s work together to follow the law, pay attention, slow down, move over and stay safe. n

Utility crews work along a roadway. State law requires motorists to move over and give crews room to work.

Specific Requirements On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to 5 miles per hour.

XX If driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.

XX Violating the Move Over law can result in a fine and points on your license.

XX XX

28

M AY 2 0 1 6

One Life Makes a Difference How the death of a Supreme Court justice could affect the cost you pay for electricity

The butterfly effect describes how small events can have large effects. It is a concept named by mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz that refers to how a butterfly in Africa might circulate air that ends up as a hurricane in the United States.

If the beat of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane, how might one person’s life change the world?

The easy response is that with so many people on the planet, no one life could affect us all. But sometimes it is clear that one life can have widespread and long-lasting effects.

This idea comes to mind with the death of Antonin Gregory Scalia.

Politics, the Courts and the EPA Scalia was a U.S. Supreme Court justice who died February 13. He served on the high court for 30 years after his appointment by President Ronald Reagan.

He was known as an outspoken judge who used humor and satire in arguing issues. Scalia was referred to as a “textualist” because he held to the plain meaning of the text of the Constitution.

He was the principal voice

Commentary

By Gary Smith President and CEO

for conservative values on the Supreme Court.

Justice Scalia’s absence certainly will lead to more liberal decisions in several significant cases now before the court. Those include abortion rights, affirmative action plans, voting rights and rules, the power of labor unions, contraception dissemination under Obamacare and immigration policy.

His death will even affect issues not before the court.

His replacement must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Republican Senate leadership has said a Supreme Court nominee will not be considered until a new

president is elected. That political strategy could affect the presidential and Senate elections this fall. Those elections will set the path for U.S. leadership for years to come.

Justice Scalia’s death increases the odds that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will prevail in litigation to determine the applicability of the Clean Power Plan released last summer.

Twenty-four states and hundreds of businesses and individuals sued the EPA, arguing against the agency’s authority to impose the plan.

The Clean Power Plan litigation is being considered by the Washington, D.C., Circuit Court. But just four days before Justice Scalia’s death, the Supreme Court issued an unprecedented stay in the case, precluding the EPA from enforcing the rule until all litigation has been resolved.

The grounds for the stay were based on whether the rule would result in irreparable damage and the likelihood it would ultimately be upheld by the court. The logical conclusion from issuance of the stay was that five Supreme Court justices—which included Justice Scalia— thought there was a considerable likelihood the rule would not withstand the lawsuit.

The Future of Fuel Prices With Justice Scalia’s death, the Supreme Court will operate with eight justices until the president nominates and the

Senate confirms a replacement. A 4-4 split by the Supreme Court would affirm the lower court’s decision.

It seems likely the lower court will affirm the EPA plan because two of its three judges are Democratic appointees.

Without a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, a tie vote is likely, affirming the circuit court.

If Justice Scalia’s replacement is appointed by a Democratic president, it is even more likely the Clean Power Plan will stand.

The Clean Power Plan would virtually eliminate coal as a fuel to produce electricity.

While coal has traditionally been a low-cost fuel, lowercost natural gas recently has replaced coal as the more economical fuel. However, looking to the future, increasing demand for natural gas means its price is likely to increase.

A favorable ruling for the EPA on the Clean Power Plan also will likely spark an EPA attack on natural gas fracking.

It is likely the convergence of those two factors will lead to much higher natural gas prices and higher electric costs for you.

With Justice Scalia’s support, it appeared we were in a favorable position on the Clean Power Plan to maintain coal as a viable fuel to produce electricity. With his death, it appears we are not.

Just like the beat of a butterfly’s wing, one life can make a difference. n M AY 2 0 1 6

29

FL-154

Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392

9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November).

The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.

32

M AY 2 0 1 6

GCEC President’s Message

Become a Co-op Voter

As a member-owned electric cooperative, voting is in our DNA. It is how we maintain an electric utility responsive to the consumers it serves, and plays a crucial part in our representative democracy.

Federal, state and local elections offer an opportunity to exercise a civic responsibility—to select the best leaders for our communities. Yet in places across America—even those served by electric cooperatives—citizens are not exercising that right.

In the 2012 national elections, voter turnout dropped overall, but the decline in rural counties was 18 percent—twice that of Waylon Graham the nation as a whole. When voters miss the chance to vote, they lose the opportunity to communicate their concern to our leaders about the issues that matter to us, where we work, live and raise families.

Reliable electricity is just one of the issues we all care about. It only becomes a priority if enough people show elected officials they are paying attention. Registering to vote and voting are the most effective ways to send this message. When we go to the polls with the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” in mind, we instantly improve our political system. It is a system designed to produce a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” People like you and me.

I would like you to join me in a new initiative to get every eligible person registered to vote—you, me, our family and friends—and take the pledge to become a co-op voter. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has joined America’s electric cooperatives in launching a campaign to get out the vote and insert issues important to co-ops into the public discussion. Called “Co-ops Vote,” this effort will help boost voter turnout in areas served by cooperatives across the country to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear every day—especially on Election Day. Visit www.vote.coop and take the pledge to support your community and electric cooperative when casting your vote in 2016. The website offers information on your elected officials and candidates, the voter registration process, election dates and locations, and background about key co-op issues we want our elected leaders to understand.

The nonpartisan program was developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association—the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives.

With 42 million members across the nation, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.

If you have any questions, please visit www.vote.coop or contact us at (800) 5683667. I hope to see you at the polls!

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!