Retired utility industry executive Michael K. Harris offers his support for Sherry Erickson for Clark PUD Commissioner

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Sherry Erickson checks all the boxes to be our next Clark PUD Commissioner. As a retired utility and technology industry executive, I’m certain she alone is qualified to help our utility safely navigate what promises to be a turbulent energy future filled with technical, political, and environmental issues.  Her direct experience working nationwide with utilities to solve these sorts of issues will pay great dividends for us as challenges are addressed locally. 

Her work with utilities and energy companies a bit ahead of Clark in confronting energy supply and distribution challenges gives her unique experience and perspective to guide development of a practical and effective local strategy as Clark confronts those challenges.  Her approach as a fiscal conservative will help keep rates low and continue to focus on maintaining operational cost efficiency – all resulting in low rates for us. Her experience in helping other utilities efficiently and cost effectively integrate renewables into their energy portfolios will help ensure Clark’s continued transformation in this area. Her long-term focus through attending utility meetings since 2012 gives her deep insight into Clark’s operating environment, its programs and policies, and its customers’ needs. Her ability to listen to multiple points of view, and synthesize them into a coherent, workable strategy will complement the work of staff and involved citizens.

Lastly, as a long-term resident and business owner in Clark County, she genuinely cares about her community and sees this role as a way to give back to her community.  Sherry is a leader who will represent all of us!

Michael K. Harris
Retired utility industry executive

---

Also read:

• 
  Opinion: Two ways to keep right
  Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes.
• 
  Opinion: A troubling end to a disruptive session
  Let’s Go Washington highlights multiple instances where legislative leaders dismissed historic public feedback, advanced controversial tax policies, and undermined constituent influence.
• 
  Opinion: Washington state is blowing up its no-income-tax advantage
  Lawmakers advanced SB 6346 with an emergency clause, aiming to end Washington’s no-income-tax reputation and prevent voters from seeking a referendum.
• 
  Opinion: Labor to hit households
  Households hiring for childcare or cleaning may soon need formal contracts due to a Washington law extending workplace rules to domestic arrangements.
• 
  POLL: What do you think will happen if Washington’s new income tax becomes law?
  A new poll asks Clark County Today readers to predict what will happen if Washington’s nearly 10% tax on high incomes becomes law.