GCPUD Press Release

New Grant PUD Commissioners Bernd & Brewer Sworn In

January 5, 2007

EPHRATA - Superior Court Judge Evan E. Sperline paused before a January 2 room of Grant County citizens to say, “Public power occupies a great deal of our attention. PUD business is a matter of the highest public interest.” Then the judge administered the oath of office to newly elected Grant PUD Commissioners Bob Bernd and Terry Brewer.

After brief remarks, the new commissioners took their seats on the five-member Board of Commissioners for Grant PUD and began their first weekly meeting of decision making on a long agenda of resolutions and motions. They engaged the process quickly with questions and comments on issues before the Commission.

Bob Bernd, a Moses Lake resident, begins a four-year term representing the District B-At-Large area which covers the eastern portion of Grant County. Bernd is retired from a career in moving, waste disposal and recycling. He is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in business management.

Soap Lake resident Terry Brewer represents District 1 covering the north and east portions of Grant County. Brewer’s term is for six years. He is the Executive Director for the Grant County Economic Development Council. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in business management and administration, Brewer also held management positions for over 30 years in a power utility – Northern Indiana Public Service Company.

Judge Sperline complimented the new commissioners on their wealth of business and economic development experience, as well as their concerns for the local communities they will serve.

The Board of Commissioners for the Grant County Public Utility District unanimously agreed on the following slate of officers for 2007: Randy Allred will continue as President, Vice President Tom Flint, Secretary Greg Hansen, Assistant Secretary Bob Bernd, and Commissioner Terry Brewer. They meet each Monday at Grant PUD offices in Ephrata to conduct commission business in open public meetings.

Grant PUD officials and employees late in 2006 recognized outgoing commissioners for their service. Vera Claussen, Soap Lake, served on the board for 24 years. Bill Bjork, Moses Lake, served 22 years as an employee and four years on the board.

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

Media Contact:
Rita Bjork
(509) 754-5027 or (509)750-4280 / rbjork@gcpud.org