The 2023 District Election Ballots have been mailed to members in District 6. Please take a moment to read the statements below to learn about each candidate.
District 6 Candidate Statements:
DANIEL CLEVELAND
District 6 Candidate
SCEC Member: 20 Years
Woodville
Board candidate Daniel Cleveland and his wife, Robin have lived in the Woodville area for 20 years. They raised three children, Cyle, Joshua and Kortney, and are now parents of two dogs. Cleveland served in the Navy and Army National Guard for 23 years where he had many military courses related to various positions held. He has 25 years of experience as a low voltage electrician, cell tower maintenance, school custodian and lead plant maintenance for an engine manufacturer.
What skills, ideas or knowledge have you used or would you use to positively impact the operations of the Cooperative?
I have a very good understanding of electrical energy from working as an electrician for 25 years and have ideas of ways the co-op can diversify their products for members.
Why should District 6 members vote for you?
“I have been a member for 20 years. Now as I get older, I would like to give back and use my years of knowledge to help our co-op diversify and succeed to help all our members.”
Describe one occasion when you worked on a committee or board to solve a problem or implement a change/new program:
No response
In your opinion what are the two biggest challenges currently facing St. Croix Electric Cooperative?
Keeping rates as low as possible and maintaining our quality of service along with keeping up our workforce at the co-op.
“If elected, I would consider my service on the Board of Directors to be successful if …
…I could help keep our rates within reach of our average members along with diversifying the co-ops options for members.”
WILLIAM PEAVEY
District 6 Incumbent
SCEC Member: 50 years
Woodville
District 6 Director William Peavey and his wife Jean have lived in the Woodville area for 50 years. They raised three children, Steve, Scott and Sarah. Peavey attended Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in math. Peavey’s career has included working in the construction industry and managing their family farm in the Town of Eau Galle. Peavey was first elected to SCEC board of directors in 1993 and has served as a board member for 20 years. He has also served on the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Eau Galle Board.
Why should District 6 members vote for you?
“Members should vote for me because my experience on the SCEC, County, and Town Boards has given me the knowledge of SCEC and the needs and wants of members of SCEC. I will continue to direct SCEC into the future with a stable direction, serving our members at reasonable costs.”
What skills, ideas or knowledge have you used or would you use to positively impact the operations of the Cooperative?
Having served on SCEC Board of Directors for 30 years, St. Croix County Board for 18 years and the Eau Galle Town Board for 40 years has given me a unique idea of what the members of SCEC need and want. I would use the knowledge gained from this experience to impact the members by enhancing their interaction with SCEC while continuing to offer dependable electric service at a reasonable cost.
Describe one occasion when you worked on a committee or board to solve a problem or implement a change/new program:
Having served on the St. Croix Board, I dealt with many challenges. I believe one of the most satisfying was hiring a new County Administrator after the previous one resigned. I served on the selection committee and after reviewing the many candidates, the committee of six were able to agree and make an offer to a new County Administrator.
In your opinion what are the two biggest challenges currently facing St. Croix Electric Cooperative?
One of SCEC’s challenges will be to allow renewable energy on the system while keeping reliable power available and we do not want to put the associated cost of renewable energy on members who have no interest in renewable energy. The second challenge is that SCEC has territorial disputes. The cost of territorial disputes is high, but SCEC must continue to try to keep present members and expand with new members.
“If elected, I would consider my service on the Board of Directors to be successful if …
…we continue to provide reliable, efficient and reasonably priced electric service while maintaining our very favorable financial ratings and our stellar business reputation in the County.”
RICHARD ROMINSKI
District 6 Candidate
SCEC Member: 47 Years
Woodville
Board candidate Richard Rominski and his wife Ellen have lived in the Woodville area for over 47 years where they raised three children, Matthew, Mark and Barbara. Rominski attended Stillwater High School and went on to attend Century College and the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Air Force with training as a nuclear weapons specialist. Rominiski’s career has included working as a Work Measurement Analyst and Manager of Individual Underwriting Administration at Minnesota Mutual Life; Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Manufacturing at Vets Plus; and he owned and operated Baldwin Pizza Man until retirement in 2021.
Why should District 6 members vote for you?
“I have an extensive amount of management experience which gives me a base of knowledge beneficial to being a productive board member. I don’t want in any way to sound critical of this or any board, but it always seems as though a fresh outlook or idea would be a positive benefit.”
What skills, ideas or knowledge have you used or would you use to positively impact the operations of the Cooperative?
My experience as a work measurement analyst showed me the importance of looking at the overall picture and to isolate areas of inefficiencies in certain operations. My time spent on the Baldwin-Woodville School Board taught me to understand the relationship of the board and administration. It gave me a good understanding of the need to keep the overall interest of the district in mind when listening to opinions, especially when controversial topics were on the table.
Describe one occasion when you worked on a committee or board to solve a problem or implement a change/new program:
When I was on the School Board I noticed that our district policy manual included many outdated, unclear and poorly worded policies. I, along with others, convinced the board to develop a long term project to review and revise the policy manual. After completion we also set up a program to review a set number of policies every quarter.
In your opinion what are the two biggest challenges currently facing St. Croix Electric Cooperative?
The first challenge is the ability to continue providing SAFE and SECURE services to our members. The radical terrorists are a very real and present danger to our system and the national power grid. We must understand this danger and ensure we are doing our part to minimize the threat. A second challenge is the ability to continue maintaining an educated and stable workforce; a necessity in our effort to provide adequate levels of service to our members.
“If elected, I would consider my service on the Board of Directors to be successful if …
…my contribution to the overall board shows that I had the knowledge and experience to provide an unbiased opinion to whatever topic came before the board. I would like to be seen as a levelheaded individual who could be relied upon to give worthwhile opinions when asked.”
AUSTIN VANDAMME
District 6 Candidate
SCEC Member: 15 Years
Baldwin
Board candidate Austin VanDamme and his wife Jessica have lived in the Baldwin area for 38 years. They have four children. VanDamme graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School and attended Western Governors University/Colorado School of Trades. He was employed at Loparex for 12 years where he was a production operator and supervisor. He is currently employed as a manufacturing supervisor at 3M Company. VanDamme has served on the Baldwin-Woodville School Board.
Why should District 6 members vote for you?
“Members of my district should vote for me because I am willing to listen and bring any concerns they may have to the board. My family has been in District 6 since before the cooperative was formed, so I am heavily invested in the success of the cooperative and will do everything I can for its members.”
What skills, ideas or knowledge have you used or would you use to positively impact the operations of the Cooperative?
I would use the 6-Sigma and continuous improvement skills I have gained throughout my career to help increase efficiency and reduce any waste throughout the cooperative. I could help pass on these skills to the operation and help in any way I can to improve efficiency.
Describe one occasion when you worked on a committee or board to solve a problem or implement a change/new program:
I was on the safety committee at 3M when there was a rash of injuries on site. We narrowed down the causes and implemented policy changes and procedures to help reduce the number of injuries and increase response time when there were injuries.
In your opinion what are the two biggest challenges currently facing St. Croix Electric Cooperative?
The first big challenge facing the cooperative is meeting the demand of our growing county. As more people relocate to St. Croix County, demand in services will increase. The second is the rising costs of everything due to the current economic conditions; trying to keep prices from rising for the cooperatives’ members.
“If elected, I would consider my service on the Board of Directors to be successful if …
…I can deliver the results that the cooperatives’ members are seeking. Keeping prices fair with above quality services.”