2024 TRUSTEE ELECTION
In the upcoming 2024 election, members will cast their votes to elect a trustee for District 1 (Stokes and Bloomfield townships) and District 4 (Lake, Jefferson, Perry, Monroe, and Zane townships). Both these districts are set for competitive elections, with incumbents featured on the ballot for both districts 1 and 4.
By action of the nominating committee, which conducted interviews in January, the members listed below have been placed into nomination for trustee of the co-op.
David Campbell
District 1
"Logan County Electric Cooperative is ranked as one of the top co-ops in the nation according to our members’ satisfaction survey. I am committed to assisting the co-op in maintaining this excellent status. I have appreciated my time serving as a co-op trustee and am eager to continue representing the community by serving once again as trustee on the co-op board.”
Personal Profile
David and his wife, Deborah, reside outside DeGraff in Bloomfield Township. He enjoys working with cattle, making hay, swimming, riding his bicycle, walking, and spending quality time with his family. When it comes to serving his community, Campbell shares, “I am a long-time elected school board member of the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center and the Ohio High Point Career Center. I am a member of the Rum Creek Church and serve as treasurer and lay member.”
Campbell is currently completing his first term as a trustee, fulfilling the role of secretary, and is now running for re-election as the incumbent in District 1.
Academic Background
• Bachelor of Science degree, Miami University
• Master of Science degree, University of Dayton
Candidate Experience
• 38 years of experience in education, as both a teacher and administrator
• Member of the Logan County Electric Cooperative since 1973
• Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) accreditation
David has worked hard to earn his CCD, attending five co-op classes in Columbus as well as the winter and summer co-op conferences, and takes the responsibility as a trustee seriously.
“Trustees are elected by the members to set policies, prioritize needs, and make decisions. I have the time and interest to continue to be a trustee for Logan County Electric Co-op.”
My Focus
• Ensure future affordability and reliability
of electricity
Campbell says the cooperative should actively persuade the federal government to prioritize the deployment and operation of alternative energy generation sources before phasing out coal-generating plants. This proactive approach aims to prevent potential power outages, “which is both an immediate and long-term concern,” Campbell says.
Community challenges
Our community is currently facing challenges related to affordable housing, the need to create economic opportunities for local youth, and ensuring the provision of reliable, affordable rural broadband services.
Larry Hoffman
District 1
“Our priority should be to prepare for the future. We need to focus on how we can generate more electricity while keeping it cost-effective. Exploring new sources that generate electricity is a good place to start. If we don’t do something to conserve resources and create more electricity, we’ll face shortages leading to major problems down the road. I would be honored to serve the greater good as trustee for every member of the Logan County Electric Cooperative.”
Personal Profile
Larry Hoffman, a Bloomfield Township native, returned to the family farm in Bloomfield five years ago with his wife, Alice, after his retirement. Larry enjoys farming, gardening, working on cars, and watching sports. Beyond his personal pursuits, Hoffman is active in his local church, serving as a council member and holding the position of financial treasurer. “I recently helped organize a fundraiser to purchase a new church roof, raising over $20,000 for the project.”
Larry is running for Logan County Electric Cooperative trustee in District 1.
Academic Background
• Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Capital University
• Master’s in Business Administration, Pepperdine University
Candidate Experience
• Sergeant, U.S. Army
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), county level, 12 years as CED
• USDA, national level, 18 years with Farm Service Agency (FSA) as program specialist
Hoffman’s 30 years of experience working in the USDA equipped him with the skills to navigate government legislation and guide farmers through the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
“My federal government experience taught me to read congressional legislation to develop policies, procedures, and guidelines. At the local level, I worked with county committees to administer farm programs.”
My Focus
• Providing more affordable and accessible power to meet growing consumer needs
“There must be a focus on finding new ways to generate more electricity, while simultaneously reducing the cost.” Recognizing the critical role electricity plays for farmers and others in the community, Hoffman sees himself as the intermediary between the members and the co-op, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
Community challenges
Addressing crime, drugs, and education is crucial, while focusing on youth development, instilling strong moral values, and reviving work around Indian Lake contribute to a thriving community.
Janet Blank
District 4
"I want to put my experience to work and continue representing YOU in District 4 in Logan County Electric Cooperative.”
Personal Profile
Janet currently resides in Perry Township with her husband, Dennis. She finds joy in farm life with Dennis and their dog, Rosie. Janet enjoys hiking, golfing, American history, staying updated on current events, and spending time with family. Her volunteer efforts include: Christmas gift to our soldiers, school, church projects, and giving tours at the Logan County History Center.
Janet is running for re-election as the incumbent candidate for Logan County Electric Cooperative trustee in District 4.
Academic Background
• Bachelor of Science, Ohio Northern University
• Academic requirements fulfilled,
Doctorate in Pharmacy
Candidate Experience
• Advanced from staff pharmacist to upper management in a major drugstore chain
• Successful entrepreneurship in establishing a decorative wall painting business
• Director, Gold Status from National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) with over 200 hours of training
Janet enjoys the challenge of serving as a co-op trustee. “I originally was drawn to run because I wanted to give back to the community, especially the rural community, having grown up in Logan County. I have enjoyed learning the electric business ... both the staff members and board members impressed me; it’s been a perfect fit. This experience and my desire to see things through have motivated me to run again.”
My Focus
• Keeping our rates down while providing
uninterrupted, reliable electric service
and financial stability as we reinvest in our infrastructure.
• Focus on the latest technology and
cybersecurity, and take a balanced,
commonsense approach to addressing
alternative energy sources.
Janet urges to “look to the future without sacrificing the
present.” She has represented the cooperative in Washington, D.C., and stresses the importance of communicating with our legislators so they understand our electric cooperatives’ challenges.
Community challenges
Logan County faces economic challenges due to inflation, disrupted supply chains, and limited staffing opportunities. Addressing these issues is critical for community resilience.
Steven Westlake
District 4
One of Steven’s favorite quotes, from Ayn Rand’s character John Galt, is:
“All property and all forms of wealth are produced by man’s mind and labor.”
Personal Profile
Steven Westlake grew up on the old Roger Cloud farm on County Road 11 outside of DeGraff, and now resides in Lake Township with his wife, Judith. The Westlakes recently purchased the former “Harrison Grange Hall” on County Road 18 outside of Bellefontaine and are converting it to their retirement home while living there. Since his retirement, Steven is actively engaged in the gradual renovation of the six rental properties he and his wife own. Remodeling houses, both personal and rental, stands out as a fulfilling hobby for him.
Academic Background
• Studied Drafting and Design at Ohio Hi-Point and Clark State College
• Studied Mechanical Engineering at Ohio State University
Westlake’s engineering career spanned nearly four decades and encompassed work in eight different states.
Candidate Experience
• Teaching CAD
• Electrical work
• Home rewiring
• Other programming assignments
• Oversaw 494 homeowners in Houston, Texas
Reflecting on his extensive experience, Westlake notes, “Some of my engineering roles involved evaluating processes to reduce costs, or enhance output and quality. I believe I can bring this insight to the board.”
My Focus
• Taking advantage of all avenues for cost savings
Steven is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to our community’s well-being. Westlake encourages community co-op members to take advantage of numerous ways to save money on their utilities. “I think people can see significant savings by focusing on improving energy use. Better insulation, Smart thermostats, solar heat ... even occupancy sensors so you’re not heating or cooling empty rooms. Technology can be utilized to help conserve energy and lower energy costs within
any home.”
Community challenges
Our community faces a shortage of affordable housing for low-income residents, coupled with a deficiency in financial education resources. Additionally, addressing drug use within our community is crucial for fostering a safer and healthier environment.
** IMPORTANT DATES **
May 8
Voting opens. Members can use SmartHub voting, online voting or paper ballot to cast their vote.
June 8
Deadline for ballots to be returned to impartial third party, who is responsible for tallying ballots and declaring election winners.
June 11
Results of trustee election announced at the annual meeting of members.
