Opinion: Why I'm a candidate for South Tahoe Public Utility District Board

I am lucky to have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 9 years and grateful to be raising my children in such a wonderful place. I received a Masters Degree in Land Use Planning from UNR and am currently a solution oriented AICP, Senior Planner at Midkiff & Associates. My commitment to community service led me to the Leadership Lake Tahoe program, board membership with the Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, the Chamber Government Affairs Committee and the fight against climate change.

I am a true believer in developing innovative ideas that support the economy, our community and mitigate climate change. As a solution oriented planner, I formulate plans and find solutions, getting the private sector and government agencies working together. This enables projects to start that would ordinarily not become reality, projects that benefit both our economy and our community.

Should I be elected to the board it would be my number one priority to stabilize rates by pushing for the development of new renewable energy sources. STPUD’s energy costs are a huge part of its expenditure and by developing renewables we can slow the rising cost of STPUD’s energy budget. Instead of increasing rates to cover our rising energy bills we can utilize the savings that renewables provide to stabilize rates, improve infrastructure, implement new projects and in turn improve conservation efforts. We need to start looking at how we can make money instead of just spending it. Renewable energy cuts cost, creates jobs and keeps money in our community.

In my role at Midkiff and Associates I work closely with almost every area of government and business in our town. Being a parent and fighting against climate change means I am connected with amazing community members every day. What is so wonderful is that all of these groups are working to keep Tahoe a great place to live.

I am asking for your vote on November 8th so let’s get the conversation started by liking and sharing my Facebook page www.facebook.com/NicholasExlineNov8/. Please join me on Facebook every Tuesday night from 8:00 – 9:00pm to discuss the ideas you have about our water.

Thank you in advance for your support. Your vote is greatly appreciated!

- Nick Exline
STPUD Board Candidate

Email: exine555@gmail.com
Tel: 775-240-9361
www.facebook.com/VoteNicholasExlineNov8/