Democratic Member Control: Service Beyond Self
by Brian Woods, Board President
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (July 1, 2026) One of the things I deeply respect about our military men and women is their commitment to something greater than themselves. Service members willingly sacrifice personal comfort, time with family, and often their own safety in support of their communities and our nation. Their example reminds us that strong organizations and strong communities depend on people who choose participation, responsibility, and service.
While an electric cooperative is very different from military service, I believe there is an important shared value: commitment to the people we serve.
Grand Valley Power exists because local people came together generations ago with the belief that rural communities deserved reliable electric service and local representation. That belief still guides us today through one of the cooperative principles known as Democratic Member Control.
Unlike investor-owned utilities that answer primarily to shareholders, Grand Valley Power is owned by the members it serves. Every member has an equal voice and an equal vote in the future of the cooperative. This principle helps ensure local priorities, values, and accountability remain at the center of decision-making.
Board elections are one of the most important ways members participate in that process. Directors are elected from within the communities they serve and are entrusted to make thoughtful decisions regarding reliability, financial stewardship, safety, technology, and the long-term direction of the cooperative.
Board positions at Grand Valley Power are also unique in that they are not political offices in the traditional sense. Cooperative directors are not elected to represent political parties or partisan interests. Instead, they are local members entrusted to focus on the reliable delivery of electric service, responsible financial stewardship, long-term planning, and the overall success of the cooperative for all members.
The cooperative model works best when decisions remain grounded in facts, transparency, respectful discussion, and the shared interests of the communities we serve. Democratic participation is strongest when members are informed and engaged through accurate information, thoughtful discussion, and a clear understanding of the issues facing the
cooperative.
In today’s world, information often moves quickly and can sometimes be shaped by emotion, incomplete context, or outside influences that may not fully understand the needs and priorities of our local communities. That is why Grand Valley Power places importance on transparency, open communication, financial accountability, and providing members with reliable information regarding cooperative operations and governance.
Strong member participation depends not only on voting, but also on taking time to review facts, ask questions, and make informed decisions that support the long-term strength and reliability of the cooperative.
As a locally governed cooperative, Grand Valley Power is uniquely positioned because decisions are made by members of the communities we serve — people who understand the challenges, values, and priorities of Western Colorado. Democratic participation may seem simple, but it remains one of the defining strengths of the cooperative model and helps preserve local control and accountability.
Across our country, we are fortunate to enjoy freedoms and opportunities that generations of Americans sacrificed to protect. Participation in local organizations, communities, and elections — including cooperative elections — is one way we honor those values and preserve local representation for future generations.
As Grand Valley Power members, we are more than customers. We are member-owners with both a voice and a responsibility in helping guide the future of our cooperative.
Because we have three candidates running for three positions, this year’s election will be conducted in-person at the annual meeting. Ballots will not be mailed to members.
Even so, I encourage every eligible member to learn about the candidates, stay informed on cooperative issues, and participate in annual director elections. Your vote helps ensure Grand Valley Power remains locally governed, member-focused, and committed to serving the needs of our communities for years to come.