Dear Friend
After much consideration I've decided to run for the office of EWEB Commissioner representing Wards 1 and 8.
I would love to have your support in this race, and I'd like to share with you why I'm getting involved and why I believe you will support me. The EWEB Commission has a number of critical decisions to make over the next four years:
* Increased power supply costs will necessitate budget and rate adjustments to compensate. My business background and practical approach will help me balance keeping rates low with long term projects. While I was chairing the Eugene Sustainability Commission we put forward a number of recommendations that were adopted unanimously by the Eugene Council. I have a track record of finding a balanced and practical approach to policy making that I plan to continue as EWEB Commissioner.
* The transition to a smart meter infrastructure will be necessary to maintain operating efficiency and low rates. As wholesale power costs increase, it will be critical for our utility to have the proper tools in place. Smart meters are an investment, but as with any investment there are risks as well. My professional background in software and systems design will help me set policy and choose tools that will be bring us the most reward for our ratepayers' money while maintaining the security and privacy of personal information. This is of critical concern to me. The culture of energy awareness brought about by real time access to personal usage data can change our consumption and reduce rates for all ratepayers.
* Of the 20 largest cities in Oregon, Eugene is the only city with a single source for water. We get our delicious water from the McKenzie River, but we don't have a backup if our water supply were cut off or polluted. EWEB has a long history of being a great steward of this watershed and preserving our high quality water which I intend to continue, but we need to be ready for an emergency preventing us from accessing this water source.
* EWEB has a unique piece of waterfront property in transition from a maintenance operations center to Eugene's newest business and residential neighborhood. I support the plans and progress made thus far, and I want to make sure the project keeps moving forward. As our city debates how best to accommodate future residents, redeveloping this prime property becomes even more critical.
This isn't a comprehensive list of issues, and there are many more unforeseen challenges the board will face in the future. I welcome any insights you have on these and any other matters facing the board. I would also deeply appreciate you help.
Here is how you can do to help:
* Tell your friends, especially downtown and Churchill areas, you are supporting me. Please forward this email to anyone you feel would like to read it.
* Tell me you want to help. There is so much to do as we get closer to this May election. Do you want a lawn sign? Are you willing to endorse me publicly? Do you have a few friends and neighbors you could invite over for a chat with me? If so, please just reply to this email and let me know.
* Money. Although this is an unpaid position, and I hate asking for it, campaigning effectively requires funds. If you have not yet used your Oregon Political Tax Credit, I'd love to have your $50 political contribution for 2011. To do this you need to submit it before the end of the year.
The easiest way to donate is to make your check out to:
“Friends of Will Shaver”
PO Box 11762
Eugene, OR 97440
I know you are busy, and I’m honored that you took so much time to read this email.
-Will Shaver
will.shaver.public@gmail.com
http://willshaver.com/
Like my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Will-Shaver-for-EWEB-Commissioner/308148182536272
P.S. If you would rather not be contacted about this again, please let me know. I understand politics is a private matter for some people and will respect all such requests.