Leo Dwyer: NHEC 2026 bylaw amendment and election of directors

To The Daily Sun,

Online voting for the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative election began May 14, and paper ballots should be arriving soon. As a current director who is not up for reelection this year, I offer my perspective.

For two years, I advocated for lifetime term limits for NHEC directors. This year’s ballot includes a bylaw amendment that would establish an effective lifetime limit of 15 years. Although longer than my initial 12-year proposal, I encourage residents to vote yes as this at least gets us moving in the right direction. Strong boards benefit from regular renewal, and 15 years is more than sufficient time for any one person to serve.

I also recommend voting for Bill Darcy, Brad Harkavy and Tom Randell.

Bill Darcy because, although I do not agree with him on every issue, he has helped lead the board effectively through a difficult CEO transition and has strengthened board governance. As NHEC moves forward, continuity and institutional knowledge remain important.

At the same time, I believe the board would benefit from new, independent perspectives. Brad Harkavy and Tom Randell would provide that balance. I have spoken with both personally, and believe they are thoughtful, independent-minded candidates who will ask hard questions, speak candidly, and contribute constructively. A strong board is one that encourages and is willing to consider differing views.

I hope readers will join me in voting yes on the bylaw amendment and in electing Bill Darcy, Brad Harkavy and Tom Randell to three-year terms on the board.

Vote at nhec.smarthub.coop/ui/#/login, or by mail.

Every vote matters. When I ran two years ago, 2,968 votes was sufficient to win, and historically fewer than one in 10 eligible members vote. This is residents' cooperative. Please take an active role in its governance.

Leo Dwyer

Center Sandwich