Meet the Nominees
Note: Sue Stainbrook, H.H. Stockebrand and Ron Taylor are up for re-election this year but are running unopposed. Only District 4 consumer-members will receive election ballots as that is the only district with a contested seat. Presented below are the answers the two District 4 director nominees provided in response to questions asked in their director nomination paperwork.
Joseph L. Bradshaw
253 South 70th Street, Girard, Kansas
What do you believe are the challenges affecting the electric industry?
The increase in solar and wind power as it relates to cost, reliability, distribution, etc. Stable workforce.
What can Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative do to manage these challenges?
Education. Be proactive.
What vision do you have for the future of Heartland?
A reliable utility company that is able to change as technology advances, not to maintain but to grow.
Why are you interested in serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Heartland?
To have a part in the furthering of our local company. Our challenges going forward will increase and without local input customer service may get out of balance.
Why do you feel that you are qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative?
My background in electrical service is limited but I have been in several management positions and have served on other boards past and present and feel I would be an asset to the Heartland board.
Tyler Jackman
394 West 600th Avenue, Girard, Kansas
What do you believe are the challenges affecting the electric industry?
(1) Balancing supply and demand in a politically charged environment centered around carbon,emissions and renewable energy sources. (2) Operational challenges within the industry, specifically, the consumer is not only using energy but they are able to generate their own and feed it back to the grid.
What can Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative do to manage these challenges?
I see these challenges as opportunities. Opportunities to develop or be innovative for the members to continue to provide the greatest, most reliable, cost effective energy possible while practicing environmental responsibility.
What vision do you have for the future of Heartland?
As a co-op, Heartland has to be client centered. Do what is right for the customer and all else should fall into place.
Why are you interested in serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Heartland?
I feel serving on a board is a civic duty. Residing within the district I felt it was my opportunity to serve. I am interested in the energy sector, especially when you don’t have any! (Ha.) Responsible renewable energy, prosumer education opportunities, reliable energy, cost effective energy, etc. are all of interest, too.
Why do you feel that you are qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative?
I have lived in southeast Kansas and in the Heartland cooperative basically my whole life. I have some education including a BS degree from PSU in K-9 Education, an MBA from PSU in Education Administration, and middle school science endorsement from PSU. I have 15 years experience in education and 4 of those in administration. Upon stepping out of education I now farm with my father-in-law south of Girard. On top of farming I am self-employed doing contract labor with a skid steer, sell heavy duty livestock equipment, and list equipment on BigIron Auctions for several counties in southeast Kansas for agriculture, construction, and transportation industries.
Key Dates for the Election
- March 14, 2022 – Director election ballots will be mailed to the members no later than this date.
- March 28, 2022 – Ballots must be received at Heartland’s main office in Girard by 5 p.m. on the day before the Annual Meeting. Please allow sufficient time for postal delivery.
- March 29, 2022 – The winner will be announced at the Annual Meeting, which will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube starting at 6 p.m.