James Baldock of Boardman, a rancher and pivot salesman, is a candidate for District 1 on the UEC Board of Directors.
“As a longtime resident of Umatilla and Morrow counties, I look forward to serving my neighbors on the UEC Board. Born and raised in Klamath Falls, I have been a lifelong Oregonian,” he said. “After graduating high school, I attended BMCC and graduated with an AAS in Production Agriculture. After college, I returned to Klamath Falls and began farming and raising cattle. In 2003 the opportunity to return to the Columbia Basin presented itself and I jumped on the chance.”
“Irrigated agriculture is a key part of our economy and near to my heart. Electric power plays a huge role in the viability of family farms. The accessibility and affordability of that power is key. I have been involved in many aspects of agriculture from raising alfalfa, working on a dryland wheat farm, helping farmers produce seed corn, raising cattle on irrigated pasture, and now working for an irrigation support company. Affordable power is important to all of them.”
“Reliable, affordable energy is 1 reason our area is so attractive to new industry. Growth from these new neighbors requires that the power infrastructure can keep up while not driving up costs. It is my goal to help UEC remain dependable and affordable for all members.”
“Serving on the UEC Board of Directors will allow me to gain experience in the power industry while standing for my fellow UEC members. I look forward to being your voice on the Board.”