When considering new programs, facilities, or exhibits, we must estimate how much it will cost not only to build things, but also operate them. We know Seward Electric is staring down a massive, required investment in deferred maintenance, new infrastructure and costly cybersecurity systems that will ultimately cost us, the ratepayers.

Not only that, any business, but especially ours, cannot plan for the future without some idea of what energy will cost. HEA has already made large investments in technology and infrastructure we can take advantage of to incorporate into our systems. Multiple business would have seen a savings between $55,000 and $63,000 less per year under Homer Electric. The savings ranged anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars on an annual basis. Comparing the bills provided by the Seward Electric Utility for these entities over the past 12 months to what these entities would have been charged under the existing tariff for Homer Electric demonstrates that all would have paid less for electricity during this same time period.

Rejecting this merger will lead to higher long-terms costs, energy instability, and lost growth opportunities.Ĭlaims that HEA’s rates will result in huge price increases are not true as applied to business and educational facilities, including the SeaLife Center, multiple seafood processing facilities, medical facilities, and marine businesses such as Catalyst Marine and JAG Industries. Months of learning about the merger has revealed a fundamental truth: We need it to go through so our local businesses can survive and thrive in this new, technological age. As leaders working within our city’s business community, we urge voters to fill in the “yes” oval on your ballot on May 2. “It is the job of the council to listen, implement, and act,” he wrote.We are united in our support for the merger of Homer Electric with Seward Electric and the creation a new stronger utility. That includes the city’s implementation of a mask mandate, which Wells said is something that many city residents asked for. “At a time with so much uncertainty threatening our city, including a pending collapse of our local economy and a public health crisis, our council members listened to the community concerns and voted with the majority community voice,” Wells wrote. “My approachability, employee development, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and goal setting experience means that I have the nuts-and-bolts experience to assist with running multiple companies - and our beautiful town.” “I will use my skills as a team-player, quality listener and creative problem solver to address tough problems we face,” Wells wrote.

Wells said that he became a parent when he was 18 - his three children are now adults - and that the struggles he faced as a young parent helped inform the knowledge he would bring to the council as it relates to affordable housing and access to child care. “I intend to embrace the integrity and effectiveness of the past City Council leadership, and chart a new path forward with fresh ideas rooted in small business, care for our great citizens and passion for this beautiful place we all call home,” Wells wrote. In seeking a seat on the city council, Wells said he thinks all communities deserve a governing body that acts with integrity and competence and that he hopes to continue to make Seward government accessible to city residents. He said his passion for certain issues stems from his belief that government “serves at the pleasure of the public.” He described the process of opening the Tufted Puffin as one of the most difficult business startups he has dealt with, but that - in combination with him building his home - it gave him a better understanding of how the city operates. Wells owns the Tufted Puffin, a cannabis dispensary in Seward, and also currently serves on the Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Wells was unable to speak with the Clarion ahead of those interviews due to scheduling conflicts and sent pre-written responses to questions via email. Other council candidates include Leighton Radner, Michael Calhoon and John Osenga, who were profiled in the Sept. Randy Wells is running for one of two vacancies on the Seward City Council.

Tufted puffin seward