Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — It appears many of the Yampa Valley Electric Association's Steamboat Springs members think the future of the electric company will be brighter with new representation.

Scott McGill defeated incumbent Irlan Neas by a 1,257-821 vote Saturday for the District 8 seat representing Steamboat Springs on the YVEA board of directors.

The results of the election for the nonprofit, member-owned company board seat were announced Saturday at Hayden High School during YVEA's annual meeting.

McGill, an attorney, is a longtime Yampa Valley resident and has run a law firm since 1980. Neas, a former Steamboat mayor, has served on the YVEA board since 1988.

McGill didn't attend Sat-

urday's meeting. Lawrence Covillo, YVEA general manager, read a statement on McGill's behalf to the 63 electric association members in attendance.

"The members deserve someone who is younger, has new ideas, will bring a fresh perspective to the board and, in general, uphold the standards and expectations of the community," McGill's statement read. "If Neas hasn't been able to implement his ideas in 18 years, another three probably won't help."

McGill's statements elicited reaction from those in attendance.

McGill has stated previously that he thinks the YVEA board has turned into an old boys club and "is satisfied doing business the way it has been done for the past 50 years."

McGill could not be reached for comment Saturday afternoon. Neas declined to comment about the election results.

McGill has been a member of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, Steamboat Springs Rotary Club and director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

The Steamboat Springs district seat was the only contested race.

But even the unopposed contests promised change for the board of directors.

Charles F. Perry ran unopposed for the South Routt seat.

He replaces Mary Jean Perry, who is retiring after serving on the board for 27 years. The board is composed of nine representatives.

Peggy Espy ran unopposed for the District 1 Wyoming seat.

She replaces Darwin Dunn, who has served on the board for 35 years.

Perry and Espy "have contributed to this board immensely for many years, and their wisdom in the boardroom will be missed," said Pat McClelland, YVEA board chairperson.