Holy Cross Energy Southern District Election: Munk vs. Page

The Roaring Fork Valley is voting for its energy future, but the candidates aren’t arguing over rates. They’re arguing over who understands the boardroom better than the other.

Holy Cross Energy is holding elections for two seats on its Board of Directors. One seat is contested in the southern district, which covers the valley from Aspen to El Jebel. The incumbent is Dave Munk. The challengers are Karen Page and Ryan Slack.

It sounds like a standard utility election. It isn’t.

This is a fight over control of the co-op’s strategic direction. The board sets the goals. The board hires the CEO. The members own the company. That’s the model. But the model only works if the people in the boardroom actually know what they’re doing.

Dave Munk is running on experience. He’s a Carbondale resident. He’s lived in the valley for over 40 years. He’s worked in the utility industry for nearly 30. He’s been on the Holy Cross board for more than a decade.

His pitch is stability. He wants to keep doing what he’s been doing. He’s pushed for energy efficiency goals. He’s focused on member engagement. He’s prioritized energy assistance programs. He says the board is passionate. He says it’s dedicated. He says it’s financially healthy.

“With all the pressures, uncertainties and opportunities in our rapidly changing business, it’s helpful to have a good grounding in our past as well as an understanding of the wide range of options before us,” Munk said.

Translation: Don’t rock the boat. The boat is fine.

Karen Page is pitching the opposite. She’s a Snowmass resident. She says her executive background is her strength. She’s served on multiple corporate boards. She brings a different discipline. She’s not just a utility worker. She’s a corporate strategist.

The short version: Munk knows the history. Page knows the boardroom.

Jenna Weatherred, VP and community relations for Holy Cross Energy, says voting is simple. It’s impactful. Staff reports to the CEO. The CEO reports to the Board. The Board is chosen by the members. It’s a direct line. But it’s easy to ignore.

It’s not.

The southern district represents the heart of the co-op’s service area. Aspen to El Jebel. That’s not a rural backwater. That’s a high-cost, high-demand corridor. The members here pay the bills. They deserve directors who understand the complexity of delivering safe, reliable, and increasingly sustainable electricity.

Munk wants to increase member understanding of essential operations. He wants to ensure service is delivered affordably and responsibly. He’s been doing it for years.

Page wants to bring executive discipline. She’s not afraid of the corporate world. She’s used to it.

Slack is the third candidate. The source material cuts off before detailing his platform, but he’s in the ring. He’s challenging the status quo along with Page.

The question isn’t who is better for the job. The question is who the members want running the show.

Munk offers continuity. He’s been there. He’s seen the ups and downs. He knows the grid. He knows the people.

Page offers a new perspective. She’s not tied to the valley’s utility history. She’s tied to corporate success. She sees the board differently.

Weatherred says it’s the simplest thing members can do. It’s not. It requires reading the bios. It requires understanding the difference between a utility operator and a corporate executive.

The board guides strategic objectives. Four-year terms. That’s a long time. That’s long enough to change the direction of the co-op.

Munk says he’s amazed by the board’s passion. He’s proud of the dedication. He’s committed to financial health.

Page says she brings discipline.

Slack is waiting to speak.

The members have to choose. They can pick the guy who’s been there for a decade. Or they can select the executive who thinks like a CEO. Or they can back the wildcard.

One seat. Three candidates. Two distinct visions for the same co-op.

The ballots are out. The voting is underway. The rest is up to you.