The race for the at-large commissioner position on the Eugene Water & Electric Board presents us with two attractive candidates. However, I want to make the case that Eric Dziura is clearly the better choice.

Dziura’s credentials are undeniably impressive. He is a veteran, having served 21 years initially in the Army and then the Navy. During this time his roles included electronics technician, naval flight officer, U.S. Naval Academy lecturer in mechanical engineering and command-and-control specialist.

His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in applied science and master’s degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. At the University of Washington, he conducted research on toxic air pollution that results from the incineration of hazardous chemicals.

Community service has always been central to Dziura’s life. Before moving to Eugene he served on the Medford School Board and the Jackson County Library District Board. Currently Dziura serves in several service roles including as chair of the Eugene Airport Advisory Committee, student mentor at Shasta Middle School and at-large representative to the city’s MUPTE Review Panel.

This history of training and experience will empower Dziura to take on the challenges that face EWEB in these troubled times. He is committed to careful scrutiny of rate increases to ensure they are justified and communicated well in advance. He is committed to strengthening income-based assistance programs, storm and wildfire-hardening, a migration toward 100% renewable electricity generation and other resilience-enhancing programs.

I encourage you to vote for Eric Dziura for the EWEB at-large position on May 19.

Ralph J. Pledger
Eugene