On Oct. 13, Pioneer Electric Cooperative will hold its annual meeting at the School of Discovery in Selma. At this meeting members of the cooperative will have an opportunity to vote on who they wish to represent them as board members.

There are two ways to vote for your choice on those candidates. First, you will be receiving your ballot in the mail. If you can't make the meeting in Selma, then we would encourage you to immediately mark your ballot and mail it back in. If you can attend, then we would encourage you to do so.

Last year, over 150 members showed up for the meeting. Wouldn't it be nice to have that number double this year? And why is that important?

Because for too long, members were not given an ample opportunity to attend due to dates that were not conducive to those who held jobs. The board's meetings were not open to the public. Now, those days are behind us.

Steve Harmon, general manager of the cooperative, is stressing his belief and desire that every action that Pioneer takes remains transparent. We applaud his actions and welcome his changes as thirsty man welcomes pure, restoring water.

Pioneer is your cooperative and your vote there is just as important as a vote you cast in an election. Member apathy should also be something of the past.