Apparently Warren Olson (letter to the editor – Aug. 20) doesn’t quite grasp the concept of elected representation on corporate boards be they public or private entities. Many corporations, including Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, elect their boards through a membership vote, and those elected then set policy for the corporation, which in turn is carried out by the executive director and staff.
When issues come up, the board, not the membership, resolve those issues, and that would include the broadband initiative in question. If Mr. Olson disagrees with the direction of the board he is free to run for a position himself and not to suggest a membership referendum.
He is of course correct in his letter that the broadband initiative is supported by resort owners and the cooperative itself as well as other businesses and full-time local residents: we live and make our livelihoods here.
Inferred in his letter is that Mr. Olson has little or no need for broadband when he visits and even, perhaps, comes up here to escape Internet access altogether, but that is hardly a valid reason to deny the rest of us our access needs.
I would suggest Mr. Olson read the articles of incorporation so he can see firsthand that the broadband initiative is well within the mission and purpose of the cooperative.
Jerry Hiniker
Grand Marais
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