Larry Reese resigns from PUD

Larry Reese has submitted his resignation as Wahkiakum PUD commissioner effective at the end of February for medical reasons, though he says the decision was based on more than health concerns. Reese, representative for District 1, was elected to a second term in 2008.

Reese said he and his wife, Pat will be dividing their time between Cathlamet and Rockport, TX, a climate that agrees with his wife’s health. Reese said, “My blood pressure has dropped 30 points since I made the decision.”

Reese said his 31 years at GE immersed him in corporate culture and opened doors for him with utilities such as Snohomish Power. To be successful as a PUD commissioner, “you have to be willing to network. I don’t have to find all the answers myself,” Reese said.

Reese said there are people with relevant experience in the area.

“There are retired BPA administrators, people who have at a power plant in Alaska,” he said, “and there are local people who have are interested.”

“It’s not easy to come in and get elected. The first year and half were tough,” he said.

Reese said a mentor had advised that one should change jobs every five years, “otherwise you get lazy. Eight years is the longest I’ve done anything.”

Reese said he is resigning from his involvement with the Pioneer Community Church and has volunteer opportunities in mind with an art festival and film festival in Rockport, a community about 30 miles from Corpus Christi on Texas’ gulf coast.

Locals are already circulating their names for consideration, including Lee Tischer, who currently works for Wahkiakum County and is on the Wahkiakum School District. Tischer said he would resign from the school board but would continue working for the county and use annual leave to participate in board activities on his Facebook page.