That’s been the case for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), the trade association for North Dakota’s electric cooperatives, which advocates for electric co-ops at the Legislature. Led by Zac Smith, NDAREC’s government relations arm is monitoring 63 of the 885 bills and resolutions introduced this session that may have a direct or ancillary impact on electric cooperatives and their members.
North Dakota’s electric cooperatives, through their statewide association, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, participates in the Co-ops Vote program, a nonpartisan project of America’s Electric Cooperatives. Co-ops Vote seeks to boost voter turnout and civic engagement, develop relationships with candidates and elected officials, inform members of key issues facing electric cooperatives, and ensure that rural issues are heard everywhere, from local councils all the way to the U.S. Capitol.
Ash grew up near Underwood, on a farm served by McLean Electric Cooperative. He settled in Devils Lake, working first for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Garrison Diversion, and completing his working years with the U.S. Army National Guard.
Ash, now retired, says as long as the ice is good, the winter weather is cooperating, and the fish are biting, he’s on the Devils Lake ice fishing, practically every day. A key to success is moving around – a lot, when necessary – and staying safe at all times, he shares.
