3888 Stillwell Beckett Rd Oxford, OH 45056
Meet the Candidates
You can vote for one candidate in each district, even if you do not live in a district up for election. Read below to learn more about this year’s candidates.
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Family
Married to my wife, Karen, for 43 years and have seven grandchildren.
Education
Graduate of Shawnee High School and earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certifications from NRECA.
Employment
Full-time self-employed farmer.
Leadership and community activities
United States Air Force Veteran, former Preble County Commissioner, and past McCullough- Hyde Memorial Hospital Foundation board member. I have been a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative board member for 45 years and previously served as president. I have served on Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives’ board of directors for 18 years and NRECA’s board of directors for 14 years.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy traveling, watching movies, playing cards, and spending time with family.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
With the experience and knowledge I have gained, I feel confident I can continue to make decisions that will benefit the cooperative and our members.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
The increasing demand for electricity while generation resources are declining due to more restrictive regulations puts a greater strain on the ability of the electric grid to ensure a steady and dependable source of power.
How would you fulfill our mission?
By listening to the concerns of our members and staying abreast and informed of the many issues facing us as a cooperative and the electric utility industry.
Thomas McQuiston is running unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.
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Family
I am married with two daughters and a son.
Education
Bachelor of science degree from Wright State University with a major in finance and a minor in accounting. Graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1993. Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership certification through NRECA.
Employment
Retired from General Motors and retired from the U.S. government as a civil service employee in the Department of Defense, which included time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also retired from the Army, Navy, and Navy Reserve.
Leadership and community activities
Served on the Preble County Planning Board, am an active life member in the Veteran of Foreign Wars, AM Vets, and the American Legion.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy restoring tractors and older pickup trucks.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I want to help maintain reliable and affordable electricity to our community and ensure we are prepared for the changes and challenges we will face in the future.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Keeping electricity rates as low as possible, cyber security, the potential closing of coal-fired power plants, renewable energy, infrastructure for electric vehicles, and ensuring all members of the co-op have sufficient internet access without increasing rates for members.
How would you fulfill our mission?
By continuing my education and increasing my knowledge of the electric utility business and by continuing to work as a team player with the other eight board members and staff at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
Jay Hasbrook is running unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.
Board candidate videos are voluntary. Jay Hasbrook chose not to film a board candidate video.
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Family
Married 45 years to my wife, Marilyn, with three children, Daniel, David, and Jessica, and ten grandchildren.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Miami University. Graduated with honors cum laude and Most Outstanding Engineering Technology Student.
Employment
Retired from Miami University after 20 years as the electric utility system manager where I oversaw transmission, distribution, and generation and $4 million budget. I also worked at the City of Hamilton in utility engineering and General Motors in electrical/mechanical skilled trades.
Leadership and community activities
Hamilton Christian Center elder council, 31 years, and missions and music; 166 blood and platelet donations, which is 20 plus gallon equivalence over 30 years, at Community Blood Center and Hoxworth Blood Center; Miami University engineering technology industry advisory council and adjunct instructor; Millville youth baseball coach and manager.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy watching my grandkids’ sports, doing projects and repairs for family and friends, and watching movies.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I would like to offer my extensive experience and education in the electric utility field to serve you and give back to our community with the time, attention, dedication, and faithful attendance needed as your trustee.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
The American energy industry is facing unprecedented rapid changes with increasing demand, decreasing generation, and the integration of renewable energy resources.
How would you fulfill our mission?
I will be your representative who understands the electric industry, energy policies, and approaching energy challenges. I will be your advocate to help lead your cooperative to ensure you continue to receive affordable and reliable electric service.
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Family
I’m married to my wife, Sarah, and we have three beautiful daughters – Autumn (5), Ava (3), and Allie (1). My wife and I were born and raised in Ross, Ohio, and plan to continue raising our family in the community.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering from Miami University and associates degree in electromechanical technology from Southeast Community College.
Employment
I work for Tallgrass Energy as a project engineer/project manager and am the owner of KO Landscaping LLC, which services the areas surrounding Ross.
Leadership and community activities
I lead projects for an oil and gas company with assets in Ross and Morgan townships. I recently organized and helped facilitate Toys for Tots, raising almost $10,000 this Christmas season.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors. I also help my wife with her bakery business, Cakes by Sarah LLC.
Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I have lived in Ross most of my life and would like to be more involved in my community by using my education and background to improve my local co-op.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Maintaining the cost effectiveness and reliability for customers.
How would you fulfill our mission?
I would provide insight from another utility company to help improve carbon emissions, cost, and reliability.
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