Serving as a PUD commissioner is no easy task, and I know this firsthand from my 12 years of experience in the role.

Pacific County PUD is responsible for providing not only electricity but also telecom and water services in various parts of the county. 

This multifaceted role requires a deep understanding of numerous laws, regulations, resources, and community needs, along with the humility to balance expert advice from the General Manager and staff. 

What might seem straightforward, like developing offshore wind projects, can become quite complex when considering the community’s unique needs and businesses.


Debbie Oakes, despite being new to PUD matters when she first ran for office, has shown remarkable dedication to mastering the intricacies of the system. 

Her long-standing ties to the community — having raised a family and owned a local business — have given her valuable insights into how changes within the PUD can affect both the community and local businesses. 

Her efforts to keep rates low and avoid increasing costs for consumers are evident when comparing our electric rates to those of neighboring areas. Additionally, her commitment to gathering community input and ensuring timely updates on outages and other utility issues via social media demonstrates her responsiveness to the needs of the public.



I was pleased to learn that Debbie is running for a second term. Her ongoing dedication to both the PUD and the community is crucial for maintaining affordable and reliable service. I highly value her commitment and encourage readers to support her in the upcoming election.

DIANA THOMPSON

Ocean Park