Mike Hadaller sworn in a PUD Commissioner

Hadaller sworn in as Lewis County PUD Commissioner by Lewis County Commissioner Dr. Lindsey Pollock.

The Lewis County Public Utility District is a public utility therefore their commissioners must be elected. Last November, Lewis County elected a new PUD Commissioner position 3, Mike Hadaller. The Hadaller name is not new to Lewis County politics as his Dad, Denny Hadaller served as Lewis County Commissioner and was well thought of. Mike Hadaller is following in his father's footsteps by serving the people of Lewis County.

Lewis County PUD is a community-owned, locally governed utility providing power services and telecommunications infrastructure to approximately 33,000 customers throughout most of Lewis County and adjacent communities. They have recently started a project for broadband in rural areas to help their customers have reliable internet access.

Hadaller is a resident of East Lewis County, where he was born and raised. He has been involved in the logging and road business for years. He is currently the owner of Mike's Stump Buster where he removes stumps, builds driveways and other business related to logging and road building.

Since the election, Hadaller has been busy meeting with individuals and learning the role of a commissioner. He has taken on his responsibility with determination and fresh ideas. He stated, "I ran for PUD commissioner to help the citizens, my number one priority is looking at a senior program to lower rates." Hadaller has been meeting with employees, former employees and others directly involved in the PUD to see how this can happen. As with most government programs, it will take some time to figure out how the money from reduced rates for seniors can be earned elsewhere without affecting the residential customers. No doubt Hadaller will get this figured out!

Lewis County had a large cash reserves several years ago, but it has dwindled down in the past few years. Hadaller stated, "My other goal is for fiscal responsibility. We need to figure out better ways to spend the public's money while increasing our reserves for a rainy day. We need to continue to stabilize rates while we look for alternate sources of energy for Lewis County."

Hadaller also knows that the staff at the Lewis County PUD has grown substantially in the past few years. He stated, "I want the PUD to be the place where people in Lewis County want to work and be a part of helping their community. By increasing work production, finding more streamlined processes and limiting down time, the Lewis County PUD will be the premium place for employees in the coming years."

Hadaller wanted to let the citizens know, "I made some election promises to the people of Lewis County, I am already talking with staff about how we can bring these programs into fruition. We are here for our customers, we want to hear from you on how we can help you. We don't control the rates we pay to Bonneville Power Administration but if there are things we could do better, I would like to hear from you. The people elected me and I am here and ready to serve my community. Thank you for this opportunity to be your PUD Commissioner."

Mike Kelly, Lewis County Commissioner for District 2 stated, "Commissioner Elect Mike Hadallar is going to be a great commissioner for the Lewis County PUD rate payers. I look forward to working with him for many years to come."

When it came time for Mr. Hadaller to be sworn in, he chose to have Lewis County Commissioner Dr. Lindsey Pollock swear him in as their ideas seem to closely align with what the PUD should do. When Pollock swore Mike Hadaller in for his position, she stated, "The prosperity of Lewis County citizens depends on access to reliable, reasonably priced electricity. Lewis County PUD has a history of providing that service, and I believe Commissioner Hadaller will strengthen that service going forward."

As PUD Commissioner Hadaller becomes more involved in his role, he will keep the citizens of Lewis County aware of his progress. Transparency is key for any elected official and Hadaller will continue to work for you, the citizens of this great county!