Emily Pataki[/caption]

Randy R. Klaus[/caption]

The results of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative's election are in, and Emily Pataki will continue to serve as director of District 2 while Randy Klaus will join the board as director of District 3.

The PEC election finished during the cooperative’s annual meeting on June 17, hosted at Leander High School’s Don Tew Performing Arts Center. In all, 6,201 votes were submitted from 71,095 eligible voters across the two districts, or an approximately 8.7 percent voter turnout.

“That’s a very good voting percentage from our experience with cooperatives around the country,” said Dick Berg with Survey and Ballot Systems, which collected the votes.

Pataki received 2,840 votes, and her opponent William D. “Bill” Boggs received 570 votes. Pataki said in a previous interview that if re-elected, her priorities would be to continue cost reductions in rates as well as provide diverse service options and rates.

“It’s been an honor to serve my fellow members," she said.

This map shows PEC's Austin-area service zone.[/caption]

In District 3, incumbent Kathryn Scanlon did not run for re-election. The winner, Randy Klaus, received 952 votes. Eric Stratton received 859 votes, Judy Pokorny received 648 votes and Matthew Weldon received 303 votes. Klaus said in May that he wanted to run because he was "concerned about rising utility costs in the wake of stagnant wages for many folks."

"After 21 years of public service at the Public Utility Commission of Texas, I have a sense of what is in your interest and the public interest," he said. "PEC needs directors with a business acumen and utility experience."

Leander City Council members placed their one vote for Pataki. Cedar Park City Council members, who have one vote in District 3, did not cast a vote.

The elected members started their terms at the end of the annual meeting.