Bette Nickell and Tom Loczy are running against each other for a seat on San Miguel Power Association’s (SMPA’s) board of directors. The two are vying for a seat in District 1, the largest district in the SMPA territory, which includes parts of both Montrose and San Miguel counties. Previously, Doylene Garvey served District 1 for 12 years.
Loczy’s background includes proudly serving in the U.S. Navy after he graduated high school, from 1969 to 1973. He was then an optician in Solon, Ohio, from 1973 to 1977. After several trips to the local area since 1969, he fell in love with the West End and officially arrived.
“In 1977, I moved to Nucla, buying into a hardware business in Naturita,” he told the San Miguel Basin Forum.
Later, he was hired by SMPA as their first warehouseman, entering into what would become a decades’ long career with the electric cooperative. Loczy progressed into the position of journeyman meterman. He then worked and completed the requirements to become a lineman, eventually moving up to lead lineman. He worked for SMPA for more than 30 years before he retired. In total, his career with the power cooperative lasted 1981 to 2012.
He’s got leadership experience too, and he also gives back to his community. Loczy has served on the West End Public Schools District’s board of education and the Mustang Water Board. Currently, he volunteers for the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse’s search and rescue team. He also helps unload the food bank truck on Friday mornings, and he is the commander of the local VFW, Uranium Post No. 9058. Additionally, he assists the local game warden, teaching hunter safety classes, and he helps groom the snow for the local snowmobile club. What’s more is he serves the Town of Nucla as their municipal court judge.
Regarding electric cooperatives, he said he has knowledge.
“Thirty-plus years of experience working with SMPA in many capacities is significant in serving the consumers and the coop,” he told the Forum. “Working outages and building lines, I know SMPA’s system. I furthered my on-the-job education by attending Rocky Mountain Meter School and Mesa Hot Line School.”
Loczy also taught classes at both places as well. He said he’s also able to communicate with the public.
“With confidence, I can answer most any question about SMPA’s power system and customer usage,” he said. “I’ve handled customer complaints in the field and resolved issues.”
He told the Forum he wants to serve on the board for many reasons.
“I look to the future with good common sense and great hope,” he said. “However, I do not have too much faith in present technology.”
Loczy said neither solar energy nor wind energy are the long-term answer for the future of power. At the same time, he said he is not limited in his thinking, believing that reliance on fossil fuels is the only answer.
“If elected as District 1 board of director, I believe I have the knowledge to be instrumental in working with the manager and sitting board members,” he said, “especially now, as electric companies and coops are encountering current environmental and political pressures. I enjoyed my career at SMPA, and now I want to give back to the coop and consumers.”
And, there is more about Loczy he’s willing to share with the community.
“I believe District 1 is basically a conservative group of people: farmers, ranchers, blue collar workers, miners, mechanics, equipment operators, teachers and skilled labor. I am one of them,” he said.
Loczy said he has worked hard his whole life, and he believes in a strong work ethic. He added “status quo” is not in his vocabulary.
“I am not a politician,” he said. “I am honest and speak my mind with facts to back it up. I will represent the people of District 1 to the best of my ability.”
Results of the SMPA board election will be announced June 6. Ballots must be received online or in-person by June 5.
