This website will close the first week of December 2024.
Welcome
Keep Phyllis Bernard for an Empowered Future
District 3 Commissioner
Clallam County PUD #1
This website will close the first week of December 2024.
District 3 Commissioner
Clallam County PUD #1
Our issues around electric power and water are no longer local. They are regional, national, and sometimes international. Why? Because no single area has everything it needs. No locale can handle the complex demands and technologies on their own.
To provide extra electricity when local supplies are short, utilities trade with other utilities around the region. The Bonneville Power Administration - which supplies the electricity that our PUD distributes - is considering joining such an energy market.
The one BPA is exploring was set up by the regional transmission organization where I served on the board of directors for 16 years. As part of the oversight committee for the market, I helped monitor the market system to protect against unethical or illegal activity.
I want to share that knowledge with my forever home, Clallam County and the West End.
Water has no party affiliation. Neither does the air we breathe. The electrons that travel on transmission lines or through broadband signals don't recognize red or blue.
In my experience, adding party labels does not help anyone understand issues better. In fact, partisan politics gets in the way of lasting resolutions to real life problems.
All that being said, I have worked easily with Republican and Democratic administrations, at federal and state levels.
If I lean in any direction - I lean toward science and ethics.
Phyllis at the Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, 8/13/2016
photo by Dann May
The Clallam County PUD distributes electricity generated by the Bonneville Power Administration's hydroelectric system. So, of course, after we moved here, part of our summer vacation included visiting the Bonneville Dam, checking out the fish ladders, etc.
I am smiling broadly in this picture, because, yes, I admit to being a huge nerd about the electric grid, clean water, and public policy.
If elected to hold my seat for the full six-year term, I can put that geeky enthusiasm to use for my chosen community.
Isn't that what neighbors do?
Phyllis at the Bonneville Dam, Columbia River, 8/28/19
photo by Dann May
I want to be the ears and voice for those who have felt not fully a part of the important - often difficult - conversations underway.
In a 21st century America everyone - even those of us in low-density rural areas - deserve reliable, affordable, sustainable electric power, broadband service, and clean water.
These are essential for work to be accessible. For education to be possible. For agriculture to succeed.
In a full term on the PUD, my number one priority will be to assure these goals for the West End.
Phyllis on the Coho Ferry heading to Victoria, B.C, 8/8/23
photo by Dann May
Visiting the Bonneville Dam in 2019. Whether at work or at play, I remain fascinated by electric power. How we generate it. The unintended consequences of our technology. Ways to mitigate harm. And questioning always: What's to be done when our traditional snowpack has disappeared?
Wrapped in the sacred beauty of the Hoh Rain Forest. We owe future generations faithful stewardship of the land.
Hurricane Ridge is a treasure - in every season. The snowcaps are not only visually stunning. They are our primary source of drinking water. The rapid rate of snow melt tells us that time is running out. We must consider how to provide affordable electricity and clean water when Bonneville and our local rivers can no longer meet our needs.
Spotted the Captain America shield on the rotor of a Coast Guard helicopter on Ediz Hook. Such incredibly brave and dedicated folks serve there. And so many young women! Sadly, if and when a tsunami reaches us, or a major earthquake hits, we civilians cannot rely upon the Coast Guard to rescue us. That's why my husband has been so active with CERT - Clallam County's Community Emergency Response Team.
Sharing the Hoh Rain Forest with a college friend. It tears at the heart to think that as rains and temperatures become more erratic, our temperate rain forests are ever more at risk.
At the Dungeness, taking in the geology of the bluff and the spit. Soaking in the reality of an ever-changing coastline. My husband, Dann May, earned his B.S. and M.S. in Geology at Univ. of Washington. Every year, he leads field trips to the Dungeness for Peninsula College students and adult learners.
Give your energy and money to activities that enhance the value of your own life - and the place you call home. Your contribution will help spread the empowering message to others. Thank you!
Meet and Greet, Sept 22, 2024
Clallam County Democrats, Mainstream Republicans of Washington, Washington Conservation Action, Mike Chapman, Mike French, & Bruce Emory
"Meet and Greet" 10/6/24 with P.U.D Commissioner Phyllis Bernard, Olympic Cellars Winery, 2:00-4:00 pm. Mike Pace and friends will be playing the Blues at this event.
P.U.D. Commissioner Phyliss Bernard to appear on the Todd Orloff radio show this Monday, September 30th at 1:30 p.m.