John W. Burton for SMUD Board

By John W. Burton

I moved to Sacramento in 1977 upon receiving a B.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources from the University of California. Since then my successful small business has promoted and installed all types of practical solar energy systems for residential and small commercial applications. You can trust me to work toward a successful business strategy that protects the community benefits of our public utilty. I would like to hear from and collaborate with all the interests and viewpoints of our Sacramento community. Together we can affect positive change.

For over two years I have been an active participant in SMUD's public decision-making process. I have voiced concerns about maintaining low residential rates, enhancing local business and economic development, and ensuring electric system reliability.

While it is important for SMUD to pay down its debt and become more competitive, investments (such as tree-trimming and line maintenance) to ensure electric system reliability should be increased. We can also develop a plan at SMUD to reduce the growing peak loads.

My top priority for SMUD is to improve and develop energy efficiency programs that continue leadership and capture opportunities in the new electric marketplace. A good example is SMUD's continuing leadership for grid-connected photovoltaics. You can trust me to sustain this and other programs that enhance reliability, clear the air, reduce future costs and offer new market oportunities for our community.

Some politicians have falsely promised lower electric rates for small customers. While large industrial users are gaining significant price advantages from electric restructuring, we need measures to increase their energy efficiency investments. Investments in efficient technologies can reduce everyone's continuing energy bills. Reduced consumption also helps to protect our environment.

In concert with the community, SMUD has set a visionary course which balances the long term economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency with cleaner electric generation, including renewable resources. With our leadership, SMUD can continue to accomplish these goals and keep our electric bills among the lowest in California.

Please remember to vote this November 3 for John W. Burton.