Wednesday, November 08, 2000

Paul Johnson, Larry Pfeil, Tom Baudler and Frank Lorenzen aren’t surprised they were each elected to the Austin Utilities Board of Commis-sioners Tuesday.

They were the only four names on the ballot for four open seats.

Lorenzen was the leading vote-getter with 8,308, followed by Baudler with 6,964, Johnson’s 5,559 and Pfeil with 5,306.

Baudler sees the role of the board changing from policy maker to one that plays a more active role in keeping Austin Utilities competitive.

Baudler’s father, Richard, who died last year, served more than 30 years on the board, which is one of the reasons Baudler said he wanted to get involved.

He said his top priority is to provide customers with safe, reliable utilities in an environmentally and financially responsible manner.

Johnson said he hopes to use his time on the board to enhance the current utility programs while maintaining the existing excellent service.

Pfeil, a registered professional engineer, has 29 years of experience with Hormel Foods Corp. He said his primary duty on the board will be to provide input on policy decisions that ensure Austin Utilities is providing reliable utilities at the lowest possible price.

Lorenzen lives in Austin and works for Akkerman Inc. in Brownsdale.

"My work experience would be valuable to the board," he said. "I have 18 years of experience in designing equipment for trench less utility installations."

He said the primary duties of a utilities board should be to establish policies that are necessary to run the utility efficiently and to bring private and public concerns to the board’s attention.