Trustee Talk -- John Patrick
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West Florida Electric Cooperative’s newest trustee – and the first to be elected by mail ballot – is John Clayton Patrick. A cattle farmer and buyer, as well as a WFEC member-owner, for 40 years, he lives where he was born in northeast Jackson County and has a family history of community service there. His father, M. V. Patrick, Jr., was a Jackson County Commissioner for many years, and his maternal grandfather, Dr. Charles H. Ryals, maintained a medical office and pharmacy at Dellwood.
Patrick and his wife, the former Carolyn Fay Adams, attend Mt. Olive Baptist Church, near Bascom. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. Here, he shares his perspective on being a WFEC trustee since last November and how he plans to serve the Co-op in the future:
What led you to run for a seat on WFEC’s board?
"I decided to run for the District 2 position because of my concern about the energy problems facing this nation and because of my desire to become more involved in community affairs. Also, some of my fellow WFEC members encouraged me to run for this position."
What part of your trustee responsibilities has been most challenging so far?
"The most challenging aspect has been learning my job. I’m looking forward to attending school this summer to help me better understand my duties as a director. I have been very pleased with how well all of the board members work together, and the employees also.
How are governing an electric co-op and cattle farming and buying similar? How do they differ?
"In buying or raising cattle for someone, I have the responsibility of delivering a quality product at an affordable price. This standard also holds true for my responsibility as a WFEC trustee to deliver reliable energy to members at an affordable price.
Regarding differences – As a self-employed farmer with no employees, I make decisions for the farm on my own. However, as a WFEC trustee, I am part of a team that, as a body, has the goal of delivering the very best in energy services at a minimal cost to WFEC’s members."
What does WFEC offer its members that they wouldn’t get from a for-profit power company?
"As a cooperative, WFEC is owned by its members, who have the benefit and privilege of choosing their own board. Because WFEC is a non-profit organization, costs of energy production and costs to the customer are kept to a minimum. However, in a for-profit, investor-owned power company, a certain margin of profit is necessary."
In what direction do you expect the board to lead WFEC in the remainder of your term?
"I hope we manage our costs, and that we don’t encounter the problems utilities in other states have had with price and energy supply. I also hope that WFEC’s board will continue to become more involved with an supportive of community service and local activities.
I have enjoyed serving as a trustee during the past several months and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that will arise for West Florida Electric Cooperative in the coming months and years."
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