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Public Power Pioneer Retires
Vera Claussen to End 24-Year Service as Grant PUD Commissioner
EPHRATA, WA -- Long-time Grant County PUD Commissioner Vera Claussen announced today that she will retire at the end of her current term, December 31, 2006. She is serving her 24th year as a PUD Commissioner. For her this means the end of a career that has spanned 47 years – in staff, utility association and policy making roles. Many times she was the “first” woman to hold a particular job, helping to pave the way for others.
“It has been a difficult decision,” said Claussen. “Because of various issues facing Grant PUD, there are a lot of challenges. I would have liked to face them directly. However, it would not have been possible to devote the time that would be needed, because of my family situation. It is time to change priorities and put family first.”
Claussen stated that her husband’s health situation requires a full time commitment. She also said other family members, children and grand children, have coped with her overflowing travel and meeting schedules for many years.
In 1959 she joined the Northwest Public Power Association as Research Editor, moving to the Washington Public Utility District Association in 1962. She retired from there in 1979 as Assistant Executive Director. In the meantime, she married Al Claussen of Ephrata, and moved to Grant County – commuting for 13 years between a job in Seattle and her home in Soap Lake. After retirement she did public power jobs on assignment.
“A dream came true,” Claussen said when, in 1982, there was a PUD election in the Grant County district where she lived. She filed against a six-year incumbent, who was a well known businessman. It was a hard fought campaign which she won by a sizeable margin. Three subsequent elections had the same results.
“I am grateful to the citizens of Grant County who have made it possible for me to serve in a policy position, for an outstanding PUD with an enviable record,” said Claussen. “I have been proud to represent Grant County PUD locally, regionally and nationally.”
Claussen also served on the Board of Directors of Energy Northwest, since 1983, and their Executive Board since 1986. She was recognized by them just last month for her record term of 20 years on the Executive Board, and for leadership positions as a Committee Chairperson. Energy Northwest is a joint operating agency serving Northwest public utilities and municipalities with electricity from a variety of sources since 1957.
Active in local and regional groups, Claussen was the Columbia Basin Woman of Achievement in 1986. During the years there have been major awards for her from the Northwest Public Power Association and the Public Power Council.
Claussen served in many capacities with the American Public Power Association (APPA) – on the Advisory Council, many committees, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. She was then elected as APPA’s first woman and first policy maker president. APPA’s Presidents are usually from manager ranks. In 1999, Alex Radin came out of retirement to present Vera personally with the Association’s highest award – the Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award.
Asked what event stands out after more than 45 years of public service, Claussen answers quickly, “Helping put together our license application for Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.” It was a 15-year effort that culminated in 2005. “I was lucky to be one in the group, traveling to Washington, D.C., to present the application in person to the Chairman and Secretary of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.”
“That license, when we receive it officially, along with the power sales contracts, which were negotiated and went into effect late in 2005, assure this PUD of a stable power supply at a reasonable cost well into the future,” she said. “It was a huge accomplishment by many Grant PUD leaders and employees.”
Claussen closed out her retirement announcement with these words of advice: “Commissioners will face many challenges ahead from both the State Legislature and from Congress. Vigilance and hard work will be necessary. Working together with other public power utilities will be important. We need friends and allies, as we face the future.”
** Photos available upon request
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