THE POWER OF CO-OP MEMBERSHIP
As a member-owner of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, you have the right to elect the people who represent you on the CWEC Board of Directors. Please exercise your right to vote!
District 1 Director Candidate
Ron Onesti
Town of Almon
Ronald Onesti, a cooperative member who has lived in Shawano County in the Township of Almon with his wife of 54 years, Patricia, since 1969, has served as a director for the cooperative for 12 years. He has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Program certificates and has completed his gold status. He has farmed in the area all his life. In 1998 he sold his cows and went into custom crop work and is semi-retired. Twelve years ago, he sold part of his farm, but still custom crops his remaining land and is a seed salesperson for Legacy. He was town supervisor for 16 years. Ron enjoys working in the woods, bowling, woodworking, and spending time with his family, which includes three grandchildren.
District 2 Director Candidates
Louis (Lou) Oppor - Incumbent
Town of St. Lawrence
Louis (Lou) Oppor and his wife, Michelle, live near Scandinavia in the Township of St. Lawrence. Lou was elected to the Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in 2021, now completing his first term and seeking a second term. Lou is currently vice president of the Board of Directors. Prior to being elected to the board, Lou was a member of the cooperative’s Member Advisory Committee for three years. Lou states, “The co-op has many challenges ahead of us in the coming years such as hardening our electrical grid, preparing for the increase of electric vehicles, which will put a heavier burden on our system, adapting to green energy, and continuing to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective services to our members.” As a member himself, he recognizes the value of keeping the lights on. Lou retired from the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services in 2015, where he was responsible for the administration of statewide mental health and substance abuse services (Behavioral Health Services). Lou has received numerous state and national awards for his outstanding service in promoting behavioral health throughout the nation. In addition, Lou is vice president of the Wisconsin Behavioral Health Association. Lou would like to continue to use his administrative skills to improve services for cooperative members.
Nathan Reichle
Town of Helvetia
Nathan Reichle has been a pastor since 2006 and at St. Paul, Manawa, since 2015. His career has been spent serving on boards for not-for-profit organizations. His expertise at searching Scripture to learn what it means equips him for the work of understanding the information necessary to make wise decisions for the operations of the cooperative. While his degrees are not in finance or engineering, the members of St. Paul, Manawa, are references for Pastor Reichle’s capabilities. Since 2010, Pastor Reichle has been entrusted to support and build up new pastors and their families, which shows his value as a leader and contributor to community health. Reichle is interested in the factors that determine the cost of electricity and exploring opportunities that will improve the reliability of electric service. Since 2016, Nathan, his wife of 20 years, and their four children, have lived in Helvetia where they raise chickens and beef cattle.