Commission Appoints Jeff McHargue to Fill Vacancy Left by Commissioner Bruce Jorgenson

The PUD commission voted yesterday to appoint lifelong Mason County resident and local business owner, Jeff McHargue, to fill the vacant commission seat left by Commissioner Bruce Jorgenson who announced his retirement earlier this month. The appointment will be effective January 1, 2023.

The importance of the collective experience of the remaining board members as well as the unique connection to needs of the community are a couple of reasons Commissioner Tom Farmer gave for wanting the decision to be made while Commissioner Linda Gott (who is also retiring at the end of the year) was still in office. After noting several criteria he felt necessary for a successful candidate, Farmer said after speaking with McHargue “I appreciate his non-partisan position as well as his selfless service to the community.” He also pointed out that today’s weather event demonstrated the need to make a selection as soon as possible, emphasizing the need for a full three-person board to ensure continuity of service for the District.

Gott pointed out that while there were several community members interested in the open seat, McHargue has expressed an interest in serving on the PUD’s board for many years – originally running against her when she was first elected in 1999 and has attended several PUD Commission meetings over the years. Like Farmer, Gott expressed that she also appreciates McHargue’s community service as he has served on the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce board, the Hospital Foundation board, and is an active member in the Shelton Rotary. After the vote, Gott said, “We are fortunate to have Jeff join the leadership team of PUD 3. Now I can leave knowing there are three capable people to effectively run the commission.”

McHargue said he is honored to be selected and added “I look forward to learning more about the utility and I’m committed to dedicating the time necessary to serve the ratepayers of Mason PUD 3.”