Conservation key goal for NPPD candidate

Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Bill Hoyt of McCook is running for a seat on the board of directors of the Nebraska Public Power District. Hoyt is adamant about conservation of resources -- natural resources and financial resources. "It's a tough balance, but we can't squander either," he says. "Particularly in areas where the economy is based on the land." (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Neb. -- Bill Hoyt is a steward of natural resources and an advocate of open communication.

As a farmer and a former law enforcement officer, Hoyt believes strongly in the conservation of resources -- natural and financial -- and transparency, especially in boards that impact the future of Nebraska's resources and its economy.

Hoyt, a fourth-generation Nebraskan with a family legacy of service to Nebraskans, is running for the Subdivision 4 seat on the Nebraska Public Power District board of directors. Subdivision 4 covers Lincoln, Chase, Hayes, Frontier, Dundy, Hitchcock and Red Willow counties.

The Subdivision 4 seat has been held by Larry Linstrom of North Platte since 2005.

During a lifetime of farming and 24 years of upholding the law in McCook, Hoyt developed what he calls "a guard dog mentally" that he says he can apply to his service on the NPPD board. Hoyt said his philosophy is, "Take care of the herd, especially the young ones who are the most vulnerable, and protect everyone from predators."

He explained:

* Take care of the herd -- NPPD decides how Nebraskans get their electricity, and how much they pay for it.

* Especially those most vulnerable -- Hoyt understands that Nebraskans are concerned about their budgets and the economy, and need someone in their corner.

* Protect everyone from predators -- Hoyt promises to fight for low rates, be a voice for the community and bring accountability and two-way communication to the board and NPPD customers.

While Nebraska Public Power's retail prices per kilowatt hour are among the lowest in the country, Hoyt is concerned that NPPD's rates aren't as competitive as they have been historically.

"NPPD is charged with providing reliable, low-cost electricity," Hoyt said. "I will work with the board members and managers to enact reasonable and intelligent policies that function well in the marketplace."


After serving on other boards, Bill Hoyt knows the importance of "doing the homework" required before making decisions at board meetings. Relying on the investigative mindset he honed as an officer with the McCook Police Department, Hoyt said he will "sort propaganda from facts and studies from marketing ploys."

"This is a job of representing the people," Hoyt said. "I will communicate with people and do the necessary research."

While NPPD board meetings most often are in Columbus, Hoyt wants Southwest Nebraskans to feel they're part of the "district" that is Nebraska Public Power.

Ultimately, he said, he wants to bring two-way communication and transparency to the NPPD board, create good-paying jobs and property tax relief.


Bill Hoyt has served on the Middle Republican Natural Resources District board of directors and was a member of the Republican River Management District Association and the Republican Basin-Wide Planning Committee.

He is a member of Farm Bureau and belonged to the Southwest Nebraska Prescribed Burn Association.

Bill is a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and supporter of 4-H, Quails Forever, Pheasants Forever, the Wild Turkey Federation and Nebraska Whitetail and Mule Deer Conservation.

He worked for the McCook Police Department for 24 years and was a certified law enforcement firearms instructor for 20 years.

Bill has volunteered with the Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department and McCook fire and ambulance.

Bill and his wife, Barb (Ball) have two sons:

-- David, 33, who is a staff sergeant with the U.S. Marines, stationed in Japan. He and his wife, Melissa, have one daughter, Catherine Rose, "Katie," who will be 2 years old in February.

-- Daniel, 31, who is a core trainer for Best Buy in Omaha.

Bill's dad, Cloyd, of rural McCook, served on the McCook Public Power District board of directors and on the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District board of directors.

Bill is anxious to talk to constituents of the Fourth Subdivision about their concerns and questions about NPPD. Contact him at (308) 340-7576; or bhoyt-swne@hotmail.com.

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