top of page
Campaign Pillars
Five core principals guiding Rich Connelly's commitment to District 9 FMEC and the members we serve.
Reliability & Long-Term Thinking
Ensuring consistent, dependable electric service through strategic planning and engineering expertise.
As a retired engineer, Rich Connelly understands the critical importance of a reliable power grid. His focus will be on strategic investments in infrastructure, preventative maintenance, and adopting proven technologies to ensure FMEC continues to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality electric service to District 9. He believes in looking beyond immediate needs to plan for future energy demands and challenges, safeguarding our community's power supply for generations to come.
Responsible Financial Oversight
Prudent management of FMEC's resources to keep rates affordable while investing wisely.
Rich Connelly brings a strong business acumen to the board, committed to ensuring FMEC operates with fiscal responsibility. He will advocate for transparent budgeting, efficient resource allocation, and careful evaluation of expenditures to keep member rates affordable without compromising service quality or future growth. His goal is to protect members' investments and ensure FMEC's financial health for sustainable operations.
Member First, Community-Driven Leadership
Prioritizing the needs and voices of FMEC members in all decisions.
Rich believes that FMEC exists to serve its members. He is committed to being an accessible and responsive representative for District 9, actively listening to concerns and advocating for solutions that benefit the community. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, open communication, and ensuring that decisions made by the board truly reflect the best interests of the cooperative's members and the Albert Lea community.
Time, Availability & Commitment
Dedicated to fully engaging with FMEC responsibilities and member needs.
As a retired individual, Rich Connelly has the time and dedication to fully commit to the responsibilities of an FMEC board member. He will be readily available to attend meetings, engage with members, and thoroughly research issues to make informed decisions. His commitment is to actively participate in the cooperative's governance, ensuring a strong, present voice for District 9.
Local Roots, Fresh Perspective
Bringing a fresh, independent perspective grounded in decades of engineering and leadership experience.
Rich brings a fresh, independent perspective grounded in decades of engineering and leadership experience. After settling in Albert Lea, he was drawn to the community’s strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and pride in doing things the right way—values that closely mirror how he approaches leadership and problem-solving. While he is new to the area, he is not new to the region, and his career-long experience allows him to look at challenges with clear eyes and thoughtful independence. As a new voice, Rich is focused on asking the right questions, examining long-standing assumptions, and contributing practical, forward-thinking ideas that strengthen FMEC while staying focused on what matters most: reliability and long-term performance.
bottom of page