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Tom Flint Monday announced his fifth run for re-election as Grant Public Utility District (Grant PUD) commissioner, District A-At Large. He first joined the commission in 2000.

“Institutional knowledge and stability are important characteristics of a PUD Commissioner,” Flint said. “With my 20 years of service on the board, I know this county was built on the foundation of hydroelectric power. I remain committed to preserving those benefits for the residents, farmers, irrigators and businesses of this great county. I also believe strongly that fiber optic service must be made available for all county residents. It’s been a 20-year project and one I’m committed to see to the end.”

Flint has served as president of the Washington PUD Association and as a board member of both Energy Northwest and the Northwest Public Power Association.

He has been actively involved in shaping the modern PUD. Flint was a part of the federal relicensing effort for the Priest Rapids Project in 2008. He fought with others to have hydropower recognized as a renewable resource on the state level, and won. He also presided on the board and helped the utility work through the fracture at Wanapum Dam in 2014.

Some call the fifth-generation farmer “The Father of Fiber” for his passionate vision and 20-year leadership in the fight to bring the PUD’s broadband fiber optic network to every home and business in Grant County.