Election and Voter's Guide 2016
The Linden Hills Co-op election starts Monday, Sept 19, 2016 and ends on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at 6:45 p.m.
To vote online: Go to https://lhc.simplyvoting.com to enter the secure voting site. You will be asked to submit your Linden Hills Co-op member number. Each number can only be used once. You will also enter your last name, exactly as it appears in our records.
To vote online at the Annual Meeting (Oct. 27): You may vote on your smartphone, tablet or computers we provide at the meeting. We will not be taking paper ballots at the meeting, but staff will be available to assist you with voting if needed.
Online voting from any venue must be completed by Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at 6:45 p.m.
To vote by mail: Mark ballot as directed. Detach, place ballot in envelope and seal. Be sure to print your name clearly and sign ballot where indicated. The name and signature must match the name on the label. Affix a first class stamp and mail your ballot. Mailed ballots must be received by Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 (recommended mailing by Friday, Oct. 21, 2016).
To vote in-store: Bring ballot to the Linden Hills Co-op Customer Service desk by Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at 3:00 p.m.
2016 ELECTION DETAILS
There are three matters you will be voting on in this election period.
1. PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION
After more than two years of diligent exploration, the boards of Wedge Community Co-op, Linden Hills Co-op and Eastside Food Co-op are asking owners to consider a proposal for the neighborhood co-ops to combine into a single organization that would have more than 32,000 members and $75 million in sales. The boards of directors of eastside, Linden Hills and the Wedge co-ops have negotiated the terms and conditions of the Consolidation Agreement and each has determined that the consolidation is in the best interests of its respective members. The three boards have each approved the Consolidation Agreement, and each recommends that its members ratify the consolidation and vote “YES” in favor of the Consolidation Agreement.
Please read this Letter from the Board of Directors.
View the 2016 Election Issue & Voters' Guide for details on the proposed consolidation - including reasons for consolidation, co-op financials, and the plan for the new consolidation co-op.
Looking for more information on the consolidation? Review the legal details of the Consolidation Agreement.
2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linden Hills Co-op is governed by an elected board of directors. The board ensures sound management of the co-op, acts as trustees on behalf of the ownership, and sets long range goals and plans for the future. There are four board seats open this year. This year's candidates for the 2016 Board of Directors:
Alex Slichter*
Sam Sundermeyer
Emily Paul
Wendy Ponte
Scott Devens*
*Incumbent
3. THE SEEDLING FUND
The Seedling Fund is a charitable-giving grant program that donates an average of $3,000 to local environmental non-profits each year. This year's Seedling Fund candidates:
Minnesota Food Association
Sustainable Farming Association
Neighborhood Forest
Cool Planet