Malloy wants spot on Chelan PUD board

May 05--WENATCHEE -- Orchardist, pollen-service owner and farm advocate Vicki Malloy of Malaga has announced her intention to run for Chelan County PUD commissioner.

"I love Chelan County. I've lived here all my life and I believe the PUD is a jewel that we need to preserve for the future," Malloy, 57, said Monday.

Malloy is running for the six-year, District 1 seat vacated by Commissioner Norm Gutzwiler, who has said he won't seek reelection when his term ends at the end of the year.

In recent weeks, she says she's met with current commissioners, learned how the board works and is studying the issues.

"I'm putting my all into this," Malloy said Monday. "I'm solution-oriented. I work well with others. I'm fiscally conservative. I'll be looking out for the short-term and long-term health of the PUD as well has how we serve its owners (PUD customers).

Malloy is vice president of the Chelan Douglas Farm Bureau, but said she'll step down to prevent a conflict of interest with her bid for PUD commissioner.

Malloy is a former chair of the state Farm Bureau's Women's Leadership Committee. She's currently the western states' representative for women's leadership on the American Farm Bureau.

Other work experience includes a stint as coordinator for the state Conservation Corps program for East Wenatchee, multiple jobs in insurance sales, and bookkeeping for her family's businesses, she says.

Malloy is married to Harry Malloy. The couple owns Harry's Cherries, a 8.5-acre orchard in Malaga and Harry's Pollen Service, which mixes pollen to create the right genetic mix for area orchards.

"I believe that all this work experience comes together to give me the qualities I need to serve well," she said.

Reach Christine Pratt at 509-665-1173 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @CPrattWW.

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