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Incumbent Whatcom County Public Utility District commissioner Atul Deshmane will run against Dan Johnson in November.
The Whatcom PUD focuses on water, broadband and electricity infrastructure in the county and is governed by a board of three commissioners, who establish policy, set rates, adopt system plans, approve budgets and appoint the general manager.
The PUD is the county’s largest water processor, holding the rights to 53 million gallons per day and selling nearly double the water of any other PUD in the state. The organization serves only one external electric customer, the Phillips 66 refinery in Cherry Point, in addition to its own water treatment plants.
Incumbent and Commission Vice President Deshmane is running to keep his seat representing District 2, in the northeastern part of the county. Deshmane, an engineer with decades of experience in renewable energy and green transportation, advanced to the general election with 10,064 votes, 46.4%, as of the Thursday evening count.
Johnson graduated from Meridian High School and served in the Marine Corps for four years before building a successful towing business. He says his goal is to maintain sustainable energy sources for Whatcom County to provide equitable energy for farming, residential and industry while upholding the community’s conservation values. As of Thursday, Johnson had received 8,904 votes, or 41%.
The District 1 seat is currently held by Todd Lagestee, who was appointed in May 2024 to complete the term of Christine Grant. Two candidates, Eddy Ury and Jeremiah Goggins, will be on the ballot in November to take Lagestee’s seat.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
