Aloha
You may not have heard much from PPA lately but we continue our work in the courts, at the Public Utilities Commission, at the County Planning Commission, and at the State Legislature.
 Now it is important that we focus on and do what we can in the upcoming primary election to help Russell Ruderman get reelected to the State Senate. Last session PPA was able to kill legislation written by Puna Geothermal Venture specifically to change existing law so that PGV could escape from the lawsuit PPA filed over their illegal night drilling. Senator Russell Rudeman has been the cornerstone of our efforts at the State Legislature for the last 4 years, we could not have done it without him.
The upcoming election is very important and in large part will help determine how we do at the legislature going forward for the next 4 years.The primary election is just 6 weeks away, PPA is asking that you please vote in the primary and that you support Russell Ruderman for reelection to the State Senate. Russell has been our strongest ally at the legislature from day he was elected, PPA's efforts at the legislator were successful in large part because of Senator Ruderman.
Russell has been and remains a strong proponent for our community at the state. Now he needs our help, Sen Ruderman is being challenged by a well funded PGV/geothermal at any cost supporter in opponent Greggor Illigan. Illigan has consistently worked to block our efforts at the County Council and to help protect PGV's interest at our expense. A good example of what we can expect is Illigan did nothing to help us after tropical storm Isselle when PGV gassed the community and made over 100 people sick while they were trapped in their homes. Illigan has a record of consistently refusing to understand the long history of dangerous toxic exposures we have endured at PGV's hands, and instead maintains PGV operates safely -- he believes that the community is not telling the truth, that hundreds of people are lying about how PGV's toxic releases effect us.
This primary race comes down to determining if Illigan -- the guy who represents the corporate polluters at all of our expense, and it is not just PGV -- goes to the general election in November, or if Senator Ruderman goes back to represent us. You have a chance to vote for corporate interest in Illigan or for the community in reelecting sen Ruderman.
Things you can do, (1) please vote for Russell, (2) volunteer to help with phone calls and or (3) consider contributing to his campaign if you can.
Here is how you can connect with Russell
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Facebook page: Friends of Russell Ruderman
Website; RussellRuderman.com (you can donate online here)
Or mail to:
Friends of Russell Ruderman
HC 1 Box 5352
Keaau HI 96749
From Russell: "Remember this race will be settled in the all-important primary election on August 13th, long before the general in November, early voting starting July 20th. This is the final stretch. The race will be decided in the next few weeks; If you want to help, please don't delay."
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The difference is night and day for PPA and our community, Russell has proved himself as our advocate. He worked with us tirelessly and at great political expense to introduce legislation and has fought for us over the last 4 years at every turn. That has made a real difference on the issues and in community involvement, giving us a voice we would not have if he is not there.
IMO the election is important to all of us, Russell has done a great job and earned our support, while his opponent will simply rubber stamp anything PGV wants, that would be a disaster for the surrounding communities. Please help us as we fight for community protection from PGV by helping Sen Ruderman
Thank you,
Bob 
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