FOR Clark PUD COMMISSIONER ·
Clark County, WA
Gordon Matthews, PE
for Clark PUD Commissioner
in a changing
environment.
Gordon Matthews brings 44 years inside the electrical utility industry to the table — the knowledge, skills, and experience to keep Clark PUD strong as we electrify and decarbonize Clark County.
44
years in the electrical
utility industry
PRODULY ENDORSED BY
Four decades inside the
system he wants to
steward.
A Vancouver resident since 1992, Gordon spent 44 years in the electrical utility industry — 12 years at the Georgia Power Research Center, where he started as a craftsman and worked full-time while earning his engineering degree, rising to Senior Research Engineer.
He then spent 32 years at the Bonneville Power Administration across 14 different assignments — managing laboratories, technology innovation, corporate strategy, business practices, rate design, and large programs.
"I have over 40 years of experience encompassing every aspect of our electrical system — the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help Clark PUD make the changes that will continue its success."
A licensed engineer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Gordon has been a life-long environmentalist, advocating for carbon-free energy since the 1970s. He's an avid cyclist, cross-country skier, and paddler who likes to restore cars and build things. Married 44 years, his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren are all Vancouver residents.
44
Years in the utility industry
32
Years at BPA, 14 assignments
P.E.
Licensed engineer, Georgia Tech
1970s
Advocating carbon-free energy
Where I Stand
New challenges call for new thinking.
Clark PUD is well run — providing affordable services reliably. But decarbonizing and electrifying everything pose new challenges. Here's where experience makes the difference.
Build Better Solar
Solar can go far toward meeting our needs — but we need a lot of it. Partnering with Eastside public utilities to build solar there can translate to 200% of the generation from the same investment.
Community Solar That Pays
Rethinking community solar programs means ratepayers can benefit both from more generation and from the dividends of our shared investment — value that stays here in Clark County.
Plan Beyond the Dams
The BPA hydro system can no longer deliver our full requirements — we aren't building more dams, and climate change means snowpack is diminishing. We need a clear-eyed plan for what comes next.
My Approach
Experience you can put to work.
I've lived in Clark County most of my life, and I'm grateful to live in our planet's best place. I have two
grandchildren who deserve the same quality of life I've had. We face many changes — but these
changes will make our lives even better.
01
Listen
Understand what Clark County ratepayers need — affordable, reliable service that respects the value of every dollar.
02
Assess
Bring 44 years of utility experience to honestly evaluate where the system stands and what the transition requires.
03
Plan
Map a realistic path — new generation, smart partnerships, and sound rate design built to last decades, not headlines.
04
Deliver
Help CPUD make the changes that continue its success — keeping power and water reliable and affordable for the long haul.
IN HIS WoRDS
Hear directly from Gordon.
Short, unscripted messages on why Gordon is running and what he believes Clark PUD needs next.
Why I'm Running
Gordon shares what motivated him to run for PUD Commissioner and what's at stake for Clark County.
Build Better Solar
A look at the challenges of decarbonizing and electrifying — and how experience helps.
A Message for
Clark County
Gordon speaks directly to voters about the kind of steward he'll be on the commission.
qUESTIONS & aNSWERS
About Gordon
Matthews
Why is Gordon Matthews Running for Clark PUD Commissioner?
Clark PUD is well-run — affordable, reliable service is what voters expect, and they get it. But decarbonizing and electrifying everything pose challenges the utility hasn't faced before. Gordon believes his 44 years inside the electrical utility industry put him in a position to help guide that transition without losing what makes Clark PUD work today.
What makes him qualified?
Four decades of utility experience. Twelve years at the Georgia Power Research Center — starting as a craftsman, working full-time while completing an engineering degree, finishing as Senior Research Engineer. Thirty-two years at the Bonneville Power Administration across 14 different assignments. A licensed Professional Engineer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.
What does he mean by "new thinking" on solar?
Two changes. First, partnering with eastside Washington public utilities to build solar where the sun actually is — translating to roughly 200% of the generation from the same investment. Second, redesigning community solar programs so Clark County ratepayers benefit both from the power generated and from the dividends on what's been invested. Value stays here.
How can I get involved?
Volunteer, host a yard sign, share the campaign with neighbors, or just learn more. The Contact form goes directly to Gordon — he reads and responds to every message himself.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
FOR Clark PUD COMMISSIONER · Clark County, WA
Our planet's best place — worth keeping
for the next generation.
