Prominent Republicans and at least two current members of the Public Service Commission are being considered for the list of nominees legislative leaders will send to the governor to replace the panel that regulates utilities.
“We?re looking for people who might be acceptable to the governor,” said Senate President Thomas Mike Miller Jr. “It?s important that we have Republicans as well as Democrats.”
Gov. Robert Ehrlich is expected to hold a hearing next week on whether to veto the massive electric rate reduction legislation enacted early Thursday that also includes replacing the five PSC members. Ehrlich has hinted strongly that he will veto the bill, but it passed by large enough majorities in the House and Senate to override his veto.
Under the bill, Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch must submit a list of three names for chairman and 10 names for the other four position from which the governor must choose. Miller said the names he?s considering including former Republican state Sen. Vernon Boozer, a Towson lawyer, and Montgomery County Council member Howard Denis, also a former GOP senator.
“These are people who would have to make a major sacrifice,” Miller said.
Boozer would have to leave a successful law practice, and Denis would have to give up his council seat. But both men said they would consider serving if chosen by the governor. “I?m certainly flattered to be mentioned,” Boozer said, although “I can?t say I really miss” serving in Annapolis due to the lack of a “collegial atmosphere.” But a PSC appointment “certainly is something” he would consider.
“I was glad to see the special session,” Boozer said. “There?s no question that something has to be done. It?s very difficult for working people” to afford the steep BGE rate hikes. “They need all the relief they can get.”
Other names mentioned include current members Harold Williams, appointed by Gov. Parris Glendening, and Allen Freifeld, an Ehrlich appointee who was on the PSC staff for 24 years. Also under consideration are former PSC chairman Catherine Riley, a former Democratic state senator, and Michael Travieso, a former people?s counsel to the PSC.
