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Monday, Mar 3, 2003 |
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Posted on February 28, 2003 Senate package presents better changes for Public Service Commission The House bill would require that commissioners have a high school education. It would also establish staggered three- and five-year terms for commissioners and form a separate consumer advocate's office within the commission. Some of these issues were raised in a Legislative Audit Commission report about the PSC, but other recommendations by the panel were not followed by the House. The Audit Council recommended barring family members of lawmakers from serving on the commission. Lawmakers elect commissioners to their $77,834 a year jobs. Family members of these lawmakers clearly would have an inside track to these jobs. Last year, when elections for seats on the commission were scheduled, four of the candidates were relatives of lawmakers. The House bill includes a provision that prohibits a lawmaker from voting on a relative for a seat on the commission, but that is a hollow measure. A lawmaker's ability to influence his colleagues on behalf of a relative is not limited to his single vote. A bill passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee would prohibit family members of lawmakers from serving on the commission. This is the measure that should be passed by the General Assembly. Also at issue are the educational requirements of commission members. The Senate wants commissioners to have a college degree and experience in a utility-related field. The House is unwilling to go beyond a high school diploma. The Public Service Commission is the body that regulates the rates utilities can charge in South Carolina. It deals with complex issues and economic models. Some experience or education would be beneficial. Lawmakers should compromise on this one, requiring formal education or experience but not necessarily both. Lawmakers should enact tougher qualifications for commissioners and prohibit nepotism. It is important for the people to know that they can rely on the Public Service Commission to look out for their interests. The commission's decisions directly affect the finances of every family and business in the state. |
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