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February 8, 2007 sent by email I was disappointed, but not surprised, at the position taken by Ms. Buchanan relative to the PUCO Nominating Council. If Citizens Action would research the activities of the nominating council since its creation in 1983, it would find that the 12-member board has consistently delivered the names of quality individuals to the Governor. We take an oath to that effect.. It is true that some of the members, a minority of the council, have had some connection with utilities which, in and of itself, does not make those individuals dishonest. What it does say is that the appointing authorities are looking for people who understand the subject matter and can question candidates effectively. I urge Ms. Buchanan to contact former Ohio Senate President Harry Meshel who represents seniors on the council and in no way could be considered a pawn of the utility industry. I am sure Senator Meshel would affirm that the process works and is above board in every respect. I have served on this council for 18 years, the past three as chair. Notwithstanding my occasional work for Columbia Gas and AT&T, I work diligently to honor my oath and to produce the four best qualified individuals for the governor's consideration as we are required to do by the statute. I voted for Mr. Centolella and for Mr. Spratley, hardly a vote that my clients would salute. In Charley Moses and Gretchen Hummel, the council found both of them extremely knowledgeable and well prepared to serve on the Commission. Both won unanimous support from the committee based on their interview. Ms. Hummell has more than 30 years of utility law experience, all but eight of them in key positions with the PUCO and with the Ohio Consumer's Council. Is she qualified? One of the most qualified ever to appear before our body. Mr. Moses has served Democrat Governors in Ohio and Michigan and has never had his integrity or ethical values questioned. He has a vision for the future and wants to make the PUCO more accessible to the public, a commitment that was widely well received by the Council. I applaud the good work of Citizens Action but am disappointed that you would question some people's integrity and honesty just because they, like you, have to make a living. I have spent 37 years working in and around state government. I was here when Governors could pick anyone they chose, qualifications aside, to be a PUCO Commissioner. The new system works and I am proud to be part of it. Thomas C. Green |
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