Page 12 - Flathead Beacon // 10.29.14

12 | OCTOBER 29, 2014 NEWS FLATHEADBEACON.COM Hollenbaugh, Johnson Square Off Over PSC Seat
Democratic state representative taking on former Republican Secretary of State in race for Public Service Commission
By DILLON TABISH of the Beacon
Along with lawmakers and judg- es, voters in Northwest Montana will choose their next district commissioner on the Public Service Commission.
Republican Brad Johnson, a former Montana secretary of state from East Helena, is squaring off against Democrat Galen Hollenbaugh, a four-term state representative from Helena, for District 5’s open seat on the PSC. Current com- missioner, Republican Bill Gallagher of Helena, is not running for re-election.
The District 5 seat represents six counties in Northwest Montana and across the Rocky Mountain Front, in- cluding Browning, Conrad and Choteau.
The PSC is a quasi-judicial executive branch of the state government that is
responsible for overseeing regulations of public utilities, including electric, gas, telephone, water and private sewer ser- vices. The commission also regulates intrastate railroads and certain motor carriers, including taxis, while oversee- ing natural gas pipeline safety rules. Its primary task under state law is to ensure that public utilities in Montana provide adequate service to customers at rea- sonable rates.
Hollenbaugh is trying to be the only Democrat on the five-member PSC.
The 43-year-old, who works as an administrator for the state’s Labor De- partment, describes himself as a con- sumer advocate who would keep the PSC from “being a rubber stamp” for energy companies.
“This is a commission that through rate increases has a daily impact on the pocket books of families and business- es in this state,” he said. “The fact that these rubber stamp rate increases have continued to pile on has made it impos- sible for families and business to suc- ceed and thrive.”
Hollenbaugh said the job of the PSC should be to put the consumer first in- stead of helping corporations turn a profit.
“The consumer needs a voice on the commission,” he said. “My record as a four-term legislator shows that I have the ability to sit down and work across the aisle.”
Hollenbaugh cited his work as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which passed the state bud- get 100-0 last session. He said he sup- ports exploring all energy development options.
“Let’s make sure we’re actually de- veloping all energy and not just favor- ing one or two industries,” he said. “Let’s also make sure we include in that option the ability to conserve.”
Johnson, an independent consultant who works with energy companies, in- cluding Florida-based EcoSphere En- ergy, said he would provide important experience and a well-rounded back- ground on the PSC. He served as secre- tary of state from 2005-2009 and has also been a member of the State Land Board.
Johnson said he strongly opposes the president’s clean energy plan, and “that’s a fight I think we need to be ac- tively involved in.”
“I do agree that we need an all-of-
the-above energy policy. Nontraditional sources are great but the time has come where they need to stand on their own two feet without subsidies or mandates,” he said.
Johnson disagreed with Hollen- baugh’s assessment that the current PSC has been overly favored energy compa- nies’ interests.
“The utilities are not inherently evil,” he said.
“There’s a balance between protect- ing the interests of rate payers but doing it in a way that allows utilities to remain viable economically, that’s an imp bal- ance to recognize,” he said.
Johnson said it’s important for the PSC to work together to find common ground that benefits both consumers and utilities. He also believes the state can regain its former prosperity by fur- ther tapping into its energy resources.
“I’m an outdoors guy and I want to see us preserve our pristine places. But the official motto of the state of Montana still is ‘The Treasure State,’” he said. “We are richly blessed with an abundance of resources that I think we should be de- veloping.” The election is Nov. 4.
[email protected]
FLATHEAD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Ed Lieser
House District 05 https://lieser4legislature.com
Stacey Schnebel
Diane Taylor
Daniel S. King
Senate District 05 Danandlindaking@ montanasky.net
Zac Perry
House District 03 http://zacperry4hd3. wordpress.com
Melanie J. Knadler
House District 04 [email protected]
Senate District 04 [email protected] [email protected]
County Commissioner
STATE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Amanda Curtis
U.S. Senate www.amandaformontana.com
U.S. House of Representatives www.montanansforlewis.comGalen Hollenbaugh
David Fischlowitz
House District 06 www.fischforhd6.com/
Lynn R. Stanley
House District 08 [email protected] www.LynnStanleyHD8.com
Catie Henderson
House District 07
JoLynne Yenne
House District 09 [email protected]
Ruby M. Dynneson
House District 10 [email protected]
Kim E Fleming
House District 11 [email protected]
Democrats brought health care to 3,980 people in the Flathead County this year. • More people will be covered in November 2014
• Medicaid expansion in 2015
Vote Montana Blue
John Lewis
Paid for by the Democratic Women (FCDW), Lynne Bradley, Treasurer, P0 Box 2376, Kalispell MT 59903, www.fcdemocraticwomen.com
Public Service Commissioner www.galenforpsc.com
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