Meyer named to PSC

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Sep 04, 2004 | by Kent, Joan

Gov. Jim Doyle on Friday named Sen. Mark Meyer, D-La Crosse, to a seat on the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on Friday.

Meyer, 41, served in the Assembly from 1992 until 2000, when when he was elected to the state Senate.

He said he will leave the Senate when the current session closes Tuesday, and begin at the PSC on Wednesday.

"I think my appointment shows a commitment on the part of Gov. Doyle to economic development," Meyer said. "I think the PSC has as much to do with having an effect on economic development and growing the economy as any part of state government.

"What do businesses need? - state of the art communications, reliable supplies of energy, and water and competitive rates. The PSC ultimately makes the decisions on those three things, and one of my goals is to grow the economy."

The appointment, which must be approved by the Senate, is for six years. But Meyer said he will serve about six and a half years because he is filling out a term of Ave Bie, who resigned until March. Meyer is "hopefully optimistic" about his chances of approval.

The PSC regulates more than 1,400 utilities, sets utility rates and determines service levels.

"The issues before the commission require a common sense approach," Doyle said. "Mark Meyer's experience and legislative records show that he is the person for the job."

Before running for the Legislature, Meyer served on the La Crosse Common Council from 1985 to 1989 and then worked as director of field operations for the Wisconsin Medical Society. He also was assistant general hotel manager and hotel sales account executive for Radisson Hotel in La Crosse.

His salary as a PSC commissioners will be $91,000 per year. His Senate salary is listed at about $45,500, plus a per diem for each day spent in Madison on legislative business.

Meyer said he wants to begin immediately because he needs to do his homework on two cases are coming to the PSC in September and on a full docket this fall.

The 32nd district seat will remain empty until the winner of the November election takes office, he said. But he said staff will remain in the office to help constituents.

"I am going to miss the Senate," he sid. "Leaving is bittersweet. There are definitely things I will miss, but the time is right for a chance like this and I am excited about the new challenge."

Meyer said he hopes his appointment signals a stable regulatory environment in Wisconsin.

"I am not looking to go in and shake up the PSC," he said. "One of my goals will be stability."

Dan Kapanke and Brad Pfaff, two of the candidates for Meyer's seat, and Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, offered their congratulations to him.

The Citizens Utility Board said its members look forward to working with Meyer, noting that he joins the commission at a time of increasing rates for electricity, natural gas and telecommunication services. Electricity rates have increased by more than 30 percent since 1997, said Charlie Higley, executive director.

"Energy efficiency is the best strategy for protecting households and businesses from increasing rates for energy," he said. "We hope that Sen. Meyer will help protect consumers by strengthening the Focus on Energy program, Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency program."

Higley also urged Meyer to oppose efforts to deregulate Wisconsin's electricity system and make sure competition continues between telephone service providers.