Cavanaugh for Public Service Commission

The Alabama Public Service Commission evolves as commerce and industry change. It began in 1888 as the Railroad Commission of Alabama because that was a time when the nation rode on rails.

The Legislature changed the commission’s name in 1915 and broadened its powers to include other services that touch all of our lives every day. Today, if you hear about the PSC it is most often in connection with electric, gas and telephone rates. So, what does it do for consumers?

Its purpose is “To ensure a regulatory balance between regulated companies and consumers in order to provide consumers with safe, adequate and reliable services at rates that are equitable and economical.”

Translated, that means the PSC is a referee between utilities and consumers. It allows companies such as Alabama Power to make a profit, but not too much. It keeps profits and prices in check and oversees the quality of those services.

With PSC President Jim Sullivan retiring after 25 years, his seat has attracted two high-profile candidates. Former Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley will be the Democratic candidate in the fall General Election, and former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Twinkle Cavanaugh wants her party’s nomination.

Ms. Cavanaugh has opposition in the June 3 Republican Primary. One is long-time retired PSC employee Jack Hornady, who earlier ran an unsuccessful race for the PSC.

Matt Chancey is a fire-breathing super conservative from Enterprise who likes to rail against left-wingers. The commission has had his kind over the years who sought headlines rather than to provide service. They didn’t serve either side well.

Ms. Cavanaugh would add maturity to the commission, and indicated an eagerness to work with Democratic member Susan Parker on energy conservation.

As a former chairman of her party, and having worked for Republicans for 20 years, her GOP credentials are not questioned. She’s Republican, but she also recognizes the need for bipartisan service.

If you haven’t met her, you should. She’s smart, affable and entertaining. She knows her way around state and national politics and would be an asset on the commission in helping the PSC to continue evolving to meet today’s challenges.

The Daily recommends Twinkle Cavanaugh for the Republican nomination for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.