DeWine rejects list of nominees for utility commission

COLUMBUS » Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine faced swift criticism from consumer advocates after he rejected the entire slate of candidates nominated to replace former PUCO chair Sam Randazzo, and requested a new list.

In a letter to the chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Nominating Council, the Republican governor said: “The list contained candidates who could be an appropriate addition to the PUCO. However, I would like to consider additional capable candidates before making my appointment to the vacancy.”

Four names were submitted to DeWine in December by the council as potential candidates.

“Why would Gov. DeWine turn away professionals with extensive utility market experience and consumer advocacy expertise who could have brought a fresh start and muchneeded perspective to a PUCO that is currently in the shadows of scandal?” asked Rachael Belz, director of the Ohio Consumers Power Alliance.

The list included former Supreme Court Justice Judith French, who lost a reelection bid in November; Anne Vogel, a top DeWine aide who formerly worked as an attorney for the electric utility AEP Ohio; Angela Amos, a policy adviser at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and Gregory Poulos, the executive director of Consumer Advocates of the PJM States, a nonprofit utility group.

“It’s a surprise when the four names that go to the governor leads to a request for a new slate of candidates,” said former PUCO Chair Todd Snitchler.

French, who is viewed as an even-handed jurist, had been considered a top contender for the job but dropped out of the running and was appointed DeWine’s insurance director on Tuesday.

Vogel may have been viewed unfavorably because of questions about the handling of the Randazzo appointment.