The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PSC elections remain a contentious topic
New bill would keep regulators in office beyond their terms.
Elections for Georgia’s powerful utility board already have been canceled. Now, the five Republicans on the Public Service Commission, which oversees electricity and natural gas rates, could stay in office for years to come until they have to face the voters again.
The Georgia General Assembly passed a bill last month that would keep current utility regulators in charge for two to three years beyond the expirations of their terms, a proposal that arose from an ongoing court battle that has put PSC elections on hold since 2022.
Even after the court case is resolved, the bill would delay elections until 2025, 2026 and 2028 rather than hold special elections for the two PSC members whose terms already have expired and one more commissioner whose term ends this year.
Opponents of the measure, which is awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature or veto, say it would violate the Georgia Constitution’s requirement that PSC members serve in office for six-year terms.
“It all amounts to partisan favoritism and denying voters an opportunity to elect their representatives based on their qualifications,” said Robert Jones, a Democrat and tech consultant who wanted to run this year for the PSC. “The governor already has the power to appoint commissioners when there’s a vacancy or an expired term, so the bill seems unnecessary.”
Jones planned to run against Fitz Johnson, a Republican whom Kemp appointed in 2021 but never has been elected. Johnson didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.
PSC elections have been postponed
since a federal judge ruled two years ago that statewide elections — rather than electing commissioners from five geographic regions — illegally weakens Black Georgians’ voting strength. The state’s white majority always outnumbers its Black minority, leading to just one Black candidate winning election in the commission’s 145-year history.
The case has stalled since then in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A three-judge appeals panel overturned the judge’s ruling in November, but an unnamed appellate judge withheld making it official.
In the meantime, the 2022 decision that prohibited statewide PSC elections remains intact, and the plaintiffs have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republican legislators said they wanted to “reset” the terms of PSC members to ensure no more than two commissioners are on the ballot each election year.
“Potentially the judge could say, ‘Well, let’s elect them all in one year,’” state Rep. Rob Leverett, R-Elberton, said last month during a House debate on House Bill 1312. “You could potentially have complete turnover on that body, which I don’t believe would be a good idea.”
Under the bill, Johnson’s seat would be up for election in 2025
for a one-year term, and another election for a six-year term would be held in 2026.
Commissioner Tim Echols would face election next year for a fiveyear term. Commissioner Tricia Pridemore’s seat, which would have expired this year, instead will last until the end of 2026, when she could run for a six-year term.
The remaining two commissioners, Jason Shaw and Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, who last faced voters in 2020, would receive twoyear extensions on their terms, until the end of 2028.
“The commissioners are all dedicated public servants who work for the citizens of the state of Georgia. That has not changed and will not change,” PSC spokesman Tom Krause said. “We will follow any law that is handed down by a judge or passed by the Legislature.”
HB 1312 passed the House along party lines 93-66. Some Democrats supported the measure in the Senate on a 43-9 vote.
“Essentially, we are taking away the ability of Georgians this year to vote for at least two of their public service commissioners,” said Minority Whip Sam Park, D-Lawrenceville.
Kemp hasn’t indicated whether he supports the bill. He faces a May 7 deadline to decide whether to sign or veto bills that passed during this year’s legislative session.
Tom Willner leads a double life. By day, he’s a self-described “math nerd” and technology director at Georgia State University. By night, he’s a musician, singer-songwriter, speaker and author.
Willner will give a special concert of original music today at Midtown’s Ponce Church. There will also be inspirational stories alongside his Urban Blue band and GSU’s Voices of Victory gospel choir, led by Jeremiah Brown. Drinks and dinner by Sweet Georgia Brown’s Catering will be available for purchase.
“I love a small live concert experience,” Willner said. “A mix of original songs and a few covers with a particular ensemble in a place that’s amazing — all for under $50.”
Music helped Willner process his cancer diagnosis and treatment a quarter-century ago. He underwent major surgeries for testicular cancer, only to have the disease spread to his lungs. After more surgery and chemotherapy, he was cancer-free. During his recovery, his wife became pregnant with their first of three children via IVF, since Willner’s treatments left him unable to conceive naturally. To make sense of these highs and lows, Willner wrote a musical called “Turning Thirty.”
“Music was my catharsis,” Willner said. “So, I started using my music and stories to help people understand my patient experience and life lessons learned. I don’t take anything for granted.”
To date, Willner has taught 2,500-plus health care workers and graduate students, reached 110,000-plus viewers with his TEDx Talk and written a book chronicling the creation of each song for his musical.
The small live concert experience is his latest vehicle for using stories and music to foster compassion, wisdom and joy. Last year, he performed with a string quartet and French horn. This year, he sought a gospel choir accompaniment.
“As a GSU staff member, I contacted the music school and was immediately connected to Jeremiah Brown,” Willner said.
Brown, a GSU undergraduate music education student and choral conductor, said yes. He, too, understood the power of music. In 2023, Brown coordinated, emceed and performed at GSU’s first Black History concert “Till Victory is Won,” showcasing African American composers with performances from gospel choir to solo rap.
“As the director of Voices of Victory choir, I am grateful for this opportunity and for Tom’s trust in me to help his vision come to life,” Brown said.
Willner gave Brown notations and recordings to work with the choir before they all came together for dress rehearsals.
“It’s been a great joy working with Tom and learning his soulful music,” Brown said. “With lots of planning and practicing, the choir is happy to be a part of this amazing concert.”
“I have always put a lot of harmony vocals in my songs,” Willner said. “They are adding a gospel flair.”
Tickets are still available but going quickly.
Up next, Willner is mulling a production of his “Turning Thirty” musical to further celebrate his 25-year “cancer-versary.”
“My goal is to do three shows that each feature one arrangement or style and one big one that cuts across all of them,” Willner said. “A memorable experience that doesn’t break the bank and gives you incredible music and inspiring stories.”