Dear Editor,
Citing “conflict of interest” concerns several groups in North Dakota
are bringing suit charging that two N.D. Public Service Commissioners
should recuse themselves from voting on a proposed coal mine and power
project because they accepted large campaign contributions from the
companies and individuals involved in the developments.
Current Commissioner, Gail Gutsche (standing for re-election),
historically accepts campaign donations from, and consistently votes
to advance the agenda of, the same environmental groups that
constantly appear before the Montana Commission. Sen. Bob Lake, now a
candidate for the PSC, accepted donations from virtually every utility
lobbyist that appears before his legislative committees (and the PSC).
Bob Lake has a clear record of supporting the same utilities that
donated to him. Why should Montana consumers not also be concerned?
Jim Pearson is running for the PSC to block Lake and replace Gutsche.
Jim has pledged to not accept donations from those that normally bring
cases before the PSC. How refreshing would that be?
Connie Barry
Darby