Letters to the Editor

Public Service Commission race

One of the most important state races this election cycle is the race for Public Service Commission (PSC) between Ken Toole and Mike Taylor.

For more than 20 years, Ken Toole, the Democratic candidate in district 5, has consistently opposed deregulation and supported consumers against big utility money interests. He is a Board member of the NW Energy Coalition, the Renewable Northwest Project, the Montana Electric Buyers Co-Op and the Policy Institute. He is Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

Mike Taylor, the Republican candidate in district 5, was co-sponsor of the bill that deregulated electricity in Montana (Senate Bill 390.) The records show that he voted for that bill (for deregulation) on the second reading. Additionally, he voted for natural gas deregulation (SB 396), and voted to oppose two efforts to call special legislative sessions to stop the deregulation debacle.

Following the November 2006 election, this Public Service Commission will determine the outcome of vital utility issues, not the least of which is the proposed sale of NorthWestern to Babcock and Brown of Sydney, Australia.

It is imperative that the voters in the five county PSC district 5 (Lake, Flathead, Glacier, Pondera, and Lewis & Clark counties) take the time to research the records of the two candidates vying for this important position. There is a great deal at stake. If elected, Ken Toole will continue to work for consumers and against big utility money interests just as he has always done.

Pat Cross

Polson