The “Independent” PSC

Why would loyalty to Doyle be preferred?

When an investigation started into whether decisions by the state Public Service Commission were influenced by campaign contributions, Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and his aides repeatedly declared the allegations were baseless because the PSC is an independent agency.

The investigation has borne out that the agency’s decisions on the Kewaunee nuclear power plant weren’t tainted by political considerations.

But when it came to a hiring decision, the Public Service Commission wasn’t so independent.

Commissioner Mark Meyer—a former Democratic state senator who Doyle appointed to the commission in 2004—went straight to Doyle’s chief of staff, Susan Goodwin, when his top aide, Cathy Boies, announced she was leaving in March 2006.

“If you have any thoughts on a replacement, please contact me,” Meyer wrote. “In a perfect world my new (executive assistant) would be; loyal to Governor Doyle, a lawyer, knowledgeable of the energy and telecommunications industry. I know this is not a perfect world and the new person will have varying strengths and weaknesses in each of the three areas I listed.”

Seven hours later, Goodwin wrote back: “We are working on this and will be talking to you about candidates soon.”

1. Do you honestly think that business was conducted any differently during the 14-year reign of Tommy G. Thompson?

   Anyone?  Anyone?

   This is the way politics works!  The politicians who deviate from this model are known as one-termers!

   Posted by on August 05, 2008 at 0758 hrs




2. Wally is giving us a preview of what DC is going to look like under an Obama Presidency. 

   It doesn’t matter what Prez Obama does wrong because Bush did it worse.

   Posted by on August 05, 2008 at 0850 hrs




3. Hello is exactly right. 

   Just don’t try to mention Clinton when a liberal is bashing on Bush, because that doesn’t excuse what Bush does.  It’s just not the same thing. 

   Wally manages to completely miss the point of the posting - isn’t it odd that a staff member in an “independent” board be picked based upon political preference? 

   In other words - where’s the independence?

   Posted by on August 05, 2008 at 1219 hrs




4. Earth to Hello and Public Service!  Earth to Hello and Public Service!  This is what politicians do—they appoint people of their particular persuasion to open positions where merit selection is not required! 

   This happens whether there is a Democrat in office or a Republican in office!  What part of this don’t you dimwits understand?  It’s reality, and it’s no criticism of the Governor or of President Bush for putting a hack like Binversie on the payroll.

   Posted by on August 05, 2008 at 2046 hrs