Crist continues PSC interviews, says FPL extension won't matter

Gov. Charlie Crist called the decision by the Public Service Commission to postpone a decision on Florida Power & Light's $1.3 billion rate case from December until after the new terms of two commissioners in January "intriguing."

Does that decision make him feel as if he's being painted into a corner on his decision to choose between two incumbents and four newcomers "No because we still have the opportunity to make these selections on behalf of the people.''

He said he will be interviewing today the former Bradenton Herald editorial board director David Klement, who is currently the director of the Institute for Public Policy & Leadership at the University of South Florida.

Crist said he's been watching the commission "it's a lot to sort through,'' and has "not predetermined" whether he will choose incumbents Matthew Carter or Katrina McMurrian but doesn't have any reservation about putting a newbie on the commission. "How's that going to work? Well, let's see. If they do happen to be new, I imagine they will study up."

Crist said that he's looking for "people of good intellect, great integrity, care and concern and compassion for the people that are in tune with the economic challenges that the people face right now.''

He said "How they feel about diversifying our energy resources is important too.'' He acknowledged that the PSC is considered more utility friendly than "people friendly. Strange, huh?" And added: "They have to strike a balance that's what's important. I want people that understand that a balance needs to be struck

Do the current commissioners understand the challenge of balancing being either utility-friendly or consumer-friendly? "I think some do,'' he said. "You never know until the end of the day.''

Comments

[mike]

hahaha....charlie is so clueless. what he is really trying to say is study just enough to give the appearance of governing all the while you jet set around going to campaign fundraisers. sorry charlie the people expect their psc commissioners to work just like they expect their governor to.

[Austin Powers]

Anyone else having Martinez-LeMieux flashbacks? We all know how that went down. All that taxpayer money out the door for Crist to appoint his mini-me.