Candidate says current PSC "is a mess"

My name is Elena Evans, and I’m running as an Independent for the Public Service Commission because we can’t afford another 28% increase on our utility bills. I’m a working mom with two kids, and I’m tired of politicians who refuse to stand up for Montana ratepayers.

There’s no other way to say it, our current Public Service Commission is a mess. Two years ago, NorthWestern Energy requested a 28% rate hike on electricity and natural gas services for residential and business customers. The commission unanimously approved the request.

Then, just last month, NorthWestern requested another major increase: 8% for electricity and 16% for gas.

Unfortunately, we can’t trust our current public service commissioners to keep power, gas, and trash bills affordable or properly regulate railroad and telecommunication companies. In fact, we can’t even trust them to act like responsible adults.

Three years ago, a legislative audit discovered that commissioners were spending tax dollars on flight upgrades and expensive computer gear then falsifying financial documents so they wouldn’t get caught. This year, a new audit revealed even more problems, including a toxic work environment and high staff turnover.

This latest audit said commissioners needed a code of conduct to ensure good behavior. But these commissioners don’t need a code of conduct. They need to be voted out of office.

If you want to restore the public’s voice to the Public Service Commission, please visit ElenaForMontana.com. I would be honored to have your vote this November.

Elena Evans, a water quality expert from Missoula, is an Independent candidate for District 4 of the Public Service Commission. Her opponent is Republican incumbent Jennifer Fielder of Thompson Falls.