Special to the News
Submitted by John Northrop
Thanks to the new Public Service Commission law passed late in the legislative session, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Democratic race for the Place 1 nomination.
The law has changed the PSC’s function, authority, size, and the term length of commissioners. The new job is not the job I signed up to win. It’s a job I believe others are better suited to fill.
I commend to all the two worthy Democratic candidates who remain in Place 1 contention: Jeff Ramsey and James Gordon, both from the Mobile area.
The May 19 winner will appear on the November 3 ballot, along with PSC Place 2 nominee Sheila McNeil of Huntsville, another worthy champion for the people.
Especially noteworthy in the law is the new secretary of energy position that the governor will fill by appointment when taking office in January. This powerful energy czar position further heightens the importance of the governor’s race this year.
I strongly believe that consumers’ best hope for controlling utility rates and profits will be to elect a Democratic governor in November.
Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and supported my candidacy! It’s been a joy traveling and meeting good people across Alabama who truly care about the well-being of all our citizens.
