PUCO Nominating Council to interview candidates

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Nominating Council is scheduled to meet on Jan. 22 to interview applicants for the position of commissioner of the PUCO to fill a five-year term commencing on April 11, 2015. Commissioner Steven Lesser, who currently occupies the position, has submitted his application to be reappointed. In what has become a crowded field of candidates, the Nominating Council will meet with nine applicants next week.

Of particular note, Department of Commerce Director Andre Porter is among the applicants that will be interviewed next week. Prior to being appointed Director of Commerce, Porter served as a PUCO Commissioner from 2011 to 2013.

The Nominating Council will select four candidates to submit to Gov. John Kasich for his consideration to fill the commissioner term commencing on April 11, 2015. The governor’s appointment must be confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

The public session will be webcast live at www.PUCO.ohio.gov/apps/webcast.