In case you missed it, there was an election a couple weeks ago. Oftentimes, that is the way in which public officials are chosen. Other times however, an official announces his retirement two weeks after the election is over and the governor gets to choose a replacement. That’s what happened Tuesday. In a perhaps too-convenient bit of timing, Public Service Commissioner Doug Everett announced his retirement, effective December 31.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce this decision. This Commission has been like a family to me. I have not measured my life by riches but by friendships and in that I am truly rich. It has been a privilege and honor to serve the people of Georgia,” said Everett.
Everett has been in public service for decades, serving on the Albany City Commission, the Georgia House of Representatives, and, for the past 16 years as a member of the Public Service Commission. He was president of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in 2007-2008 and has been a big supporter of nuclear power and the Plant Vogtle expansion.
Governor Deal thanked Everett for his service and appointed his successor Rep. Jason Shaw (R-176 Lakeland). “I would like to thank Doug Everett for his more than 15 years of dedicated service as a commissioner and I wish him all the best in retirement,” said Deal. “Rep. Shaw has significant experience both as a businessman and in public service, and I am confident that he will be an effective representative for the people of Georgia as a member of the Public Service Commission.”
Shaw has been in office since 2011 and made his career in the insurance business. He was chairman of the House Appropriations Transportation Committee and served as the chairman of the Georgia Legislative Rural Caucus. He will now serve the remainder of Everett’s term until 2020. Shaw’s appointment will set off a special election for District 176 but lest Democrats get their hopes up, it is in the heart of south Georgia Trump country where he carried the vote with 70% in 2016. The odds of the seat flipping are quite low.
In other PSC news, as reported by Insider Advantage, Governor-elect Brian Kemp has named Commissioner Tricia Pridemore to his official Transition Team. She will be serving as an advisor on the Government Relations committee.
In the meantime, current PSC Commissioner Chuck Eaton is campaigning in his runoff against Democrat challenger Lindy Miller. Eaton is touting his bipartisan support, notably labor, which is supportive of Eaton because of the many jobs that come with the Plant Vogtle project. “You know exactly what you’ll get from me as a Commissioner. Endorsed by Labor, the Georgia Chamber, Manufacturers and Governor Deal. Let’s continue to grow our economy for the working families of GA,” said Eaton. His challenger, Miller, has been vocal in her criticism of the Vogtle deal.
Eaton’s and Secretary of State candidate Brad Raffensperger’s political futures are joined at the hip until the runoff. Turnout drops off precipitously in runoffs and if one of the Republicans win, likely both will.
