Senate confirmation of Kevin Gunn as a member of the Public Service Commission – Missouri’s utilities regulator – brings about a concern raised by the Senate’s Minority Leader. Senator Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis) told the chamber she had read a letter written by a citizen who complained about the number of lawyers sitting on the PSC.
Coleman says the complaint came from a person who feels citizens might be better represented by commissioners who have a different point of view than the one shared by attorneys. Gunn’s confirmation means all five members of the PSC are attorneys.
Coleman says that while there is nothing wrong with attorneys, she feels the need to ask whether it is appropriate for every member of one board or commission to be a lawyer. She asks that this question is taken into account by future Governors and Senators who will be deciding on the make-up of these panels.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
