My work in the Montana House of Representatives serving on the Education, Local Government, State Administration, and Energy and Telecommunications committees will bring a tremendous amount of public service experience to the Public Service Commission.

I also bring a great deal of energy policy experience with an ability to work through the complex issues surrounding the utility industry and consumer protection. Experience such as; Serving 4 terms on the House Energy and Telecommunications Committee 2 terms as Chairman, 1st Chairman of the Interim Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, serving on the Electrical Utility Restructuring Transition Advisory Committee, serving on the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Bi-National Energy Working Group, and serving as Western Region Vice-chairman of the National Council of State Legislatures' Committee on Energy.

Since the 2001 session I have sponsored legislation to define the role of the legislature in regards to the Clean and Healthful Environment provisions of the Montana Constitution and put meaningful definitions in the Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act. I have supported and sponsored legislation to make energy bills affordable and bring stability to the utility customer and industry. I have also supported reforms to make state government responsible to the people of Montana and voted for smart spending and tax reform.

As a member of the House Energy Committee I supported the Judith Gap wind farm, revolving loan funds for alternative energy systems, Wholesale Energy Transmission tax exemptions for wind energy, new and expanding industry tax incentives for wind energy projects and federal renewable energy production incentives. Alternative energy definitely deserves a place in a utility’s portfolio.

As your Public Service Commissioner I will continue to support equitable incentives along with reasonable and competitive renewable energy projects that benefit the consumer, rate payer, on a long term basis. Seeing the volatility of energy markets, costs of generation integration, and transmission congestion first hand, I understand utility de-regulation issues and the impacts to the residential rate payer. As Chairman of the House Energy and Telecommunications Committee the first question I asked on energy legislation was; "What will be the impact to the rate payer?" Providing reliable, safe, low cost utilities for the people of Montana will be my goal as your Public Service Commissioner. We must remember, the utility buys power, it’s the consumer who pays for it.

During my four term legislative career I have been endorsed by business and labor, agriculture and sportsmen. Currently I am in my 4th year as Chairman of the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. 

 I will appreciate your vote and support.