Lobbyist Publicly Targets Consumer-Friendly Utility Regulators -- then Reverses Himself?

We've repeatedly covered some of the apparent corruption surrounding Florida's Public Service Commission (PSC), the entity that regulates utility companies.  The PSC is charged with protecting Florida's consumers, not advancing the interests of monopolistic utility companies. 

A few years back, Governor Crist was able to appoint two PSC commissioners who have been very consumer friendly: Nathan Skop and Nancy Argenziano.  The utilities industry doesn't particularly like Skop and Argenziano, precisely because they are so consumer oriented.

This brings me to my point.  On March 4, in a piece titled "Associated Industries to Fight Consumer Watchdogs on PSC," the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported:

"Associated Industries of Florida President Barney Bishop said his group opposes the re-appointment of Public Service Commission members Nancy Argenziano and Nathan Skop, whose first terms expire this year.

"'We are going to do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen,' Bishop said about their re-appointments after a Sun Sentinel editorial board meeting this week."

It doesn't get any clearer than that.  Now, look at what the Sun-Sentinel reported on March 8, in a piece titled "Associated Industries Will Stay out of Debate over PSC Appointments":

"[AIF president Barney Bishop said] 'We will continue to call for the PSC to be more balanced in its approach and consider longer-term investment strategies when making decisions that impact Florida’s energy future," wrote Bishop, whose group represents businesses including Florida Power & Light. 'That being said, AIF will not be taking a formal position on any pending legislation regarding the PSC nor will we be involved in any way with the process to appoint/re-appoint its members."

"Bishop clarified [sic] his remarks after a recent Sun Sentinel editorial board meeting."

Clarifed?  I question the Sun-Sentinel's use of the word "clarify." 

The March 4 article quoted Mr. Bishop as saying that his lobbying organization "would do everything we can to make sure that" Skop and Argenziano aren't reappointed to the PSC.

The March 7 article quotes Mr. Bishop as saying that his lobbying organization "will not be involved in any way" with the reappointment process.

The second statement does not clarify the first: instead, it seems to indicate that Mr. Bishop reversed his (public) stance on the issue.

Older PSC-related posts are linked below:

* Florida Utility Wants Rate Hikes: Partly for Executive Perks

* Florida Consumers Face 31% Rate Hike While Regulators Party with Utility Execs

* Conflicts of Interest at Florida's PSC?

* Fla Power Company Wants Consumers to Pay for Company Errors?

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Comments

[chi flat iron]

Applying for my first job, I realized I had to be creative in listing my few qualifications. Asked about additional schooling and training, I answered truthfully that I had spent three years in computer programming classes. I got the job. I had neglected to mention that I took the same course for three years before I passed.

[code hooking api]

Hmm nice comment Chi flat iron..
But if you are a computer programming and you are so good on programming i think spending ob how many year on taking that course on it wont matter..As long as you are a Master on it.. =D hehehehe