Dayton picks veteran Sen. Ellen Anderson to head PUC
Gov. Mark Dayton has selected a veteran state legislator, DFL Sen. Ellen Anderson of St. Paul, to chair the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
As PUC chair, Anderson will head a panel that regulates the state's electricity, natural gas and telephone utilities. Anderson has served 19 years in the Minnesota, and is currently the ranking minority member of the Energy Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.
Anderson chaired the same committee when the DFL controlled the Senate. She said she doesn't think her strong views on environmental issues will get in the way of her conformation.
"When you move forward from the Senate to the Public Utilities Commission you have a different role. You're not an advocate any longer," she said. "I won't be an advocate for my district, or an issue. My job will be to follow the law."
Dayton has scheduled a special election in Senate District 66 for April 12.
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