The Marietta Daily Journal has landed the scoop of the morning. Stan Wise, chairman of the state Public Service Commission, has announced that he won't be seeking re-election in 2018.
Wise, a resident of Cobb County, has served 23 years on the commission. His announcement makes almost certain that the state utility commission will vote to allow Georgia Power and its utility partners to continue the construction of two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. The vote is scheduled for February.
Wise, who has served four six-year terms, would have to sign up for re-election the next month. Chuck Eaton, the only other member of the five-member PSC whose term expires in 2018, has already fielded Democratic opposition.
“I was sent here to make tough decisions, and I did my best to advance our state and its citizens. We have reliable utility services and abundant energy supplies and capacity. We haven’t deferred infrastructure investment, which will keep rates more affordable over time. Businesses are more likely to choose Georgia because of the climate we have created, which means more jobs and prosperity. It brings me immense satisfaction to know I played a hand in that.”
Among the names being floated for the seat, which covers a stretch of territory west of metro Atlanta, are Republican activists Tricia Pridemore and Justin Tomczak.
About the Author
