With a pledge to be “a strong, independent voice who stands up for families and consumers,” State Senator Joe McPherson announced his candidacy for the Fourth District Public Service Commission seat to be filled in a special election Saturday, April 4th. A vacancy was created when Commissioner Dale Sittig resigned in late 2008. Pat Manuel was appointed on a temporary basis.

“Now, more than ever, Louisiana consumers need someone on the Public Service Commission who will stand up to the powerful special interests and ensure that residents in every part of the state can count on having reliable utility services at the lowest possible cost, without having to worry about rate increases and surcharges that make it harder for families to make ends meet,” McPherson said. “As a state senator, I’ve fought hard to limit the influence of special interests and protect consumers. I will continue that fight on the Public Service Commission.”

As a state senator, McPherson has been a leading supporter of ethics reform and authored legislation to ban all gifts…even “A cup of coffee” from lobbyists to legislators. He has also consistently voted against raising legislative pay. McPherson said that if elected to the PSC, he will work to maintain a total ban on gifts and meals to commission members and staff from the companies they regulate – a rule the PSC recently passed by a narrow 3-2 margin.

“People need to know their elected officials are free from influence and can be counted on to stand up for them,” McPherson said. “In these tough economic times, consumers need a public service commissioner who will demand utility companies put their customers first. Families and small businesses need reliable service at the lowest price possible. We need to find ways to cut the costs of delivering utility services and encourage the development of alternative sources of energy.”

McPherson said one of his top priorities will be to ensure Louisiana utility companies are prepared to quickly and efficiently respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. He said steps can and should be taken now to upgrade utility company lines and structures to better withstand extreme weather.

Economic development should also be a top goal for the PSC, McPherson said.

“As a businessman and state senator, I’ve had first-hand experience in creating jobs and will bring that knowledge to the commission. The public service commission can play a big role in creating jobs by working with state and local officials to attract and keep new businesses by ensuring the utility services they need are available, reliable and competitively priced. It will be much easier to convince companies to come to Louisiana and bring new high-paying jobs if they know they can count on having reliable service at the lowest possible rates.”

McPherson said he will also work to keep roads and highways safe by preventing the illegal transportation of industrial waste.

Joe and his wife Karen McPherson are residents of Woodworth. They have a son, Joe Jr.

Additional information on the McPherson for PSC Campaign can be found at the campaign website at www.electjoemac.com or by calling 1-888-583-4PSC (4772).