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27 people apply to replace Ohio utility regulator

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

COLUMBUS (AP) — A nominating panel is reviewing 27 applicants for a soon-to-be-vacated seat on the Ohio board that regulates public utilities.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the applicants for the seat on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio include the commission’s utility-rate administrator, Patrick Donlon, and Columbus Republican Tom Johnson, a former state lawmaker who was budget director under Gov. Bob Taft.

The commission will have an open seat because Chairman Todd Snitchler decided not to seek reappointment when his term expires April 10.

The nominating commission will interview some candidates and recommend four finalists to Republican Gov. John Kasich. He’ll make the choice and decide whether the next chairman should be the new commission member or one of four other members of the panel.