TALLAHASSEE — With a series of major issues looming in the future for utilities and regulators, two upcoming vacancies on the Florida Public Service Commission have drawn 33 applicants —- including state Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City.
The list of applicants, submitted before a Tuesday deadline, also includes Public Service Commission General Counsel and former longtime lawmaker Curt Kiser and former state Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola.
The terms of Commissioners Julie Brown and Eduardo Balbis will expire in January, touching off a selection process that involves a nominating panel whittling the list of applicants and recommending finalists to Gov. Rick Scott, who will make appointments to the seats.
Brown is seeking appointment to another four-year term.
Balbis announced last month he would not seek another term, saying in a letter to the Public Service Commission Nominating Council that after discussions “with my family and those closest to me, I have decided the time is right to seek new challenges in other arenas after the expiration of my current term.”
Brown is seeking to follow the path of commission Chairman Art Graham and commissioners Ronald Brise and Lisa Edgar, who were reappointed by Scott when their terms were set to expire. But the list of applicants includes some familiar names around the Capitol, including Patronis, who will leave the House later this year because of term limits.
Patronis, who is chairman of the House Economic Affairs Committee, pointed to his experience in the restaurant industry and on issues such as economics, natural resources and environmental permitting as preparing him for a seat on the commission. He also said he has shown ability in the Legislature to be a “shuttle diplomat,” building consensus on issues.
Kiser, who served in the House and the Senate and plans to retire as Public Service Commission general counsel in December, said serving on the commission would be a different role. As a staff member, Kiser said he is able to make recommendations and suggestions, but as a commissioner he would have more decision-making authority.
He said Wednesday the commission will face issues such as the need for utilities in the future to replace aging power plants.
“Long range really needs to be the marching orders, and not short term,” he said.
Similarly, Murzin, who served in the House from 2002 to 2010, said utilities will deal with issues such as federal attempts to phase out coal-fired power plants. Murzin said he has long been involved in utility issues as a lawmaker and in other roles and said that would prepare him for a spot on the Public Service Commission.
“I’d hit the ground running,” said Murzin, who now works as an aide to state Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker. “I’m the type of geek that keeps up with that sort of thing.”
Details on all 33 applicants were not immediately available Wednesday. But in addition to Kiser, the list includes at least three current or former staff members at the Public Service Commission.