Gov. Butch Otter is calling for applicants for an opening in January on the state Public Utilities Commission. “We are looking for candidates who possess the right mix of enthusiasm and temperament to oversee one of the most vital regulatory functions in state government,” Otter said. PUC commissioners are full-time and make $97,799 a year.

Commissioner Mack Redford, who was in the middle of his second six-year term, died unexpectedly on June 30. Last month, Otter appointed retired longtime Commissioner Marsha Smith to serve on an interim basis until a new commissioner is appointed in January. The appointee, who is subject to Senate confirmation, would serve out Redford’s term, which runs through January of 2019.

“Commissioner Smith’s willingness to come out of retirement and serve until a new commissioner is appointed has been extremely helpful to the commission,” said Commission President Paul Kjellander. “Obviously, the passing of Commissioner Redford was a shock and a tremendous loss to the commission, so we are grateful to Commissioner Smith for filling in the gap.” 

Interested applicants can contact Ann Beebe in the governor’s office at (208) 334-2100, or ann.beebe@gov.idaho.gov. The deadline for applications is Sept. 22.