Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Pence Names Long-Time Political Hack To IURC

Good government and Mike Pence do not belong in the same sentence. So I wasn't surprised that Gov. Mike Pence chose someone today with political hack skills that rivaled former IURC Chairman James Atterholt's to fill the remainder of his term, who stepped down to become Pence's chief of staff. James Huston, the current chief of staff for the Department of Health, has been tapped to fill the remainder of Atterholt's term. Among other political jobs, Huston once worked on Pence's congressional staff, a job that gave him plenty of face time with utility lobbyists.
“With a lifetime of public service, James Huston’s commitment to Indiana is unmatched,” said Pence. “His proven leadership and unique background will go far as he continues his service to Hoosiers as Commissioner of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.”
Huston currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Indiana State Department of Health. From 2011 to early 2013, he served as Executive Director of the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. Huston has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his more than 30-year career at both the federal and state level, including time spent as assistant deputy treasurer for the State in 1989 and Deputy Commissioner for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles from late 1986 to 1987. He is a 1987 recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award and a member of Brownsburg Kiwanis. Huston earned his undergraduate degree from Ball State University.
Suffice it to say the utility company executives and their lobbyists are patting themselves on the back once again for a job well done in keeping the IURC safely in their control.

1 comment:

Eric Morris said...

Yes, when you have guaranteed customers you deserve ~20% before tax returns. Shocking that Warren Buffett loves this line of "business".

Does government exist for any reason other than benefiting those connected therewith?