ELECTION 2020: Public Service Commission #4

NAME: Jennifer Fielder

EDUCATION: Associate in Applied Science; Associate in Arts & Sciences, Bachelor of Science

PROFESSION(s): Lawmaker; Administrator; Project Manager

1. What characteristics make you right for this position?

I'm focused. For me, this job boils down to fighting for low-cost energy, safe communities, and a strong economy.

I'm principled: I refuse to accept campaign contributions from industry groups or special interests who lobby the PSC.

I'm experienced: My eight years as a Montana lawmaker complement two decades of professional planning and project management related to the types of industries regulated by the PSC – including railways, pipelines, electric generation, telecommunications, waterworks, sanitation, and federal energy regulatory proceedings. I've also managed complex legal and multi-million-dollar financial portfolios, which round out a real-world skill set highly suitable for the PSC.

2. How will you balance the needs of consumers and utilities?

The people come first. My main objective as a PSC Commissioner is to ensure that the public has access to power, water, phone, and sanitation services that are affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable. This means carefully protecting consumers against "price-gouging," while at the same time ensuring that the companies that provide these essential services can operate responsibly without being regulated to death.

3. Do you think utilities have done enough to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes.

4. If you are elected and look ahead to the end of your term, what one significant change would you initiate?

I would take the politics out of the energy debate and focus the conversation on facts. When we put politics aside and turn to real scientific evidence and sound economics, we will unleash the kind of innovation and market competition that creates a wide array of affordable, reliable energy options that benefit everyone.

5. What else would you like residents to know about you?

My husband Paul and I are blessed to call Sanders County home. We love our beautiful outdoors and the people. Our son served in the U.S. Marines and is now a law enforcement officer, and our daughter is a teacher. We are all avid outdoor enthusiasts who honor God and the U.S. Constitution. It has been an honor for me to represent this area in the State Senate these past eight years. I intend to serve our area with the utmost diligence and integrity as a Public Service Commissioner should the people decide to elect me.

NAME: Monica Tranel

EDUCATION: Gonzaga University, BA. Rutgers University School of Law, JD

PROFESSION: Attorney specializing in energy, communications, and public utility law

1. What characteristics make you right for this position?

I'm running for the PSC because I understand the industries the commission regulates and I know Montanans need someone fighting for them. Commissioners need to make careful, objective decisions about legal, financial and technical questions, and leave their politics at the door.

I have decades of experience working directly with the Public Service Commission. I served as a PSC staff attorney from 2001 to 2005 and worked for the Montana Consumer Counsel from 2014 to 2016. I currently run my own law practice focused on regulatory issues before the PSC, water and property rights, and renewable energy projects.

2. How will you balance the needs of consumers and utilities?

Regulated utilities are required to provide adequate service at just and reasonable rates. While the current commission has been asleep at the wheel, electricity rates (rates that impact your household bills) have increased more than 20% in the last 10 years. By law, consumers should pay no more for utility services than what's needed to cover the utility's necessary expenses and give the owners a fair return. The PSC decides what expenses are necessary and what return is fair. I'll work hard to piece through every line item and spreadsheet to make sure Montana families and businesses get a fair deal.

3. Do you think utilities have done enough to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Even under normal circumstances it's important that Montana families and businesses have all the information they need about their utility rates and services. In order for this to happen, utility companies and government agencies must proactively communicate and be transparent with the public. Utility companies, like NorthwWestern Energy can and should do better supporting customers during this time period. Proactive communication with local and state news agencies, as well as open online meetings would provide greater information to Montanans during a time when families and businesses desperately need it.

4. If you are elected and look ahead to the end of your term, what one significant change would you initiate?

I would like to bring a level of professionalism and competence to the commission. Our democracy is dependent on our institutions working, and working well. It is imperative that our elected officials know what they are doing, and know how to do it. I am running to restore integrity, hard work and professionalism to the commission. I will bring the commission back to making decisions based on facts, science, and the law. It is deflating to see the levels of unprofessionalism, including the spying and bullying that has recently been reported. Montanans deserve a commission that will work for them.

5. What else would you like residents to know about you?

I grew up on a ranch in eastern Montana with my nine siblings where my dad always told us to "contribute something positive." I've aimed to do this throughout my life, as a mom, a two-time Olympic athlete for Team USA, and as an attorney fighting for fair rates. I'm telling you this because I want you to know I value hard work. I know that you're working hard to make Sanders County a better place to live, work and do business, and I promise you that I'm committed to working hard and fighting for you.