DEQ chief announced
As we told you last night, Teresa Marks has been named by Gov. Mike Beebe to head the Department of Environmental Quality. May the agency's title actually have meaning in the new administration, though we confess nervousness on the chicken poop end of the business.
What's more, a tip of the hat to John Brummett for first word on a appointment that we later mentioned as well -- North Little Rock City Attorney Paul Suskie to the Public Service Commission. (For readers who asked: Talk Business notes that Beebe designated Suskie as chairman.)
I'm happy for Paul Suskie. But I hope this doesn't take some starch out of reported tough questions arising in his office about Mayor Pat Hays' desire to give away the school tax ranch to any private developer that comes to town -- Bruce Burrow, etc.
News release on the jump.
GOV. BEEBE NEWS RELEASE
Governor Mike Beebe today named Teresa Marks of Little Rock as director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and Paul Suskie of North Little Rock to the Arkansas Public Service Commission.
Marks, 49, has spent the past four years as the Deputy Attorney General for Public Protection in the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office. In 2003, she helped negotiate an agreement between Arkansas, Oklahoma and the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce phosphorus levels in waterways in and around Northwest Arkansas cities. Marks also served four years heading the Attorney General’s Antitrust Division. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law, Marks returned to UALR in 1990 to supervise the Bowen School of Law’s Legal Clinic, which represents indigent clients.
Suskie, 35, has served as the North Little Rock City Attorney since 2000. During his tenure, Suskie developed a program that fights criminal nuisance by utilizing civil laws, the first program of its kind in Arkansas. He also successfully fought to prohibit individuals from using bankruptcy proceedings to avoid paying criminal fines. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and the UALR Bowen School of Law, Suskie is a past president of the Arkansas City Attorneys Association. A Major in the Arkansas Army National Guard’s Jag Corp, Suskie served a tour in Afghanistan in 2005, earning the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards.
Comments
The release doesn't mention whether Suskie will be chairman. With the other two being GOPs, you would think so.
Posted by: Julianna![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 30, 2007 12:25 PM
As the only D appointee on the commission, Suskie will serve as chair. He is an exceptional appointment. Not aligned with any major utility interest, has worked on utility issues on the ground level and a major plank in his AG platform was to protect Arkansans from Louisiana electricty cost shifting. Suskie will bring a fresh perspective and real understanding of how utility rates can affect the day to day lives of consumers. Good call Gov. Beebe.
Posted by: okthen![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 30, 2007 01:31 PM
Two good calls by Beebe. Teresa is a smart attorney who has done impressive work at the Attorney General's Office. She will run a tight ship at ADEQ and be a great leader.
I am equally pleased that he appointed Paul chair of the PSC. I have worked with him before on some NLR issues. He is one of the most fair and honest people that I know- not to mention that he is a very good attorney.
Posted by: holycow![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 30, 2007 02:20 PM
Does this mean that blonde-headed woman lawyer for big big gas that was Hucks chairwoman won't be able to screw us any more?
Ever notice how much she looks like Alice Stewart? hugh mann can turn up the heat now and pink up his boy's cheeks since CenterPoint won't be getting an increase this year. Listen......can ya hear hugh jr., saying "an God bless us everyone."
Gas company seeks 14 percent residential rate increase in Ark.
LITTLE ROCK Houston-based CenterPoint Energy wants to increase residential natural gas rates by more than 14 percent in Arkansas.
CenterPoint is Arkansas' largest natural gas provider.
It asked the Arkansas Public Service Commission yesterday to approve a 50-point-9 (m) million dollar-a-year increase. The company said higher business costs were one reason for the request.
If approved, residential rates would rise an average 8 dollars and 97 cents per month for every five-thousand cubic feet of natural gas. That's the approximate amount used by households.
CenterPoint has about 424-thousand customers in Arkansas.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Oops!
Posted by: Deathbyinches![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 30, 2007 10:40 PM