EUC re-elects officers

The Electric Utility Commission re-elected Chair Michael Osborne and Vice Chair Karen Hadden during its first meeting as an 11-member body on Monday. They were not the only commissioners to be nominated, however. Returning Commissioner Brent Heidebrecht nominated new Commissioner Cary Ferchill – appointed by Mayor Steve Adler – for the vice chair position. Heidebrecht stated that he made the move to give “deference” to Adler and the 10-1 governance system. Long-serving Commissioner Shudde Fath seconded the nomination, noting that the commission now has seven new members. She said that electing Ferchill would provide a “balance” to the commission by giving the new members representation among the officers. Ferchill, however, withdrew his own nomination, saying that he did not feel strongly about taking the position and planned to vote in favor of new Commissioner Carol Biedrzycki’s nomination of Hadden. Before the vote was taken, Hadden requested the support of the commission and said she was eager to reprise her role as vice chair.