ROSEAU, MN—Representative Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, the incoming Chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee, released the following statement regarding Governor Dayton's appointment of outgoing DFL State Senator Katie Sieben to the Public Utilities Comission (PUC). Sieben represented part of Washington County in the State Senate. Sieben will replace St. Paul resident and outgoing Chair Beverly Jones Heydinger beginning in 2017.
"It's very disappointing to me and the people I represent that once again Governor Dayton has declined to appoint a Greater Minnesota voice to serve on the Public Utilities Commission," Fabian said. "One look at a map of results from the last election should tell you all you need to know; residents of rural Minnesota are frustrated with the status quo and tired of feeling like their voices aren't being heard. They're tired of not being represented on commissions and governing bodies. The five members of the PUC live an average of 17 miles from the Capitol. There are zero who live north of the seven-county Metro, and the lone member outside Metro lives less than 50 miles from St. Paul. I plan to once again pursue legislation to change how members are appointed to the PUC, and ensure there is fair rural representation on this vital decision-making body."
Last session, Fabian chief authored legislation that would require members of the PUC to be elected from each of Minnesota's eight congressional districts to ensure regional representation. A similar proposal that would require appointment by Congressional District was included in the House Republican Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill but was stripped out in conference committee due to DFL opposition. Fabian resides in Roseau, 356 miles from the Capitol in St. Paul.
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