Consumer groups urge CA Senate to reject Rachelle Chong

CONSUMER GROUPS URGE COMMITTEE TO REJECT GOVERNOR'S APPOINTMENT
[SOURCE: Associated Press]
Consumer groups are urging a California Senate committee to reject Governor Schwarzenegger's appointment of a former federal communications commissioner and telephone industry attorney to the California Public Utilities Commission. The Consumer Federation of California, The Utility Reform Network and other groups said Commissioner Rachelle Chong's views are too close to those of the companies she is supposed to regulate. Chong said she cares very much for consumers but has philosophical differences with consumer groups about how to deal with competitive markets. She said her approach is to -- as she puts it -- trust but verify. Gov Schwarzenegger appointed Chong last January to fill out the rest the term of Susan Kennedy on the PUC after the Republican governor named Kennedy as his chief of staff. Chong needs to be confirmed by the Senate by January 12th or leave the commission.
http://www.cbs47.tv/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=a2453aa6-9abd-4cc6-...