News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 25, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke appoints Yakima attorney to Utilities and Transportation Commission

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Patrick J. Oshie, a Yakima attorney, to become the state Utilities and Transportation Commission's third commissioner.

Oshie, 48, is a partner in the firm of Oshie & Spurgin.

"Patrick Oshie's expertise in utilities law has been developed from practicing in both the public and private sectors," Locke said. "This expertise will be invaluable as we deal with a serious energy crisis."

"He also is very experienced in natural resource law, with a focus on restoring wild salmon in the Columbia Basin," the governor added.

Oshie said, "I am honored to be able to serve Washington residents in this capacity. I look forward to the challenges in addressing energy and telecommunications issues."

Oshie has been a partner in his Yakima law firm since 1991 where he has represented the Yakama Nation and other clients in federal Indian and environmental law issues.

From 1987 to 1989, Oshie served as an assistant Seattle city attorney, representing Seattle City Light where he was involved in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hydroelectric project relicensing and other issues.

Oshie worked as an assistant attorney general in Utah from 1984-1987 under Attorney General David Wilkinson, Republican. In that capacity, Oshie served as public counsel before the Utah Public Service Commission on natural gas, electricity and other utility matters.

He also has practiced utility law at Van Eaton, Thomas, Phippard & Gorud, a Kirkland law firm.

Oshie graduated from Western Washington State College in 1977, now Western Washington University, and received his law degree from the University of Washington in 1980.

The three-member Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission regulates the rates, service and practices of privately-owned utilities and transportation companies.

UTC commissioners serve six-year terms. Marilyn Showalter, chairwoman, and Dick Hemstad currently serve on the three-person board.

Oshie will be paid $93,571 annually. He begins his service in June.

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