Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 13, 2002
Contact:  Michael Marchand, Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Reappoints Chair of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Gov. Gary Locke announced the reappointment of Marilyn Showalter as chair of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).

Showalter was appointed chair in January 1999 for the final three years of a six-year term. Prior to the appointment, she served as the governor's senior policy adviser on energy and telecommunications. Her current term ends in December.

"Marilyn has done a tremendous job in this challenging role," Locke said. "She has championed protection for both consumers and businesses and has made solid policy decisions."

The commission's responsibilities include the regulation of rates and services of telecommunications companies; investor-owned electric utilities, natural gas and water companies; garbage-collection haulers; charter-bus companies; and petroleum pipelines.

"I am honored to continue serving as chair of this commission," Showalter said. "It is important to ensure that utility and transportation services are fairly priced, available, reliable and safe."

Showalter joined the governor's policy team in 1997 focusing on a wide variety of issues. She also held legal and management roles with the Washington State House of Representatives and served as chief clerk of the state House in 1994.

Showalter received her bachelor's degree in history and science from Harvard and her law degree from the Harvard Law School.

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