Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 21, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke accepts resignation of UTC chair

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke announced today he has accepted the resignation of Sharon Nelson as chairperson of the Utilities and Transportation Commission.


"Sharon Nelson has served with distinction as chairperson of the UTC for the past 12 years," Locke said. "Although I respect her decision to explore new directions, her strong leadership will be missed." Nelson will stay on for the immediate future to help assure a smooth transition while the search for a replacement proceeds.


The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is the agency charged with setting the rates and services for privately owned utilities and transportation companies in the state. The commission consists of three members who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for six-year terms.


Nelson said although she has not decided on her future plans, her decision to resign was the right one. "I have recently completed terms on two national and regional panels charged with restructuring the telephone and electricity industries," Nelson said. "Having concluded these tasks, this appears to be a logical time for me to leave. I look forward to working on these vital issues in the future, but in some other role."


Nelson achieved national recognition as an expert in telecommunications, and was just the second woman in history to be elected president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

Nelson served on a federal-state panel that developed a new universal telephone service plan to comply with the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and a panel appointed by Northwest governors to review electricity markets in the region.

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