Page 3 - John Repke News Today

For around $110,000 a year, Montana Public Service commissioners take on a four-year commitment to balance company interests with the needs of the customers the utilities serve.

Voters in the PSCs District 5 are facing clear choices in experience and philosophy between candidates.

It was no surprise to open the paper last week and learn that the Public Service Commission had approved a $92 million interim rate increase for Northwestern Energy.

Ballots will be mailed to voters on the absentee list Oct. 14 and must be received by election officials by the time the polls close at 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

Candidates for county offices and PSC gave members of a grassroots Helena group a little insight into their backgrounds and plans for what they will do if elected in November.

Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, conceded the Republican Primary race against Dr. Ann Bukacek in the PSC District Five race.

Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, conceded the Republican Primary race against Dr. Ann Bukacek in the Public Service Commission District Five race,

The results of the election changed by only a couple of votes as Flathead, Lewis and Clark, and Teton counties did hand recounts of ballots in the June 7 Republican

Public Service Commissioner candidate Derek Skees requested a recount in the GOP PSC primary, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Dr. Annie Bukacek edged out lawmaker Derek Skees on the Republican ballot for the Public Service Commission.