Diversity issue in PSC appointments

Former Bradenton Herald editor David Klement came under tough questioning April 14 by a Senate committee following his response to a question about the lack of diversity of the makeup of the Public Service Commission.

Klement and accountant Ben Stevens are seeking Senate confirmation of their appointments to the PSC. All five PSC members are white — two women and three men.

The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitors safety, reliability, and service.

Sen. Chris Smith, D-West Palm Beach, was not pleased with Klement's original answer that Klement was “comfortable” with the demographic makeup of the commission and Klement's comment that full diversity in all appointments across the state was not possible. Smith wasn't satisfied with Klement's later comments either prompting Smith to ultimately vote against the appointment.

Given a chance by a concerned Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, to further explain his original answer after saying that Klement had been “put on the spot” by Smith, Klement offered that what he meant was that he was comfortable in that it was Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to recommend the appointment, effectively throwing the governor under the proverbial bus.

Klement also pointed to the age diversity he brings to the PSC, noting he is 70 years old, considerably older than the other members, and understands seniors' viewpoints. He also commented that no one has been more supportive of diversity and civil rights during his 30-year tenure as a newspaper editor.

Until his appointment to fill a vacancy last September by Crist, Klement was director of the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of South Florida.

In the end, the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee approved the appointment by a vote of 8-1.