PANEL TO INTERVIEW 16 FOR TWO SPOTS ON PSC

By News Service Florida

A nominating panel Thursday decided to interview 16 candidates, including current Commissioner Julie Brown, for two upcoming vacancies on the state Public Service Commission. The Public Service Commission Nominating Council chose the 16 from a list of 32 applicants. Along with Brown, those on the shortened list include state Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, and former Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola. PSC General Counsel and former longtime lawmaker Curt Kiser initially applied but later withdrew his name from consideration. The terms of Brown and Commissioner Eduardo Balbis, who did not seek reappointment, will expire in January. After conducting interviews, the council will recommend finalists to Gov. Rick Scott, who will make appointments to four-year terms on the PSC. Other candidates on the shortened list are: James Schilling Baumstark; Stephen Bart Fletcher; Philip L. Leary; Robert Natale Santoni, Sr.; Marshall Wayne Willis; Norman Bruce Doueck; Gerardo B. (Jerry) Fernandez; Astrida Trupovnieks; Calvin Lynn Johnson; Stuart Wayne Pollins; Kevin LeRoy Wiehle; Patrick John Sheehan; and Luz Urbaez Weinberg.