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Quinn appoints Colgan to ICC

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Illinois

* We finally have a new ICC commissioner, and he’s a pretty good guy. From a press release…

Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of John Colgan to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Colgan had been Vice President for Public Policy for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA).

“John is a lifelong public servant, dedicated to fighting for the citizens of our state,” said Governor Quinn. “I know he will serve on the Commerce Commission with integrity and provide a strong voice for Illinois’ consumers.”

Colgan has more than thirty years experience in community organizing and administration, serving for 12 years as founding executive director of the Illinois Hunger Coalition, prior to accepting a position with IACAA in 2001. At IACAA, he worked tirelessly for affordable energy for Illinois’ low-income families.

In 2004, Colgan co-authored the Affordable Energy Plan, which was used as the basis for the creation and passage of the Illinois Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), which Governor Quinn signed into law on July 10 (Public Act 096-0033). The PIPP helps low-income families, seniors and other fixed-income households pay their utility bills by modernizing of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“I am honored to serve on the Illinois Commerce Commission on behalf of the people of Illinois,” said Colgan.

Colgan also helped negotiate rate relief contracts with Ameren and ComEd and implement them for the statewide Community Action network. The adjusted contracts to aid low-income families took effect in June 2007 and saved them more than $50 million over four years. Colgan will fill the vacancy left by Robert F. Lieberman.

Not sure yet how the utilities will react, and the Senate Democrats appeared to be in the dark about this appointment late last night, so we’ll see how it plays out.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 2:39 pm

Comments

John is a great guy. He is smart and a tireless advocate. Great choice.

Comment by Montrose Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 2:57 pm
Congrats to John - he will help better balance consumer and utility issues at the ICC

Comment by SickNtired Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 2:59 pm
Under the law no more than 3 commissioners can be from the same political party. How does this appointment fit into that requirement? It doesn’t appear that the bios of the current commissioners list party affiliation as was the casein the past.

Comment by Just the Facts Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 3:40 pm
John is a very decent guy - nice choice Gov. Quinn!!

Comment by dupage progressive Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 3:56 pm
Does the ILGA site; or elsewhere proide a link to the ‘Governor’s Messages”. I’d like to be able to eyeball this and perhaps a few others.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:18 pm
Utility policy is mind-numbing, but high stakes. You pay for it every moment of every day. Sounds like this guy’s heart and head is in the right place.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:20 pm
Messages are not online.

Comment by WOW Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:26 pm
An appointment made with the public interest in heart and mind by Quinn…he did create CUB ya know…well done Pat!

Comment by Anonymous45 Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:35 pm
wordslinger, I’ve known Colgan for almost 20 years. He’s pretty solid. Not exactly ComEd’s type, but not a ranting screamer, either.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:37 pm
Its about time.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 4:52 pm
I have known John for many years and have found him to be most honorable and a straight arrow.

Comment by Grumpas Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 5:47 pm
“Senate Democrats appeared to be in the dark.”

Clever.

Always pains AA to say something nice about PQ, but this was indeed a good, solid appointment to a tough job.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 5:50 pm
In the process that brought about the percentage of income payment plan, John showed himself able to compromise and willing to listen to utility company concerns. They know where he is coming from but can respect that and him.

Comment by Mick Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 6:33 pm
Outstanding pick. Hope Chairman Box gets replaced by a creative Quinn appointee, soon.

Comment by Chubs Mahoney Monday, Oct 26, 09 @ 7:47 pm
Keeping Senate Dems in the dark seems like a good move if we’re looking for a decent commissioner.

Comment by CarterK Tuesday, Oct 27, 09 @ 8:35 am
Does anyone know if he is related to the infamous Paul “Hulk” Colgan from Madigan’s Issues Staff back in the 80’s?

Comment by Joe in the Know Tuesday, Oct 27, 09 @ 9:30 am
Nice pick but Gov Quinn. Thanks!

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 27, 09 @ 10:12 am
i have had the pleasure of knowing and working with john colgan for many years on a wide range of issues. he is a rock solid straight shooter who will do a great job. great selection by gov. quinn.

Comment by EIRE 17 Wednesday, Oct 28, 09 @ 9:35 am