Champ Edmunds files to enter Public Service Commission race

It has been a few years since I have served the State of Montana. I am proud to have served in our state Legislature for two terms representing one of Missoula County’s legislative districts.

I recently received calls from a few people asking me to serve again, this time as Public Service Commissioner for District 4. After much prayer, consideration and discussion with my wife, Barbara, I have decided to run to serve as your next Public Service Commissioner.

District 4 encompasses seven counties in Western Montana: Lincoln, Sanders, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Granite and Ravalli. The PSC is a regulatory board that strives to ensure that rate payers (you and I) have continued access to utility services that are affordable, reliable and sustainable for the long term.

The PSC is not a policy making board and it should not be ideologically driven. Public Service Commissioners serve best if they have the skills of pragmatic and unemotional evaluation of facts, expertise in finances, and business management experience. I have these.

My experience includes navigating submarines while serving in the Navy, working as a public accountant as well as at a bank, serving two terms in the Legislature on the Appropriations Committee, and now my wife and I own our own businesses, a chocolate shop and a real estate franchise.

My formal education includes a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana with a dual emphasis in Accounting and Finance as well as numerous Navy schools.

My education and experience uniquely and specifically qualify me as the best choice to serve as your next Public Service Commissioner.