By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
In a written statement current Alabama Public Service Commissioner and Republican nominee for President of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Twinkle Cavanaugh suggested that the PSC has been underutilized as a tool for job creation and economic development. Cavanaugh said that the PSC should reassure industrial prospect that Alabama can supply their energy needs at a reasonable cost.
Commissioner Cavanaugh said however that, “Unfortunately, timid leadership currently at the top of the agency has been reluctant to fully engage in Alabama’s recruitment efforts, but voters have the opportunity to cast a strong vote in favor of job creation on November 8.”
Cavanaugh said, “Shortly after joining the PSC, I quickly realized that all businesses, from the largest industrial factories to the smallest mom-and-pop operations, survive on their ability to maximize profits while lowering overhead costs as much as possible. One large factor in that formula is keeping the cost of the electricity that all businesses consume affordable. That’s why the PSC approved an incentive program that lowers utility rates for small businesses that hire additional employees or engage in community redevelopment by locating in currently empty storefronts. The Associated Press recently reported on the program’s success, and the Commission has reauthorized it for the next few years.”
Commissioner Cavanaugh said, “I am convinced that Alabama’s ability to provide dependable and low-cost energy helped convince France-based Airbus to construct a $600 million passenger plane production facility employing about 1,000 workers in Mobile.
Cavanaugh said, “As the agency that sets utility rates in Alabama, the PSC President should be allowed to look across the negotiating table and reassure industrial prospects that their energy needs in Alabama will be met. That’s how you close a deal in today’s competitive environment and continue to recruit companies like Hyundai, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda and so many others.”
Cavanaugh said that replacing the President of the Public Service Commission needs to change to help get Alabama out of it’s current economic rut. Cavanaugh said that she has, “The vision to see the opportunity and the will to make it happen.”
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh was previously the Chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Cavanaugh’s opponent is the current PSC President, 74 year old Lucy Baxley. The former Alabama Lieutenant Governor is the last Democrat holding statewide office in Alabama. President Baxley has had a series of health issues that have limited her ability to campaign effectively.
