The Snohomish County PUD has an idea that is, for electric ratepayers, potentially as good as it is bold.
PUD commissioners revealed Tuesday that they are trying to recruit the mayor of Everett, Ed Hansen, as the utility’s new general manager. It is a highly political move by a commission under fire for soaring rates and questionable oversight of policy and spending matters.
More importantly, hiring Hansen could be a huge step toward good policy decisions, strong management and strict financial controls. Those can be key elements in attaining what must be the PUD’s main goal: lowering rates. The public rightly feels robbed by the bills they’ve received since the West Coast energy crisis of a year and half ago. Hansen brings a unique set of skills for dealing with the PUD and the energy scene.
At this point, Hansen and the PUD’s elected commissioners say only that they are interested in the hiring possibility. Commission President Don Berkey says that, before any hiring, the public would have a chance to comment next Tuesday.
For the city of Everett, the effects of losing Hansen require some evaluation to avoid a reaction of wondering, in essence, how can he leave now? In fact, the city is in very good shape. The city charter would allow the council president, Frank Anderson, to assume the mayor’s office until the next municipal elections in November 2003. That’s a long period of essentially interim government, but the efficient administration developed during Hansen’s eight-plus years in office would be invaluable.
Hansen has capable people in leading city offices. The plans for a downtown events center are in place, ready to be carried out. A possible move of county offices from downtown has been averted with good plans for a parking garage and additional space. The downtown Everett Station is a signpost for future development. The city has strong public safety services. Hansen’s willingness to consider the offer is clearly built on the belief he has accomplished all his goals as mayor, taking a financially stumbling city to a position where it can look ahead strongly without him.
At the PUD, there’s every reason for the commissioners to see Hansen as made for their job. He has a demonstrated financial record not just at the city but in the private sector leading the development of Harbour Pointe Golf Course. He learned energy issues as an outside counsel to the PUD for many years. He is familiar with the Bonneville Power Administration, whose policies drive local electrical rates to a significant degree. He also is highly regarded by Northwest members of Congress, who have key roles in dealing with federal energy policies’ effects on the region.
The commission and Hansen plan to talk again Friday. Especially given the rate situation, they should be sure to address Hansen’s ability to hire the people he wants. One of Hansen’s prouder achievements has been the hiring and management of capable department heads. There needs to be a clear understanding on all sides of what authority he will have and need in that regard.
If there’s a recurring criticism of Hansen’s performance as a politician, it tends to be that he can be so forceful that others don’t feel that they are being heard. For a PUD that has suffered badly, assertive leadership may be just one more asset to add to his rock-solid integrity and his strong financial and management skills.
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