TALLAHASSEE /Florida Newswire/ -– Governor Charlie Crist today appointed David E. Klement of Bradenton to the Public Service Commission. He will succeed Katrina McMurrian, who resigned earlier this month. “David’s community involvement and professional experience have given him a unique perspective on consumer issues,†Governor Crist said. “I look forward to his getting to work right away with the Commission.â€
Klement, 69, has directed the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee since October 2007. He previously worked for the Bradenton Herald newspaper as editorial page editor, business editor and city editor from 1975 to 2007. From 1966 to 1975, he worked for The Detroit Free Press newspaper as night metro editor, deputy business editor and photo editor. From 1962 to 1966, he was an assistant city editor and reporter for The Daily Oklahoman in Oklahoma City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Florida.
The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the rates, services and safety of privately owned public utilities. The commission is charged with adopting energy efficiency goals and providing competitive market oversight.
Klement will complete the remainder of McMurrian’s term, effective October 22, 2009, and ending January 1, 2010. Earlier this month, Governor Crist appointed him to a four-year term beginning January 2, 2010, and ending January 1, 2014. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.