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--> --> Senators raise concerns over PUC nominee SALEM (AP) - Senators from both parties are raising concerns about one of Gov. John Kitzhaber's nominees for the state Public Utility Commission. Roy Hemmingway, the Democratic governor's salmon and energy policy adviser, was named as a candidate to replace Roger Hamilton earlier this month. Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield, was pegged as PUC chairman Ron Eachus' successor. At a meeting of Senate Democrats on Monday, several lawmakers raised concerns about Hemmingway's communication and interpersonal skills. Republicans, meantime, are concerned about Hemmingway's work in salmon habitat policies. "Roy and I talked long and hard yesterday," said Sen. Steve Harper, R-Klamath Falls, chairman of the panel charged with approving the nomination. The three-member utility commission helps to oversee Oregon's utility prices as well as policies on deregulation and telephone service. Hemmingway has worked for Democratic and Republican governors and helped craft a landmark federal law that guided regional energy policies over the past two decades. "He's fabulously qualified in the technical sense," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, but told her colleagues that Hemmingway lacks communication and social skills. Sen. Rick Metsger, D-Welches, said Hemmingway ignored his requests in 1999 to help on Sandy River watershed issues in the Mount Hood area. Hemmingway said he plans to speak with senators about their concerns. Bob Applegate, Kitzhaber's chief spokesman, said the governor also is lobbying on Hemmingway's behalf. "We're confident we're going to get Roy confirmed," Applegate said. "I think Roy Hemmingway has one of the most impressive resumes in energy policy in the Northwest." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing