By By Jeff Pattison, Republican candidate for Montana Public Service Commission
I have often said that when you truly need it, I would rather have a bucket of water than a bar of gold.
That may sound like a simple observation from a Montana farmer and rancher, but it expresses something deeper about how I believe government should work. We must understand the difference between what is valuable and what is essential.
Water is essential. Reliable electricity is essential. Affordable heat in a Montana winter is essential. Telephone and broadband services that connect rural families, businesses and emergency responders are essential.
The Public Service Commission exists because most utility customers cannot shop around for another provider. That places a serious responsibility on commissioners to ensure monopoly utilities receive a reasonable opportunity to operate successfully—but never a blank check at the expense of captive ratepayers
