27 people apply to replace Ohio utility regulator

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A nominating panel is reviewing 27 applicants for a soon-to-be-vacated seat on the Ohio board that regulates public utilities.

The Columbus Dispatch (https://bit.ly/1aIzCRE ) reports the applicants for the seat on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio include the commission’s utility-rate administrator, Patrick Donlon, and Columbus Republican Tom Johnson, a former state lawmaker who was budget director under Gov. Bob Taft.

The commission will have an open seat because Chairman Todd Snitchler (SNIHCH’-lur) decided not to seek reappointment when his term expires April 10.

The nominating commission will interview some candidates and recommend four finalists to Republican Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sik). He’ll make the choice and decide whether the next chairman should be the new commission member or one of four other members of the panel.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, https://www.dispatch.com