DEAR EDITOR:

Gov. DeWine’s pick of the top Ohio utility regulator, Sam Randazzo, who is named in the prosecution agreement about the House Bill 6 bribery scandal, is a slap in the face to consumers.

FirstEnergy admitted in federal filings that it bribed Randazzo to help draft House Bill 6 and delay a rate case that would have reduced revenues for the company. Though Randazzo has not been charged with any crime and has said he did nothing wrong, I believe he is totally unfit to be the person who represents the best interests of consumers and all Ohioans.

The prosecution agreement signed by FirstEnergy describes how its top two — subsequently fired — executives met with Randazzo at his Columbus condo on Dec. 18, 2018. Randazzo had just informed them that Gov.-elect DeWine was seeking applications to be utility commissioner and that he was in the running to become one — perhaps even chairman.

The next day, after the energy officials told Randazzo they would pay him $4.3 million under an earlier consulting agreement, Randazzo texted them back, pledging his loyalty.

“Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks,” the message said.

The bailout legislation, HB6, also gutted standards for renewables and energy efficiency. Even before the scandal broke last summer, what was known about HB6 prompted one news organization to call it “the worst energy bill of the 21st century.” And the harm of HB6 only gets worse with age. The International Panel on Climate Change on Monday published a report saying that climate-related disasters are upon us, and if we don’t urgently work to reduce carbon emissions, they’ll be far more cataclysmic in the future.

Ohioans need a champion of consumers as the top utility regulator, someone who promotes a path to safe, clean and cost-effective energy not someone in the pocket of corrupt, scandal-ridden special interests. Gov. DeWine failed us, our kids and our future with this pick.

MARNE CARIO

Girard