Jim Rosica
Rep. Kathleen Peters announced on Saturday morning she was withdrawing her bid to join the Public Service Commission (PSC), citing the need to fight St. Pete’s plan to pump wastewater underground.
Peters, a Treasure Island Republican, relayed her decision in an email.
“I felt that my experience in business, local and state government, and as Chair of the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee would well suit me for the position,” she said.
“… Since submitting my application, I have learned that the City of St. Petersburg is seeking permission to pump sewage into the aquifer beneath Pinellas from which we draw our water,” she added. “Many of my constituents are very upset by this possibility and have urged me to fight this proposal.
“I believe I can best do that by continuing on the course I had previously set forth as a candidate for the Pinellas County Commission. With that in mind, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my application for the Public Service Commission and continue to focus first on the privilege of serving my constituents as a State Representative, and subsequently on my campaign for District 6 on the Pinellas County Commission.
“I believe I am uniquely qualified in so many ways to serve our residents, and want to devote my full energy to that endeavor.”
Peters, elected to the House in 2012, was one of 18 applicants to fill a seat on the PSC, which regulates investor-owned utilities.
Gov. Scott had picked former Rep. Ritch Workman to replace Ronald Brisé on the panel. But Workman, a Melbourne Republican, bowed out after a sexual misconduct allegation.
Remaining contenders include former Rep. Janet Adkins, a Fernandina Beach Republican; and former Rep. Ray Pilon, a Sarasota Republican.
Interviews by the Public Service Commission Nominating Council are set for Jan. 25 in Tallahassee. The full-time position, based in Tallahassee, pays $132,036 a year. Scott’s pick must get Senate approval.
Peters’ full statement is below:
