The Public Service Commission (PSC) is not widely understood, but it is very important, because it sets the rates that we pay for utilities, like electricity, etc. The current Commission takes its marching orders from the utilities which they are supposed to regulate, and they do it with no regard for us, the end customers.
MONICA TRANEL is one of the most extraordinary people I have met. Competing twice in the Olympics, Monica won a World Championship Gold for the U.S. Women’s Rowing Team, taking three Silvers and picking up a Bronze.
She is full of energy and stamina, and she will be the first Commissioner in years representing Montanans and not the giant corporations who shamelessly extort Montana’s utility customers with totally unwarranted rate hikes. Tranel will be a powerful advocate for renewable, non-polluting, cheaper energy.
TRANEL worked as counsel to the PSC a long time ago, so she has an intimate knowledge of the Commission’s inner workings. For over two decades she has now been fighting for consumers as an attorney and arguing in front of the Public Service Commission. TRANEL has kept $10 million in Montanans’ pockets from NorthWestern, who tried to have consumers pay for their mismanagement of Colstrip. A few weeks ago, TRANEL won a case against the PSC before the Montana Supreme Court. The Court decided that the PSC illegally discriminated against renewable energy development when they chose to not follow federal law
Her opponent, Jennifer Fielder, is a disaster. As a MT legislator, she continues to peddle false and dangerous information – spreading falsehoods about COVID-19, as well as Antifa coming to Montana towns in busses and urging armed militias to assemble in town centers. She has connections to white nationalist groups and has called for militia action at protests.
In contrast to TRANEL she has no experience in regulating monopolies. She is neither a lawyer nor has any technology expertise. She is best known as a fierce opponent of public lands which she wants to transfer to the states, who cannot afford to manage such huge chunks of land. They will have no choice but to sell it to the highest bidder. Imagine Russian oligarchs and Chinese party officials owning pristine lands and restricting our access to what was once America’s crown jewel, belonging to all Americans.
She brought Clyde Bundy to speak in Sanders County, a guy who believes that you can simply take and hold, by threat of arms, lands belonging to the American public. She has repeatedly defended and associated with radical militia members. She also participated in a panel hosted by an anti-Indian group and brushed off subsequent outrage. She has been casual with rhetoric suggesting armed insurrection and civil war.
And while some have said that Jennifer Fielder, would be a “breath of fresh air,” the truth is that adding Fielder to the mix would be more like pouring a tank of gasoline on a dumpster fire!
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