The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates monopoly utility companies in Louisiana including the setting of utility rates. Many candidates and sitting commissioners accept donations from utility companies, which is not illegal.
The current Public Service commissioner for north Louisiana is Foster Campbell, who is termed out and cannot run for reelection.
Shreveport city councilman James Green, who is termed out and cannot run for re-election, has qualified for Foster Campbell’s PSC seat.
Green has announced that he will accept campaign donations from the utility companies that the PSC regulates “as long as there are no strings attached.”
Green has self-funded his campaigns for the Shreveport city council and has not dealt with the realities of campaign fundraising. His statement on “no strings” is either reflective of political naivety and/or an expectation of money from utility companies.
Caddo Commissioner John Atkins has also qualified for this PSC seat. Atkins has returned one utility company donation and has stated he will not accept any future such donations, saying “I think it's best to keep them at arm’s length.”
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.