THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 1879 to 1990 A Long and Proud Georgia Heritage COMMISSIONERS ROBERT C. (BOeBYI P"FFORD. CHAIRMAN GARY e. ANDREWS SILLY LOVETT CAS ROBINSON BOBBY ROWAN ~eorgin 'uhlic ;jer\Jice Cllommission 244 WASHINGTON STREET. S.W ATLANTA. GEORGIA 303345701 FRANK S, ELDRIDGE. JR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLIAM J. BUCKNER EJ:;ECUTIVE SECRETARY December 18, 1990 Dear Reader, The purpose in developing this publication was to pull together a history of the Georgia Public Service Commission and its members. It is the first attempt to compile such information since the Commission was created one-hundred and eleven years ago. The Georgia Public Service Commission is one of the oldest regulatory bodies in the country. As such, its history reflects the changes in technology and standard of living over the years. In addition, the individuals who have served on the Commission since 1879 have brought to it knowledge and insight from a broad range of experience and a variety of backgrounds. I hope that this material will be of interest, not only to students of Georgia history, but also to family members of current and past Commissioners. B:t:!: ~,,"1J:1z c~i~~t~fO', Introduction This publication was developed in order to provide readers with an ovelView of the history, functions and responsibilities of the Georgia Public SelVice Commission (formerly the Railroad Commission of Georgia). Also presented are briefbiographical sketches ofeach of the individuals who have selVed on the Commission since its creation in 1879. A special note to the reader that where there are gaps in information regarding specific members ofthe Commission, it is because that information could not be located in Commission or Georgia Archives records. Acknowledgements are made to the Staffofthe Georgia Department ofArchives and History and, in particular, to Mr. Harmon Smith and Ms. Joanne Smalley for their assistance in preparation of this publication. December 1990 Public Service Commission From left: Gary Andrews, Cas Robinson, Chairman Bobby Pafford, Billy Lovett and Bobby Rowan THE COMMISSION ..... PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for regulating many intrastate telecom- munications, transportation and gas and electric utility industries operating in Georgia. Although it is a relatively small agency, the PSC plays a very important role in Georgia's economy - a role which affects citizens each day, every time they pick up a telephone, turn on a light or purchase merchandise transported by truck. Almost all of these are subject to regulation of one sort or another by the Public Service Commission. With few exceptions, the Commission determines what rates they can charge, the service they must provide and many other matters that come up in their daily operation. It is the PSC's job to ensure that consumers receive adequate and reliable service at reasonable rates. It must also assure that there exists the opportunity to earn a reasonable return on prudent investments. By successfully balancing the competing interests of consumers for these affordable, reliable services with the interests of investors who require a reasonable return on their investment, the Commission participates significantly in Georgia's economic health and growth. -1- Historical Development During the mid-19th century, railroad expansion and competition became increasingly unmanageable under existing laws. Public interest demanded more regulation than the general laws could provide. Then, in two landmark decisions, the United States Supreme Court held that state police powers gave states the authority to regulate rates and services provided by privately-owned businesses "affected with public interest" (Munn v. Illinois. 1877), and that these powers were confined to intrastate transactions (Wabash. etc. Railroad v. Illinois. 1886). The latter decision led to the adoption by Congress of the Interstate Commerce Act (1887) which established federal regulation over interstate activity. At about the same time, state legislatures throughout the country began setting up their own regulatory bodies. Georgia was one of the first states to establish what was then called the Railroad Commission in 1879. The State General Assembly invested the Railroad Commission of Georgia with responsibility for regulating freight and passenger rates and exerting some authority over the service and operation ofrailroads. Its first decision, issued in 1880, established a scale of rates for railroad companies operating in Georgia. - 2- The early Railroad Commission was composed of three members who were drawn respectively from the business community, the railroad industry and the legal profession. They were appointed by the Governor to serve terms of six years. Rapid growth and advances in technology and industry brought corresponding changes in the responsibilities placed upon the Railroad Commission. In 1891, the jurisdiction of the Commission was, for the first time, extended beyond railroads to include telegraph and express companies. The Commission was also authorized to require construction and location of freight and passenger depots, institute suits and invoke penalties for rule violations, inspect and insure safety of railroad tracks, and prevent unjust discrimination between railroad companies. By 1907, these powers were broadened even further to cover street railroads; docks and wharves; and terminal, cotton compress, telephone, gas and electric light and power companies. In addition, the Commission acquired control of the issuance of stocks and bonds by companies under its jurisdiction. Changes were also being made to the composition and structure of the Commission itself. In 1906, state legislation was enacted which called for state-wide general -3- election, rather than appointment, of Commission members. The following year, the size of the Commission was expanded from three to five members. To reflect the increasing variety of services and utilities included under Commission jurisdiction, the Georgia General Assembly, in 1922, changed the name of the Railroad Commission to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Again in 1925 and 1931, the Legislature acted to extend the purview of Commission authority by including regulation of motor buses and trackless trolleys, private and contract carriers operating "for hire" and other common carriers. The 1931 Act was amended in 1933 to exempt from regulation rural mail carriers carrying no more than five passengers between points upon a route. (Legislation in 1933 also allowed for suspension of any Public Service Commissioner from office by the Governor. This provision was later repealed after Governor Eugene Talmadge, in a dispute with Commission members, unseated the entire Commission. ) Other actions provided specific exemptions from Commission jurisdiction, including water distribution (1960), dump trunks and transit mixer vehicles transporting sand, gravel, plant mix road materials and similar loads (1963) and tow trucks (1964). Sub- -4- sequent expansion of Commission authority has encompassed radio common carriers (1960), automatic telephone dialing and announcement devices (1987) and some uses of facsimile (fax) machines (1990). Administratively, the Public Service Commission was given Constitutional status by Georgia voters in 1943. This status has been retained in subsequent Constitutions. The General Assembly, however, continues to provide for the jurisdiction, powers, duties, compensation and election of the Commission. In addition, a 1975 enactment brought the Commission under the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act with respect to all activities except those involving railroads, motor contract carriers and motor common carriers. The Public Service Commission Today The PSC is made up of five Commissioners (who are elected statewide) and a staff of approximately 150 employees. The Commissioners serve staggered, sixyear terms and may succeed themselves in office. Vacancies are filled by appointment of the Governor until the next general election, at which time a successor is elected to serve out the balance of the unexpired term. -5- In order to serve on the Commission, an individual must be at least thirty years of age and be a registered voter in Georgia. A Commissioner may not hold any stock or bonds, nor be an agent or employee of any corporation under the jurisdiction of the Commission. The Commissioners elect a Chairperson from within their ranks. The Chairperson signs all official documents and orders, and presides at its meetings. The PSC staff is headed by an Executive Director and consists of engineers, enforcement officers, inspectors, auditors, consumer affairs representatives, fiscal and personnel officers, and support personnel. Jurisdiction The Public Service Commission currently has juris- diction over the following services: Telephone Companies Coin-Operated Telephones Automatic Telephone Dialing & Announcing DeVIces Ra.dio Commol\. Carriers (e.g., pagers and radlO te[ephOneS) -6- Railroad Abandonment & Track Inspection Investor-owned Electric Power Companies Natural Gas Companies Natural Gas Storage, Transmission & DistributIOn ~ystems Private & For-Hire Motor Carriers & For-Hire Buses (generally includes all motor vehicles, used in the commercial transporl ofpersons and property on State highways - but does not include school buses; taxicabs, buses, and other motor vehicles that operate within and are regulated by municipalities; buses operated by churches; hotel passenger and baggage motor vehicles; motor vehicles operated not-far-profit transporling 15 persons or less, engaged in a corporate van pool or transpOrling handicapped or elderly persons; vehicles transporling agricultural commodities in the name of the producer; trucks transporling forest products; a few other exceptions) The PSC does not set rates for publicly-owned electric and gas utilities, such as municipally-owned systems and electric membership corporations (EMC's). However, municipally-owned systems and EMC's must come before the Commission on some matters (for example, resolution of territorial disputes). The PSC -7- also does not have regulatory authority over water and/or sewer services, or cable television companies. Role and Responsibility The Public Service Commission approves or denies requests for changes in rates, types and quality of services offered by companies under Commission authority. When such requests are brought before the PSC, they may first be taken up by one of the Commission's four standing Committees: Communications Energy Transportation Policy Development & Intergovernmental Affairs The Committees were established to provide a forum for full review of issues under PSC consideration and to assure all interested parties the opportunity for participation and input. -8- Also assisting the Commission are staff experts on utility and transportation operations. Staffparticipates in rate proceedings, providing testimony and making recommendations. When taking a request under consideration, the PSC is authorized to conduct hearings and subpoena witnesses. All matters scheduled for public hearing are heard by the entire Commission or, in special cases, by an appointed hearing officer in open session. In addition, the Commission may inspect properties, books and papers of all regulated companies. Also taken into account in the decision-making process are the interests and input of consumers including residential, industrial and commercial customers. The Commission is authorized to issue orders, hear appeals and, when necessary, institute court proceedings to enforce its decisions, rules and regulations. Regular PSC Administrative Sessions are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. All PSC Committee meetings and Administrative Sessions are open to the public. -9- COMMISSION MEMBERS ..... MEMBERS Georgia Public Service Commission (formerly the Railroad Commission of Georgia) * Served as Chairman of the Commission Governor James M. Smith * (b.1823 - d.1890) Muscogee County Governor James M. Smith served as a member of the Railroad Commission from November 1879 through October 1885. Prior to that he had served as Governor of Georgia (1872-1877) and member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1871-1872). It was during his tenure as Governor that the state's public school system was established and the state geological survey organized. Governor Smith also held the position of Superior Court Judge on the Chattahoochee Circuit from 1887 until his death in 1890. -10 - Campbell Wallace * (b.1806 - d.1895) Campbell Wallace held a position on the Railroad Commission from November 1879 through January 1890. He also served as Superintendent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Samuel Barnett (b.1824 - d.1896) Wilkes County Samuel Barnett served as a member of the Railroad Commission from November 1879 until October 1881. - 11 - Leander N. Trammell * (b.1830 - d.1900) Catoosa County Leander Newton Trammell was a member of the Railroad Commission from October 1881 until his death in 1900. Prior to that he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1861-1865) and as President of the Georgia Senate (1871-1874). His son, Paul B. Trammell, later served on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Alexander S. Erwin (b. 1843 - d. 1907) Habersham County Alexander Smith Erwin served on the Railroad Commission from October 1885 until October 1891. Prior to that he was a Solicitor for the Habersham Court (1866-1867) and a Superior Court Judge on the Western Circuit (1878-1883). - 12- James W. Robertson (b.1830 - d.1911) James Walthall Robertson served on the Railroad Commission from February 1890 until April 1891. Virgil Powers Virgil Powers was a member of the Railroad Commission from April 1891 until June 1894. Allen Fort (b.1849 - d.1907) Sumter County Allen Fort served on the Railroad Commission from October 1891 through November 1897. Prior to that he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1873-1874;1877;1878-1879) and as a Superior Court Judge on the Southwestern Circuit (1882-1891). - 13- G. Gunby Jordan (b. 1846) Muscogee County George Gunby Jordan was a member of the Railroad Commission from August 1894 until November 1895 and then again from October 1901 until August 1904. He also served as Chairman of the Western & Atlantic Commission and President of the Columbus (Georgia) Board of Education. Prominent in the areas of manufacturing and banking, Mr. Jordan served as President of the Third National Bank of Columbus, Georgia (1889-1921), in addition to heading up numerous other business and financial establishments. Thomas C. Crenshaw, Jr. * (b. 1849) Troup County Thomas C. Crenshaw served on the Railroad Commission from November 1895 until October 1901. Prior to that he had held a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives (1882-1884) and was a Collector for Georgia Internal Revenue (1892-1896). After serving on the Commission, Mr. Crenshaw moved to Texas. - 14- Justice Spencer R. Atkinson * (b.1852 - d.1920) Camden County Justice Spencer Roane Atkinson was a member of the Railroad Commission from December 1897 until October 1903. Before that he had been a Superior Court Judge on the Brunswick Circuit (1887-1892) and an Associate Justice on the Georgia Supreme Court (1894-1897). After leaving the Commission, Justice Atkinson served for three years in the Georgia House of Representatives (1915-1918). Justice Atkinson was the grandson of Georgia Governor Charles McDonald. J. Pope Brown * (b.1855 - d.1922) Pulaski County James Pope Brown was a member of the Railroad Commission from July 1900 through October 1905. Prior to that he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1894-1897). He later served as State Treasurer (1909-1911) and, in 1912, ran unsuccessfully for Governor against former Railroad Commissioner (later Governor) Joseph M. Brown and then-Judge Richard B. Russell (who later became Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.) - 15 - Justice H. Warner Hill * (b.1858 - d.1934) Meriwether County Justice Hiram Warner Hill served on the Railroad Commission from October 1903 through October 1911. He had also been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1886-1893) and Mayor of Greenville, Georgia. Justice Hill left the Commission in 1911 to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court, a position he held until his death in 1934. O.B. Stevens (b.1847 - d.1916) Terrell County Obadiah Benjamin Stevens was a member of the Railroad Commission from August 1905 until December 1911. Prior to that he had served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (1898-1905). In addition, he was elected to terms in both the Georgia House of Representatives (1884-1887) and the Georgia State Senate (1896-1897). - 16 - Governor Joseph M. Brown (b.1851 - d.1932) Cherokee County Governor Joseph Mackey Brown served on the Railroad Commission from August 1904 until August 1907 after serving in various capacities with the Western & Atlantic Railroad. He was removed from the Commission by Governor Hoke Smith whom he defeated in a later gubernatorial race. Brown served as Governor from June 1909untilJuly 1911 and again from January 1912 until June 1913. He was the son of Georgia Governor Joseph E. Brown. F.E. Callaway, Sr. (b.1871 - d.1928) Troup County Fuller Earle Callaway, Sr. served on the Railroad Commission from August 1907 through March 1909. He was described as the "first citizen of La Grange" and, as the head of Callaway Enterprises, was one of the most prominent figures in the Southeast textile industry. Callaway Gardens, part of the Callaway family homeplace, is now open to the public. - 17 - George Hillyer (b.1835 - d.1927) Walton County George Hillyer was a member of the Railroad Commission from August 1907 through December 1918. Prior to his appointment to the Commission he had been elected to seats in both the Georgia House of Representatives (1857-1858) and the Georgia Senate (1871-1874). He also held the positions Of Superior Court Judge on the Atlanta Circuit (1877-1882), Mayor of Atlanta (1885-1886) and Clerk of the State House of Representatives (1859-1860). S. G. McClendon * S. G. McClendon served on the Railroad Commission from 1907 until 1909. - 18- Charles Murphey Candler * (b.1858 - d.1935) DeKalb County Charles Murphey Candler was a member of the Railroad Commission from April 1909 until 1922. Prior to that he had served on the Western & Atlantic Railroad Commission (1925-1929). He had also served in both the Georgia House of Representatives (18861889;1900 -1905;1907-1908) and the Georgia State Senate (1905-1906). Joseph F. Gray Joseph F. Gray served on the Railroad Commission from August 1909 through November 1916. - 19- Paul B. Trammell * (b.1859 - d.1926) Whitfield County Paul B. Trammell was a member of the Public Service Commission from October 1911 until his death in February 1926. Prior to that he had held seats in both the Georgia House of Representatives (1890-1892), serving as Speaker Pro Tern (1890-1891), and the Georgia State Senate (1889). His father, Leander N. Trammell, was a member of the Railroad Commission from 1881 until 1900. James A. Perry * (b.1875 - d.1957) Gwinnett County James Archibald Perry served on the Public Service Commission from July 1911 until July 1933 when he was removed from office (along with the other four Commissioners) by Governor Eugene Talmadge. He became a member of the Commission again in November 1936 and remained until his death in April 1957. In addition to serving as Public Service Commissioner, Mr. Perry was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1899-1901) and Mayor of the City of Lawrenceville. - 20- John T. Boifeuillet (b.1859 - d.1934) Bibb County John Theodore Boifeuillet served on the Public Service Commission from November 1916 until November 1926. Before that he had served as Special Attache to the United States Embassy in England with Ambassador Walter Hines Page. He had also been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1890-1897), serving as Speaker Pro Tern from 1892 until 1893, and had held the position of House Clerk. Throughout his life, Mr. Boifeuillet pursued a career in journalism which included working as Manager and Assistant Editor of the Macon Daily Tele~raph, Editor of the Macon Evenin& News, and editorial writer for the Atlanta Journal. At the time of his death, he was serving as Secretary to the Georgia State Senate (19311934). - 21- James D. Price (b.1860 - d.1925) Oconee County James Daniel Price was a member of the Public Service Commission from January 1919 until his death in September 1925. Prior to his appointment to the Commission he had served as Commissioner ofthe Georgia Department of Agriculture (1913-1917) and had been a member of both the Georgia House of Representatives(1907-1908) and the Georgia State Senate (1909-1910). - 22- Walter R. McDonald * (b.1892 - d.1971) Richmond County Walter Raleigh McDonald served on the Public Service Commission for more years than any other member. He first became a member in January 1923 and was among the Commissioners removed from office by Governor Eugene Talmadge in July 1933. McDonald returned to the Commission in December 1935 and remained until his death in February 1971. Blind since the age of thirteen, McDonald attended the Georgia Academy for the Blind and also received a law degree. He also served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1917-1922). Calvin W. Parker (b.1881 - d.1931) Ware County Calvin Washington Parker served on the Public Service Commission from November 1926 until his death in December 1931. Prior to that he had been a member ofthe Georgia House of Representatives (1915-1917; 1923-1924). - 23 - Oscar Roswell Bennett (b.1871 - d.1928) Dodge County Oscar Roswell Bennett served on the Public Service Commission from December 1925 until his death in January 1928. Prior to that he had been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1923-1924). He had also held numerous positions in the City of Eastman (Georgia), including City ClerktTreasurer (1909-1914), Councilman (1915), Mayor Pro Tern (1915-1918) and Mayor (1919-1921). Albert J. Woodruff (b.1878 - d.1940) DeKalb County Albert Jackson Woodruff served on the Public Service Commission from November 1926 until July 1933 when he was removed from office (along with the other four Commissioners) by Governor Eugene Talmadge. He had also been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1923-1924). - 24- Perry T. Knight (b.i877 - d.i955) Berrien County Perry Thomas Knight was a member of the Public Service Commission from January 1928 until July 1933 when he was removed from office (along with the other four Commissioners) by Governor Eugene Talmadge. He returned to the Commission in November 1936 and remained through March 1953. Prior to coming to the Commission, Mr. Knight had served in both the Georgia House of Representatives (1921-1924) and the Georgia State Senate (1925-1926). His greatgrand nephew, Bobby Rowan, became a member of the Commission in 1989. - 25- Justice Jule W. Felton, Sr. (b. 1898 - d.1978) Macon County Justice Jule Wimberly Felton, Sr. was a member of the Public SelVice Commission from December 1931 until July 1933 when he was removed from office (along with the other four Commissioners) by Governor Eugene Talmadge. He had also held the position of Mayor of Montezuma, Georgia. After leaving the Commission, he selVed as a Judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals (1937-1969) and as an Associate Justice on the Georgia Supreme Court (1969-1971). Jud P. Wilhoit * (b. 1891) Warren County Judson Pilcher Wilhoit selVed on the Public SelVice Commission from July 1933 through November 1941. Before his election to the Commission he had been a member of both the Georgia House of Representatives (1925-1927) and the Georgia State Senate (1931). In addition Wilhoit served on the Georgia State Highway Board (1932-1933). - 26- George L. Goode (b. 1883) Franklin County George LaFayette Goode served on the Public Service Commission from July 1933 until May 1935. Prior to that, he had served as Judge for the City of Carnesville from 1916 until the Court was abolished in 1918. In addition, he was a member of the Georgia State Senate (1929). Thomas King Davis (b.1873 - d. 1958) Thomas County Thomas King Davis was a member of the Public Service Commission from July 1933 until November 1936. Prior to that, he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1923-1927). - 27- Ben T. Huiet (b. 1895 - d.1987) Fulton County Benjamin Tillman Huiet was a member of the Public Service Commission from July 1933 until November 1936. Prior to that, he had served on the Atlanta City Council (1925-1928) and as Alderman for the City of Atlanta (1928-1933). In 1938, Huiet became Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor, a position he held until March 1967. James B. Daniel (b.1871 - d.1945) Troup County James Brown Daniel served on the Public Service Commission from July 1933 through November 1935. Prior to that, he was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1921-1927) and served as State Treasurer (1936-1937). - 28- J-J.E. Anderson (b.1870 - d.1940) Bulloch County Julian Jasper Emerald Anderson was a member of the Public Service Commission from May 1935 until November 1936. Prior to that, he had held the position of Assistant State Attorney General and, in that capacity, was assigned to the Public Service Commission. Anderson also served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1905-1912) and on the Statesboro (Georgia) City Council (1911-1912). Matt L. McWhorter * (b.1889 - d.1985) Oglethorpe County Matthew Lauren McWhorter served on the Public Service Commission from November 1937 through March 1961. - 29- Allen Chappell (b.1889 - d.1979) Sumter County Allen Alexander Chappell served on the Public Service Commission from December 1941 through December 1964. Prior to that, he had served in both the Georgia House of Representatives (1933;19371939) and the Georgia State Senate (1935). Crawford L. Pilcher * (b. 1908) Warren County Crawford Long Pilcher served on the Public Service Commission from April 1953 through May 1972. Prior to that, he has been a member of both the Georgia House of Representatives (1937-1942) and the Georgia State Senate (1949-1950). In addition, Pilcher held the positions of Assistant State Attorney General (1943-1945) and Clerk of the Warrenton (Georgia) City Council (1934-1936). - 30- Ben T. Wiggins * (b. 1920) Stephens County Benjamin Thomas Wiggins was a member of the Public Service Commission from April 1957 until January 1979. Before that, he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1951-1956). William Henry Kimbrough * (b.1912 - d.1979) Greene County William Henry Kimbrough served on the Public Service Commission from Apri11961 until his death in December 1979. Prior to coming to the Commission, he had been a member of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles (1953-1961). - 31 - Alpha Alsbury Fowler, Jr. (b. 1920) Douglas County Alpha Alsbury Fowler, Jr. served on the Public Service Commission from December 1964 until January 1971. Prior to that, he was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1947; 1953-1964). Bobby Pafford * (b. 1930) Lanier County Robert C. Pafford has served on the Public Service Commission since January 1971. Prior to that he held a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives (19631970). - 32- Ford B. Spinks * (b.1927) Tift County Ford B. Spinks was a member of the Public Service Commission from March 1971 through December 1988. Prior to that, he served in the Georgia State Senate (1963-1971). Mac Barber * (b.1917) Jackson County Jack McWhorter Barber served on the Public Service Commission from 1973 until May 1985. Before coming to the Commission, he was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1949-1970). In addition, he has held the position of Mayor of the City of Commerce, Georgia. In 1990, Mr. Barber was again elected to a term on the Public Service Commission to begin January 1991. - 33- Billy Lovett, Jr. (b. 1945) Laurens County William Ervin Lovett, Jr. served on the Public Service Commission from January 1979 through December 1990. Prior to that, he had held the position of Chairman of the Laurens County Commission. Jim Hammock (b. 1933) Laurens County James B. Hammock served on the Public Service Commission from March 1980 until November 1987. Before coming to the Commission, he was a member of the Board of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. - 34- Gary B. Andrews * (b. 1946) Walker County Judge Gary Blaylock Andrews was appointed to the Public Service Commission May 1985 and served through December 1990. Prior to that, he had been a Superior Court Judge on the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit (1981-1985) and had served as Special Assistant State Attorney General (1976-1980) and Assistant State Attorney General (1971-1976). In 1990, he was elected to a term on the Georgia State Court of Appeals. Cas M. Robinson (b. 1935) DeKalb County Cas Robinson was appointed to the Public Service Commission in December 1987. Prior to that, he had served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1977-1987). - 35 - Bobby Rowan (b. 1935) Berrien County Robert Alvin Rowan was elected to the Public Service Commission in 1989. Before coming to the Commission he had served in the Georgia State Senate (19631974) and had been a member of the Board of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. He is the great-grand nephew of former Public Service Commissioner Perry T. Knight. Bob Durden (b. 1947) Gwinnett County In 1990, Bob Durden was elected to the Public Service Commission for a six year term beginning in January 1991. - 36- Historical Footnotes ... The psc was originally known as the Railroad Com- mission of Georgia; the name was officially changed to Public Service Commission in 1922. ~o Governors of Georgia have served as members of the Commission; they were James Smith (b. 1823 - 1890) and Joseph Brown (b. 1855 - 1922). ~lter R. McDonald served on the Commission longer than any other member. He was first elected to the Commission in 1923 and served until 1933; he returned to the Commission in 1935 and remained until his death in 1971. Three Commissioners have served as Associate Justices of the Georgia Supreme Court; they were Justices Spencer R. Atkinson (b. 1852 - 1920), H. Warner Hill (b: 1858 - 1934) and June W. Felton, Sr. (b. 1898 - 1978). Justice Felton also served on the Georgia Court of Appeals and former Commissioner Gary Andrews was elected to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 1991. In addition, five Commission members have served as Superior Court Judges. Of the fifty (50) individuals who have served on the Commission since its creation, thirty-three (33) have, at one time or another, held seats in either the Georgia House of Representatives or the Georgia State Senate. In addition, several Commissioners have served in other capacities in Georgia government, including State Treasurer (2), State Agriculture Commissioner (2) and State Labor Commissioner (1). PSC Commissioners have also served on the State Board of Pardons and Paroles (1) and the State Highway Board (1). In 1907, the size of the Commission was expanded from three to five members. In 1906, the Georgia General Assembly enacted legislation calling for statewide general election, rather than appointment of Commission members. pSC Commissioners have served as Mayors of the following Georgia cities: Atlanta, Commerce, Dal- ton, Eastman, Greenville, Montezuma, Lawrenceville. Index Anderson,J.J.E 29 Andrews, Gary B 35 Atkinson,Spencer R 15 Barber, Mac 33 Bamett,SamueL ll Bennett, Oscar R 24 Boifeuillet,!ohn T. 21 Brown,Joseph M 17 Brown,!. Pope 15 Callaway,F.E 17 Candler, Charles Murphey..19 Chappell,Allen 30 Crenshaw,!r., Thomas C.... 14 Daniel,!ames B 28 Davis, Thomas K. 27 Durden, Bob .36 Erwin,Alexander S 12 Felton,Sr.,!ule Jv. 26 Fort,Allen 13 Fowler, Jr.,Alpha A 32 Goode, George L. 27 Gray,Joseph F 19 Hammock,Jim 34 Hill,H. Wamer 16 Hillyer, George 18 Huiet,Ben T. 28 Jordan,G. Gunby 14 Kimbrough, William H 31 Knight,Perry T. 25 Lovett, Jr.,Billy 34 McDonald, Walter R 23 McLendon,S. G 18 McWhorter,Matt L.. 29 Pafford,Bobby C. .32 Parker, Calvin Jv. 23 Perry,!ames A 20 Pilcher, Crawford L.. 30 Powers, VirgiL 13 Price,James D .22 Robertson,James Jv. 13 Robinson, Cas 35 Rowan,Bobby .36 Smith,James M I0 Spinks,Ford B .33 Stevens, O.B 16 Trammell,Leander M 12 Trammell,Paul B 20 Wallace, Campbell 11 Wiggins,Ben T. .31 WilllOit,Jud P .26 Woodruff,Albert J 24 ERRATUM Page 30 should read Crawford L. Pilcher (b. 1908) Warren County Crawford Long Pilcher served on the Public Service Commission from April 1953 through December 1972. Prior to that, he had been a member of both the Georgia House of Representatives (1937-1942) and the Georgia State Senate (1949-1950). In addition, Pilcher held the positions of Assistant State Attorney General (1943-1945) and Clerk of the Warrenton (Georgia) City Council (1934-1936). Historical Footnotes ... The PSC was originally known as the Railroad Commission of Georgia; the name was officially changed to Public Service Commission in 1922. ~o Governors of Georgia have served as members of the Commission; they were James Smith (b. 1823 - 1890) and Joseph Brown (b. 1855 - 1922). ~Iter R. McDonald served on the Commission longer than any other member. He was first elected to the Commission in 1923 and served until 1933; he returned to the Commission in 1935 and remained until his death in 1971. Three Commissioners have served as Associate Justices of the Georgia Supreme Court; they were Justices Spencer R. Atkinson (b. 1852 - 1920), H. Warner Hill (b: 1858- 1934) and June W. Felton, Sr. (b. 1898 - 1978). Justice Felton also served on the Georgia Court of Appeals and former Commissioner Gary Andrews was elected to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 1991. In addition, five Commission members have served as Superior Court Judges. of the fifty (50) individuals who have served on the Commission since its creation, thirty-three (33) have, at one time or another, held seats in either the Georgia House of Representatives or the Georgia State Senate. In addition, several Commissioners have served in other capacities in Georgia government, including State Treasurer (2), State Agriculture Commissioner (2) and State Labor Commissioner (1). PSC Commissioners have also served on the State Board of Pardons and Paroles (1) and the State Highway Board (1). In 1907, the size of the Commission was expanded from three to five members. In 1906, the Georgia General Assembly enacted legislation calling for statewide general election, rather than appointment of Commission members. pSC Commissioners have served as Mayors of the following Georgia cities: Atlanta, Commerce, Dal- ton, Eastman, Greenville, Montezuma, Lawrenceville. Index Anderson,J.J............ 29 Andrews, Gary B...........35 Atkinson,Spencer R....... JS Barber,Mac............... 33 Bamett,Samuel........... JJ Bennett, Oscar R..........24 Boifeuillet,John T. .....21 Brown,Joseph M ........... J7 Brown,!. Pope............ JS Callaway,F.............. 17 Candler, Charles Murphey.. 19 Chappell,Allen ........... JO Crenshaw,Jr., Thomas C. ... J4 Daniel,James B...........28 Davis, Thomas K...........27 Durden, Bob .................36 Erwin,Alexander 5........ 12 Felton,Sr.,Jule W. .......26 Fort,Allen............... 13 Fowler, Jr.,Alpha A ......32 Goode, George L.. .........27 Gray,Joseph F............ J9 H a m m o c k , J i m .............. 3 4 Hill,H. Wamer........... J6 Hillyer, George........... IS Huiet,Ben T. .............28 Jordan,G. Gunby.......... l4 Kimbrough, William H ......Jl Knight,Perry T. ..........25 Lovett, Jr.,Billy........34 McDonald, Walter R........23 McLendon,S.G............. JB McWhorter,Matt L.........29 Pafford,Bobby C. .........32 Parker, Calvin W. .........23 Perry,]ames A ............20 Pilcher, Crawford L.......JO Powers, Virgil............ 13 Price,James D............22 Robertson,James W. ....... JJ Robinson, Cas.............35 R o w a n , B o b b y............. .36 Smith,James M............ JO Spinks,Ford B............33 Stevens,O.B.............. J6 Trammell,Leander M.......12 Trammell,Paul B..........20 Wallace, Campbell......... II Wiggins,Ben T. ...........Jl Willzoit,Jud P............26 Woodruff,Albert 1........24 ERRATUM Page 30 should read Crawford L. Pilcher* (b./908) Warren County Crawford Long Pilcher served on the Public Service Commission from April 1953 through December 1972. Prior to that, he had been a member of both the Georgia House of Representatives (1937-1942) and the Georgia State Senate (1949-1950). In addition, Pilcher held the positions of Assistant State Attorney General (1943-1945) and Clerk ofthe Warrenton (Georgia) City Council (1934-1936).