Two Akron-area men are among 27 applicants for a seat on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
The vacancy is to replace PUCO Chairman Todd A. Snitchler, of Stark County, who decided not to seek reappointment when his term ends April 10.
The person selected for the open PUCO seat will serve on the commission; Gov. John Kasich will both appoint the new commissioner as well as a new chair from among all commissioners.
Snitchler, a Lake Township Republican, was appointed by Kasich in 2011 to lead the regulatory agency that oversees utilities. At the time, Snitchler resigned during his second term as 50th district Ohio House of Representatives member to take the PUCO position. He succeeded Alan Schriber, who retired after 12 years.
Snitchler said it was time to return to private practice and be closer to family.
Local applicants are Dan Bradshaw and former state Rep. John Hagan.
Bradshaw, an account manager at Lord Corp., an automotive and industrial assembly company, said his “experience as an Ohio citizen, business leader and engineer has developed the ability to discern relevant information and facts to transform it into knowledge needed to make wise decisions. I will use these skills in the best interest of Ohio’s citizens and public utilities.”
Bradshaw, a Republican, was an applicant in 2011 and is a former member of the New Franklin Planning and Zoning Commission.
Hagan is a current Marlboro Township trustee and served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2008. According to his application, he was vice chair for more than three years and chair for more than four years of the House Public Utilities Committee.
“Through these experiences, I have acquired a vast and unique knowledge and expertise in energy, transportation and communications. In my legislative career, my committee worked through much of the laws that govern utilities today,” said the Republican from Stark County.
According to state law, the five-member commission can have no more than three from any political party. The panel currently has two Republicans — Snitchler and Lynn Slaby of Copley Township. Two members, Asim Haque and Beth Trombold, are not registered with a party. There is one Democrat, Steve Lesser.
The PUCO Nominating Committee will release Friday the names of the candidates who will be interviewed on Jan. 30. On that date, the committee will narrow the field to four candidates to forward to Kasich. The governor will have 30 days to choose from among that list, or request another list.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blinfisher and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty.