Gov. Davis Temporarily Fills 2 Open PUC Seats

Gov. Gray Davis, responding to concern about unfilled seats on the state Public Utilities Commission, named two officials to temporarily fill open seats on the regulatory agency.

Loretta Lynch and Tal Finney, who were sworn in Thursday, suggested postponing a vote until Thursday on a much-debated issue that could ultimately affect the cost of connecting to the Internet. That matter stems from a dispute between Pacific Bell and rival Pac-West Telecomm of Stockton about how phone companies are compensated for calls to Internet service providers.

Members of the Internet community feared a change would ultimately result in higher prices for users. PacBell and Pac-West agreed to the one-week delay. The commission also voted to postpone a vote on an energy issue. The new commissioners, who serve in Davis’ administration, are expected to be at the PUC temporarily, perhaps through the commission’s next meeting Thursday. Davis can withdraw or substitute appointments at any time.

Lynch, a partner in the law firm Keker & Van Nest, is director of the state Office of Planning and Research. Finney is a lawyer and director of policy in the governor’s office and has served as general counsel and deputy controller under Controller Kathleen Connell.