Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-01-27
Four Mentioned
as Successor
Oh. Cleaves on P. u.

Public Utilities Commission, names
of several who would like to succeed
him as member of that body are be-
ing talked. At least four prominent
I men. believed well qualified for the
work by those urging their appoint
ment, are gaining support rapidly.
They are Edward w. Wheeler of
! Brunswick, chairman of the State
| Prison Commission and former can
didatc publican gubernatorial
nomina frederick r. Dyer of
Buckle date at this session of
the Lee for attorney general
nominal IN p. Deering of Saco,
candidate ast June's primary for
nomination as candidate for govern
or, and Halbert p. Gardiner former
State senator form Penobscot county
and former Progressive candidate
for governor.
Mr.. Gardeners name has also been
advanced as a probability in selection
of land agent and forest commission
er to succeed Forrest H.. Colby of
Bingham.
When Judge Benjamin F. Cleaves
, retires as chairman of the Maine
Public Utilities Commission, which
he has said will be arranged to suit
the wishes of Gov. Parkhurst, an ex-
ceptionally desirable berth will be
open to those seeking political pre-
ferment. 1t will go to Republican
as Herbert w. Trafton of Fort Fair
field is minority member and Col.
Albert Greenlaw of Eastport is q
majority member, of the same poll
teal affiliation as Judge Cleaves.
This position pays $4,000 a year and
carries with it considerable honor
and responsibilities. 1t need not be
filled by q lawyer as the legal pro-
fession is represented by Mr.. Trafton
in any event.
Three of the four seeking support
in canvass for this appointment have
engaged in forensic and ballot con-
tests for the gubernatorial honors,
! Edward w. Wheeler of Brunswick, John
z. Deering of Saco and Halbert p.
Gardner of this city. Mr. Wheeler was
an aspirant for the Republican nomina-
ton in 1916 and Sen. Deerine in 1920,
Mr.. Gardner, then a resident as we'll as
citizen of Patten in Penobscot coun-
ty, was Progressive candidate for Gov
ernor in 1914 but was loyal supporter
OF Gov. Parkhurst in both primary and
State campaigns last year and was on
the stump several yeeks in New York
! and Pennsylvania in support of Sen.
Harding for the Presidency.
The fourth man who has been men
toned vxyith y,
is Frederick r. Dyer of Buckfield who
was an unsuccessful candidate for the
position of attorney general in the
Legislature three weeks ago. He has
been several terms States attorney for
oxford county and has srved in the
| House.
Mr.. Wheeler, Mr.. Deering and Mr..
Gardner have. all served in both House
and Senate and they are widely and
favorably knokn as men of ability. and
| integrity.
This commission has been going
| concern nearly eight years, having
been wrought as composite from
similar laws, enacted in other states.
all being summed up and revised so
that 1t is adapted to conditions that
prevail in this State. Meantime the
| railroad commission was abolished.
Gov. Haines picked Judge Cleaves, Will
liam b. Shelton of Lewiston and Char
les w. Mullen of Bangor as the original
board. They served harmoniously until
The board was established and worked
out numerous presidents as fast as new
cases came before them.
! Mr.. Mullen resigned to resume the
contracting business and joni H.
bunker, who was secretary of State
during Gov, Curtis term, was made
ms successor. Upon his death, Gov.
Milliken appointed Herbert w. Traf-
ton, Speaker of the House in 1915.
Mr. Shelton resigned nearly two
years ago and resumed practice of law
Col. Greenlaw being appointed in his
place
Very broad powers are conferred
upon the commission by the act that
! created it and all public utilities are
directly under their control and SUI
perrision. Railroad, steamboat, light
ng and power companies especially
are unable to operate without SUBJ
mitting to such rulings as this court
may draft. It's Importance is increas-
| ing and it is imperative that able and
experienced men be elevated to mem-
| bership.
| It's office is in the State House but
hearings follow one after the other In
such rapid succession that the men,
beers are travelling far and near In