The Washington times., 1927-03-05
.NeWPubIic Utilities Commission
and Peoples Counsel

We now have new Public Utilities Commission and
Peoples Counsel for that body With the exception Of
Engineer Commissioner Bell the Commissioners unfamiliar
with public utilities problems.
The apponte those who would have been selected
by the civic organizations Of the District whose requests and
influence brought about the enactment Of the law creating
commission independent Of the District Commissioners who
have heretofore composed the personnel of the commission
The President had his ideas Of the selection Of the
mission and its special counsel and the wisdom Of those ideas
will be tested in the future acts Of the new body.
Whatever may be the outcome Of the appointments there
still question that need Utilities Commission distinct
from the District Commissioners upon giving its
whole attention to the important utilities questions arising
here
The District Commissioners with the exception Of the En-
gneer Commissioner will now be in position to give all their
time to municipal problems unhampered by utilities work.
The new arrangement should work out for the best interests
of Washington
The commission is presumably impartial func
lions Will be semiudiciaL It's counsel will be the corporation
counsel Of the District with its active legal adviser the
new Peoples Counsel.
The commission, although unfamiliar with the local
situation is strengthened by the astmnute addition of Har
rson Brand i Mr. Brand is not only competent attorney
but graduate OF West Point with fine education in
engineering.
Engineer Commissioner Bell present chairman of the Uti
ties Commission cannot hold that position after June next
when he will be transferred elsewhere His successor will be-
member Of the commission Colonel Bell is widely
familiar with utilities questions here and just familiar is
Major E Cove Assistant Engineer Commissioner long
associated with his chief in utilities work boom for the
assignment Of Major Cove Engineer Commissioner
popular because he is well acquainted with utilities sub
ects Under Army regulations he could be appointed
full term Of four Engineer Commissioner could
serve In that position something half years
The people of Washington will wish the new public officials
well and will be deeply interested in their methods and
policies This newspaper will continue for the rights
OF the people Of Washington is nimiCal reasonable
and just returns to public utilities corporations is opposed
to these being unfairly favored and to
upon the masses exorionate charges Of any kind simply
that melons may be cut for stockholders
The rights and welfare Of Washington people should rel
ceve better consideration and protection the future
they have had in the past The Peoples Counsel was created
e Congress after The Times had repeatedly urged such
flee The sole duty of this official truly and aggressivey
represent the people Of this city against the frequently
founded claims OF public utilities corporations He will
opportunity make for himself an envable reputation as
an advocate Of the He will just one client and
that client will expect him to battle to the to prevent
injustice