Consumer chief search criticized

The search to find a new executive director for the Utah Committee of Consumer Services is drawing criticism from Claire Geddes, one of six members of a search committee charged with the task.

Geddes said the process has been overextended by nearly two months to accommodate a fifth candidate, who is scheduled to be interviewed Aug. 4 by the search committee.

The committee was formed in March to conduct a national search when Leslie Reberg, the former executive director, announced her decision to run for Salt Lake County recorder. Reberg had served as executive director of the committee since April 2005.

Since its formation, the search committee has reviewed a list of more than 30 names. That list was narrowed to four candidates in early June. Those names were sent to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who is charged with appointing the committee's executive director.

"The next thing I knew they had found somebody brand new but said they couldn't interview them until August," Geddes said. "I called the governor's office and complained. Apparently they have decided to hold the whole situation for this one candidate. This drags the process out."

Geddes added that she does not mind another name coming in, but she takes issue with the wait and charges that the fifth candidate does not have any utility experience.

At the time of Reberg's departure, Dee Jay Hammon, consumer committee chairman and also a member of the search committee, said the absence of an executive director would slow the work of the consumer group, which represents residential, small-business and agricultural users in utility rate cases before the state's Public Service Commission.

On Tuesday, Hammon said there was a 95 percent certainty that a new executive director would be in place by September. He said the delay to interview another candidate was "just part of the process."

Since Reberg's departure, Reed Warnick, attorney for the committee, has taken on the role of interim executive director.

"From my point of view, I don't think we've really missed much of a beat," Hammon said. "The main thing is Reed stepped in and has done a superb job. He knows the issues. He's insightful. He's worked with staff, and they have his confidence and vice versa."

Historically, the process of appointing and confirming an executive director has been controversial.