For the Bismarck Tribune

By MIKE ALBRECHBy MIKE ALBRECHT

Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark and his Democratic challenger, Cheryl Bergian, agree that the commission will face some of its toughest challenges in the next six years, but they disagree on who can best handle them.

"The last six years have been great to be a part of, but I think the next six will be even more so," Clark said. "I think the issues we'll deal with in the next six years are some of the most important, so consequently I want to put my experience to use."

While Clark, 34, says his experience on the commission, the last four as its president, is invaluable during this significant time, Bergian, 45, argues that she'll bring a fresh perspective, and a passion for the people of the state.

"I have a dedication to making sure people are treated fairly," she said. "The reason I'm running is I feel there's a need for a voice of the consumer on the Public Service Commission."

Whether it's utility bills for state residents or shipping costs for farmers, both candidates plan to fight for cheaper rates.

The three-member elected commission regulates the cost to transport crops by railroad and keeps an eye on gas and electric rates of North Dakota's largest utilities, including Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., Xcel Energy and Otter Tail Power Co. Other duties include regulation of grain elevators, coal mining and land reclamation, telephone companies, auctioneers and pipelines. The PSC also reviews site applications for power plants, coal mines and the location of electric transmission lines.

Clark said he was instrumental in securing state funds recently to investigate how the cost of moving crops by railroad in North Dakota compares to other states. Although the "rate case" is still a work in progress, the railroad responded by dropping rates more than $10 million, Clark said.

Bergian said the PSC effort wasn't done soon enough. "I'd work towards a PSC that was working with farmers to monitor these rates so they don't creep up and up. So those rates stay fair all the time."

The Democratic challenger also criticized Clark's efforts to repeal home heating taxes. The state currently charges a 2 percent tax on gas and propane but doesn't tax electricity. Clark has worked to drop the tax.

"I'd be looking at those issues at the beginning of my six years, not at the end," Bergian said.

Clark's work to save energy consumers some cash didn't start with the proposed repeal of the home heating tax.

Clark said monitoring utility costs to keep them among the lowest in the nation has been a priority since he took office six years ago.

With MDU and Otter Tail Power proposing a new power plant in the next few years, he said a major evaluation of those rates is expected.

"You don't want someone whose first rate case they hear is one of the most important in North Dakota in decades," the incumbent said.

"These cases are so complicated and as commissioners you have to know what you're doing."

The state's cellular phone coverage is another issue both candidates plan to address.

The PSC doesn't directly regulate cellular phone companies, but it can influence decisions and point out problem areas.

The PSC's "Zap the Gap" program currently encourages rural residents to notify the commission of areas that cellular service doesn't reach The commission notifies cellular service providers.

Clark plans to improve the program through community forums while Bergian proposes newspaper, radio, television and billboard ads.

"The sad thing is more people know about 'Zip to Zap' than 'Zap the Gap,'" she said. "Zip to Zap" was an infamous college gathering in Zap that was ended by about 500 North Dakota National Guardsmen in May 1969.

Clark started his political career as a senior at North Dakota State University in the 1990s when he was elected to serve the first of two terms in the North Dakota House, representing a Fargo district.

He later resigned his seat to work as a tax department analyst, and in 1999 was appointed by Gov. Ed Schafer as labor commissioner. He was elected to the PSC in November of 2000 after edging out his challenger by less than 1,000 votes.

"I'm very happy where I am now. It's a job that lets you do important work and still be home at night with your children," said the father of two sons. "I can offer (the state) someone who's an experienced leader. With important issues coming down the line my experience is a key issue for voters to consider."

Bergian decided to challenge Clark after receiving some advice from a friend. When she lost a North Dakota Senate race two years ago the friend told her of the PSC spot.

After many hours of researching the PSC, including reading the textbook-thick biannual report, Bergian said she discovered the commission tackles many issues that were important to her.

"What I really hope to accomplish is to raise an awareness across the state of what the PSC can do in North Dakota as we enter the next 10 years," the executive director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition said. Bergian plans to move from Fargo to Bismarck if elected.

The three-member regulatory commission also includes Kevin Cramer and Susan Wefald. Clark's seat is the only one up for grabs in the November election.