Apple calls for appointive Corporation Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Corporation Commissioner Ed Apple, saying he felt uneasy soliciting contributions for his 1996 election<br>campaign, called for commissioners Thursday to be appointed rather than

Thursday, January 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Corporation Commissioner Ed Apple, saying he felt uneasy soliciting contributions for his 1996 election
campaign, called for commissioners Thursday to be appointed rather than elected.

Apple recommended amending the Oklahoma Constitution to allow the appointment of members of the Corporation Commission, which Apple described as an important agency whose work "is no particularly interesting to the general public."

"It is difficult in today's political climate to raise money for a statewide campaign without seeking funds from anyone who does not have a vested interest in the outcome," Apple said.

Fellow Commissioner Denise Bode said whether commissioners should be appointed or elected has been the focus of discussion
during the Oklahoma Academy's review of the state constitution. Ms. Bode serves on the steering committee of the constitutional task
force.

"I was aware of Ed's views," she said. "We have been discussing the concept of election versus appointment."

She said she hasn't developed a firm position but believes there is a need to look at the changing role of the commission from a
quasi-judicial body to one that sets policy.

The Corporation Commission is responsible for the regulation of transportation, railroads, storage tanks, oil and gas production and the regulation of public utility rates.

"We probably should have been appointed in the past when we were quasi-judicial," Ms. Bode said. The commission's new legislative role is the kind where elections are more appropriate, she said.

Commissioner Bob Anthony could not be reached for comment at his office Thursday afternoon.

Apple, who has been both appointed and elected to the position, said he had to rely on contributions to finance his election campaign.

"This placed me between the proverbial rock and a hard place -- seeking campaign funds from those who were willing to contribute
within the legal and ethical rules, and then being subject to criticism for doing so," Apple said.

Appointment would eliminate the need to solicit funds and make it easier to recruit and select qualified candidates, he said.

"Recent history has shown that many qualified people will seek and accept an appointment, but will not subject themselves to the
difficulties of a political campaign," he said.