Huebsch to leave utility-regulating Public Service Commission, giving Evers a chance to appoint a majority

Mike Huebsch announced Monday he is leaving the state Public Service Commission, giving Democratic Gov. Tony Evers a chance to more fully shape the utility regulating agency.

Huebsch, a Republican who once served as speaker of the state Assembly, said he would step down from the commission Feb. 3, nearly a year before his six-year term is up. Huebsch was appointed to the commission in 2015 by then-Gov. Scott Walker.

"I want to humbly thank the people of the state of Wisconsin for allowing me to serve. I have been truly blessed for the opportunities and trust afforded to me by the people of this great state," Huebsch said in a statement.

Evers will get to name Huebsch's replacement to the three-member commission. Last year, Evers placed Rebecca Cameron Valcq on it, and he will have appointed a majority of the commission once he selects Huebsch's replacement

The third member of the commission is Ellen Nowak, who was appointed by Walker. 

"I will miss his acumen and quick wit," Valcq said in a statement. "It was a pleasure working with him, especially on complex cases."

"(Huebsch's) perspectives, insight and good humor brought a great deal to the commission and made us better," Nowak said in a statement. "I want to thank him for his many years serving the state and I wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Huebsch was elected to the Assembly in 1994 representing a district near La Crosse. His colleagues chose him as speaker in 2007 and he served one term in that position, losing it when Democrats took control of the Assembly. 

After Walker was elected governor in 2010, he chose Huebsch as his first administration secretary and gave him the PSC job in 2015. 

Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.