Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark
North Dakotans elected Commissioner Tony Clark to his first six-year term in November 2000. Since joining the PSC, he has been a strong advocate for North Dakota’s interests in some of our state’s most important industries. He is currently serving as President of the Public Service Commission.
As the holder of the telecommunications portfolio, he works to strengthen North Dakota’s future by supporting regulatory policies that benefit consumers and promote investment in telecommunications infrastructure. He is a member of the Telecommunications Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and has appeared as a panelist discussing strategies for broadband and rural-state telecommunications deployment.
Commissioner Clark takes an active role in rail and grain matters. He holds the rail and grain elevator portfolio and has been a leader in the effort to protect North Dakota’s interests. He has been a key contributor in the effort to bring the nation’s first successful grain shipping rate case before federal regulators. He has actively lobbied for better rail service, both in-state and before federal officials in Washington, DC.
His Commission portfolio also includes responsibility for weights and measures testing, ensuring consumers are protected in their commercial dealings with businesses using scales and measuring devices.
Energy is an important industry in North Dakota and Commissioner Clark places a high priority on energy issues. He advocates policies that help develop North Dakota’s vast energy exporting potential and provide affordable, reliable electricity and natural gas.
Prior to his election he was Labor Commissioner, serving in the cabinet of former Gov. Ed Schafer. From 1997-99 he was Administrative Officer for the state Tax Department.
Commissioner Clark is a former two-term state legislator. He represented District 44 (Fargo) in the House of Representatives from 1994-97.
In 1998, the Council of State Governments selected him one of 40 “Toll Fellows” for his outstanding achievement and service to state government. He is a graduate of the Bowhay Institute of Legislative Leadership Development and the Program for Emerging Political Leaders at the University of Virginia.
He is a graduate of Fargo North High School and holds degrees in political science and history education from North Dakota State University. He holds a masters degree in public administration from the University of North Dakota.
Commissioner Clark is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Mid-America Regulatory Commissioners. He is Chairman of the Regional Oversight Committee, which is comprised of regulators in the 14 states where Qwest is the dominant local phone carrier. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU. Having earned the Eagle Scout award as a youth, he maintains his involvement with and support of the Scouting program. He is currently Chairman of the Frontier Trails District Boy Scout Committee. |