Hubbard challenges absent PSC rival in Atlanta debate – FOX 5 Atlanta

Hubbard challenges absent PSC rival in Atlanta debate  FOX 5 Atlanta

Democratic PSC Peter Hubbard made his case for lower utility bills during an Atlanta debate where Republican opponent Fitz Johnson declined to appear. ATLANTA – Democratic Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard made his case for lower utility bills Wednesday during an Atlanta debate where Republican opponent Fitz Johnson declined to appear. Hubbard stood beside an empty podium during the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debate series broadcast from public television studios. Grants from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Robert Charles Loudermilk Senior Foundation funded the broadcast series. Debate panelists questioned Hubbard on his regulatory positions, utility rate policies and energy goals for the Georgia Public Service Commission District 3 post.

Hubbard urged voters to back him and candidate Sheila Edwards to flip the commission to a Democratic majority. Debate organizers did not provide an explanation for why Johnson declined to participate in the broadcast forum. Officials have not confirmed how Johnson responds to Hubbard's accusations regarding utility rate hikes, land use decisions and campaign residency claims. Facing an empty lectern during the direct questioning round, Hubbard criticized Johnson directly to the camera. "Now my opponent does not have enough respect to show up for this job interview or to justify his record," Hubbard said. Hubbard accused Johnson of voting repeatedly to raise power bills and expanding gas plants