Asim Haque was sworn in today as Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairman, saying that the panel "regulates the basic infrastructure that sustains our lives and this economy."
Haque, 36, of Columbus, has served on the five-member PUCO since 2013, and now has become chairman after being appointed by Gov. John Kasich. He replaces Andre Porter, who resigned to take a job in Indiana.
"Join me in finding mutual solutions where none of you are left behind," Haque said in prepared comments, addressing utility companies and other groups that do business before the commission. "I will be desperately seeking these solutions for the state. It is up to me to create the venue where all of you can participate. I want to work cooperatively with all of you.
Haque is a political independent with a background as a lawyer specializing in utility issues. He is the fourth person to serve as chairman in about four years.
