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Agenda

The Alabama Public Service Commission is the legislated body whose primary role is to regulate utilities for the benefit of consumers. The PSC has three members, each elected statewide. John seeks PSC Place 1. To approve PSC policies and regulations two commissioners must agree. John pledges to work hard with fellow commissioners to ensure Alabama consumers get:

Fair rates

We all need dependable, affordable utilities. At the same time, utility stockholders are due sensible returns. Striking an effective balance requires open ears, open minds, solid analysis, and good judgment. 

Smart energy

Smart energy means reliability, redundancy, interoperability, and greater use of sustainable, low-carbon energy resources. We need to adapt our energy systems to encourage and align with sustainable sources in Alabama and beyond. One vital concern: We need to ensure an up-to-date electrical grid in step with national grid improvements.

Open government

The people of Alabama deserve open, transparent PSC processes and decision-making. Open government ensures accountability, both by the PSC and its regulated utilities. But beyond that, truly open government invites collaborative problem-solving. It builds public understanding, confidence, and support when change is necessary. Above all else, John pledges to insist on PSC openness to the full extent permitted by law. 

Why trust John?

​John is a veteran school administrator skilled in tackling and solving public sector problems at the state and local levels. Before his education career, John reported and edited for daily and weekly newspapers. In both careers, he pursued existing and in-person research to make fact-driven decisions. He prizes stakeholder collaboration, especially in strategic planning. Before and after retirement, John's community involvements speak to his love of Alabama and his belief that good citizenship requires service to the common good. 

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  • Retired educator: Head of Alabama School of Fine Arts (1997-2011), former Associate Commissioner for Kentucky Department of Education, Assistant Superintendent Atlanta Public Schools, administrator for Riverside Unified School District (CA) and Tucson Unified School District (AZ)

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  • Former journalist: Birmingham News, Birmingham Post-Herald, Birmingham Reporter, Samoa News (Pago Pago)

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  • Graduate: Andalusia High School (1968), Birmingham-Southern College (1972), Harvard Graduate School of Education (1980,1994), Leadership Alabama, Leadership Birmingham

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  • Community engagement: Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, Homewood Environmental Commission, YMBC Civic Forum (Birmingham), Alabama Arise, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, Transit Citizens Advisory Board to Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, Action Coalition for Transit (ACT) in Alabama

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  • Published author: Mayor Todd (drama) and photo/verse books with wife Ericka: Animal Impressions, Postings, Water

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  • Personal: Wife Ericka, sons Matt and Tom. Interests include photography and outdoors

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Web site paid for by:

John Northrop for PSC

P. O. Box 43057

Vestavia Hills, AL   35243

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johnnorthropforpsc@gmail.com

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Facebook: John Northrop for PSC

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From the candidate . . .

My plea for your help!

 

Science is clear: A broad-front cut in carbon emissions is vital to protect our children and grandchildren from advanced global warming and climate change. Doubtless, at least some carbon-based energy will remain necessary into the distant future. However, we’ve reached an “all hands on deck” moment in history when every person, organization, and institution worldwide must think urgently how best to transition to more sustainable, low-carbon energy strategies.

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And here's good news: A thoughtful shift to low-carbon energy will save consumers money right here in Alabama--even consumers who continue to rely on traditional carbon-fueled generation! That's because a key impact on utility rates is the cost of utility infrastructure. As energy needs grow--especially for power-hog AI data centers--utility capacity and infrastructure must grow to meet demand. Promoting rooftop solar and the like will help limit new utility costs necessarily passed on to ratepayers. 

 

Utilities share responsibility for an affordable, livable future. Your Public Service Commission should play a decisive, in-public role in setting utility goals and expectations with broad collaboration among stakeholders. Do you want a voice on the PSC urging thoughtful energy policy, strategy, and investment? If so, I need your support! Please share word of my candidacy with family, friends, and others. Invite me to speak at your club, church, or other civic organization anywhere in Alabama.

 

And please give to John Northrop for PSC! I expect no big donations in this campaign. It will take a multitude of small gifts to fund even a modest operation, much less the robust statewide effort we most need. Yet regardless of funding, I'm committed to carrying this message as far and wide as possible. I hope you're with me! 

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