Utility regulator faces complaint
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – A mysterious ethics complaint has been filed against Florida Public Service Commissioner Nancy Argenziano, who said Monday that it’s filled with errors.
Such citizen complaints usually are confidential until the state Ethics Commission completes an initial investigation, but copies were delivered to news organizations in Tallahassee.
Argenziano said the she couldn’t comment on specifics because she’s only seen part of it and that she would probably waive confidentiality because she has nothing to hide.
“I’m not going to sit back and be quiet,” said Argenziano, who has a reputation for speaking her mind. “There’s so much misinformation in there.”
The complaint alleges in part that Argenziano has a conflict of interest because of her business relationship with Roger Pennington, a lobbyist for the Florida Municipal Electric Association. Municipal utilities are not regulated by the commission, but the association has intervened in cases dealing with renewable energy and expansion of a nuclear power plant proposed by Florida Power & Light Co.
The complaint also alleges Argenziano did not report buying a car or a related bank loan on her financial disclosure form. It also alleges she failed to report her interest in a real estate development company co-owned with Pennington.