by: World's Editorial Writers
5/16/2007  12:00 AM

Corporation Commission changing

It's a long leap from county commissioner to Oklahoma Corporation Commission but attorney Jim Roth appears ready for the challenge.

Gov. Brad Henry appointed Roth, 38, a two-term Democrat Oklahoma County commissioner, to fill the unexpired term of Denise Bode, who is leaving for the private sector.

Henry is effusive about his choice, saying that Roth is the ideal choice to serve on the commission, which regulates oil and gas drilling, utilities and telecommunications in Oklahoma.

As for himself, Roth promises to bring "a completely unbiased" viewpoint to the job and to listen to all sides. He's counting on his training and experience in law to be an asset on the quasi-judicial three-member commission.

Veteran Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony warns that Roth's "administrative and legal skills will be called upon starting from his first day on the job."

Anthony knows of what he speaks. The commission soon will decide cases that will significantly impact Oklahoma consumers for decades to come.

"I am confident that Jim's fair-mindedness, honesty and attention to detail will make him an excellent addition to the commission. He has been a voice of reason on the Oklahoma County Commission," Henry said.

Roth assumes his duties June 1. Under state law, he will serve until the next general election in 2008, when he must run for the remaining two years of Bode's term. If he is successful, he can run for a full six-year term in 2010.

Roth said that his pre-appointment interview with Henry focused on his qualifications and the governor's idea of what role the corporation commission should play in a time of change in the energy industry.

Roth was a deputy county clerk and a deputy county commissioner before becoming a county commissioner.

The job of corporation commissioner is a difficult one with high expectations from both the public and industry. Oklahomans will have the next 18 months to decide if Henry made the right choice.