David Klement appointed to Public Service Commission

By Herald Staff

David E. Klement, former editorial page editor of the Bradenton Herald and Benjamin “Steve” Stevens of Pensacola have been appointed today to the Public Service Commission.

“As a journalist, editor and community leader, David has been involved in seeking solutions to the needs of his community,” Gov. Crist said. “His extensive experience in a wide variety of issues will give him an appropriate perspective when considering business and consumer matters that come before the commission.”

Klement, 69, has directed the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee since October 2007. He previously worked at the Bradenton Herald as editorial page editor, business editor and city editor from 1975 to 2007. From 1966 to 1975, he worked for The Detroit Free Press newspaper as night metro editor, deputy business editor and photo editor. From 1962 to 1966, he was an assistant city editor and reporter for The Daily Oklahoman in Oklahoma City.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Florida.

Stevens, 44, has served as the chief financial officer for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. From 1996 to 2001, he served as interim director and manager of the Office of Management and Budget for the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners after serving as a budget research analyst from 1994 to 1996. He was an accountant with Saltmarsh, Cleaveland and Gund from 1989 to 1994. He earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Florida State University.

Klement and Stevens, succeeding Matthew Carter and Katrina McMurrian, are each appointed for four-year terms beginning Jan. 2 and ending Jan. 1, 2014. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the rates, services and safety of privately owned public utilities. The commission is charged with adopting energy efficiency goals and providing competitive market oversight.