Latest news with #Echols
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Georgia Power bills have gone up. Now voters will choose who sets rates
ATLANTA - Electricity prices are on the ballot when early voting begins Tuesday for two seats on Georgia's powerful utility regulator, the Public Service Commission. The election has a direct impact on voters, especially Georgia Power's customers in metro Atlanta, where residential bills have risen about $43 because of six PSC-approved rate increases that have kicked in since the start of 2023. Just one of the PSC's five Republican commissioners is a Georgia Power customer, but the board has tremendous authority to decide how much the electricity monopoly can charge. Most of the commissioners - along with about half of all Georgians - get their power from electric membership cooperatives, which are member-owned, nonprofit utilities. Eight candidates are running - three Republicans and five Democrats - in the commission's first primary election since 2022, when the general election was canceled because of a court battle over the fairness of statewide PSC races that have elected just one Black PSC member in Georgia history. All voters are eligible to cast a ballot for both PSC seats, but the candidates for the two contested seats are required to live in their districts that cover metro Atlanta and east Georgia. Commissioner Tim Echols, a Republican on the board since 2011, said the PSC has been looking out for consumers. Last week, the PSC's staff made a deal with Georgia Power to keep the company's base rates in place through the end of 2028. "Freezing the rates for three years is the best thing we can do for ratepayers right now, and I have advocated for that incessantly," Echols said, citing discount programs for seniors and Georgians with low incomes. Echols, who lives in the east Georgia district, said being one of Georgia Power's 2.8 million customers shouldn't be a "litmus test" for election because the PSC also regulates gas companies, phone services, hearing aids and some aspects of the state's 41 electric membership cooperatives. But his opponents say Georgia Power customers are underrepresented while being forced to pay higher bills. "For too long, the Commission has rubber-stamped rate hikes that favor utility profits over people," said Alicia Johnson, a Democratic health care consultant who will face the winner of the Republican primary between Echols and Lee Muns. "Everyday Georgians - especially seniors, renters and working families - need a stronger voice at the table." Muns said he would seek to maintain affordable electricity rates if elected and scrutinize Georgia Power spending, including cost overruns at Plant Vogtle's new nuclear units, whose price tag rose from original estimates of $14 billion to about $35 billion. "If utilities are unable or unwilling to pursue genuine cost reductions, it may be necessary to consider adjusting the rate of return to ensure fair and sustainable rates for consumers," said Muns, the founder of engineering and welding companies. Georgia Power spokesman Jacob Hawkins called the deal to keep base rates steady "great news for customers" that will help "our state remain competitive and meet future energy demand." "This stipulated agreement is simply the latest example of how our regulated market structure benefits Georgia families and businesses," Hawkins said. Even critics of the PSC say they're pleased Georgia Power agreed not to hike rates for now, but they say the agreement smacks of politics by shielding commissioners from having to vote on another potential rate increase before this fall's general election. "It's just a blatant attempt to try to avoid accountability for having raised the rates on people relentlessly for years," said Brionté McCorkle, the executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters. "It's very clear they're doing this because it's an election year." A residential Georgia Power ratepayer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month pays about $171, according to the company's data. Incumbent Republican Commissioner Fitz Johnson is also up for election this year, but he doesn't face a primary opponent. Johnson is the commission's lone Black member, and he hasn't ever been elected to office. Gov. Brian Kemp appointed him in 2021. Johnson, who didn't respond to a request for comment, will face the winner of a four-candidate Democratic primary. Johnson lives in the PSC's Atlanta-area district and is the lone Georgia Power customer on the Commission. "The most important decisions made by the PSC involve Georgia Power, yet only half of voters in the state are customers of that utility," said Robert Jones, a Democratic candidate and former utility executive. "The losers are Georgia citizens - Republican and Democrat alike - while the winners are Georgia Power and the Republican Party leadership in search of campaign donations." Former Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites, a Democratic candidate, said voters should pay attention to the PSC race. "Energy policy and environmental toxins may not be top of mind, but they are absolutely shaping those day-to-day struggles," Waites said. Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman characterized the PSC as being out-of-touch with Georgia Power customers. "Even though these voters pay some of the highest electricity bills in Georgia - about 25% more on average - they often cannot elect a commissioner who shares their values or prioritizes their needs because candidates are elected by voters statewide," said Blackman, an environmental consultant who lost a runoff for PSC in January 2021. Blackman is facing a challenge to his candidacy based on allegations that he doesn't officially live in Atlanta after he changed his address to a Midtown apartment last fall. Hubbard, a Democrat and clean energy advocate, said the PSC is to blame for rising electricity costs. "They clearly do not work for the people of Georgia," Hubbard said. PSC Chairman Jason Shaw said the agreement to hold Georgia Power's rates steady is a win for customers. "This is nothing but good news for Georgia Power ratepayers," Shaw said. Even if the PSC approves the deal, it may not be long before bills go up again. Next year Georgia Power is expected to ask the PSC to allow it to recoup damage costs from Hurricane Helene and other storms, along with its unpaid fuel tab. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
National Post
22-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Special teamers in Calgary Stampeders camp: Battles at hand at punter, returner
Article content 'Erik, I think, honestly was one of the most solid returners in the CFL, and then, unfortunately, he broke his arm,' Dickenson said. 'He's very reliable catching the ball. He makes good decisions. He's got some juice. I think if he would've played all year, he would've popped a couple of returns for touchdowns. Article content 'And he's also one of our smartest receivers.' Article content Article content Indeed, Brooks played in just a half-dozen games before getting sidelined, returning 17 punts for 166 yards — a 9.8-yard average — and 13 kickoffs for 287 yards — a 22.1-yard average. Article content But the diminutive, dynamic talent is back — with confidence — to pick up where he left off. Article content 'I mean … it was difficult,' said Brooks of the injury and missing the final two-thirds of the schedule. 'But they let me know early that they like the work that I have put on my resume throughout those six regular-season games. So it gave me a sense of relief knowing that they still have faith in me to come back healthy and build on what I did last year. Article content Article content And then there are a few guys from last year — receivers Cam Echols and Ishmael Hyman — who have proven themselves in the return game. Article content 'The guys are playing hard and looking fast and doing the right things, as well,' Dickenson said. 'So that's why we know we have good competition.' Article content It's up to Brooks to fend them all off. Article content His experience with the Stamps — albeit limited — should help him in that regard. Article content As should his knowledge of the offence, whether he's catching or even running the ball. Article content After all, the California kid's done it all in his football career, growing up as a running back but then moving to receiver and blossoming as a returner. Article content 'I just feel like the more you can do, the better … you know,' Brooks said. 'You just make yourself versatile by just learning multiple positions — not just limiting yourself to one but just trying to learn the whole concept. Article content 'But I feel like when you make yourself versatile, you have a better shot at whatever you're trying to do. So growing up, I was just trying to be able to know all the positions in the offence by getting the ball in my hands and just trying to make plays however I can.' Article content He hopes that happens with the Stamps often in his second season. Article content 'Success will be getting through healthy — that's first and foremost,' added Brooks. 'But I want to get some more touchdowns — I know I had one last year receiving. I want to get some special-teams touchdowns, as well. I was close to breaking a few. So I want to get at least five punt returns, a field-goal return in there and at least two to three kickoffs.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
LB Power Echols, S Major Burns Lead Bears' UFA Class
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Major Burns #8 of the LSU Tigers celebrates during the third ... More quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images} Having added major pieces to the offense through the draft, the Bears focused their attention on the defense afterward. Their initial list of undrafted free agents skews heavily to the defense as they search for the next Jack Sanborn. Sanborn, undrafted after a productive career at Wisconsin, stepped up to play a big role in the rebuilding defense after Roquan Smith was traded to Baltimore midway through the 2022 season. He started 10 games and made 65 tackles in '23 but mostly played off the bench in '24 before General Manager Ryan Poles opted not to tender him a contract as a restricted free agent. Sanborn is with Dallas now, most likely to be replaced by fourth-round pick Ruben Hyppolite II. But Poles and rookie head coach Ben Johnson have vowed that all spots on the team must be earned in off-season workouts and training camp, opening the door to competition from the undrafted free agents. Two jump off the list of 10 in the batch of players signed shortly after the draft concluded on Saturday: linebacker Power Echols (North Carolina) and safety Major Burns (LSU). Here's a look at the class, listed in a rough order of their value: Echols — A three-year starter who amassed 307 tackles for the Tar Heels, Echols may have been hurt by running a 4.73 40 at the NFL Combine. His estimated athleticism score at the Combine ranked 26th, which his arm length (30 5/8 inches) also hurting his draft stock. But neither the speed or the lack of reach keep him away from ballcarriers, as his 190 solo tackles rank 15th in the ACC since 2005. His profile is eerily similar to Sanborn, who also ran a 4.73 40 and ranked 24th in athleticism among linebackers in his Combine class. Echols is 5-11, the same height as Hyppolite. But Hyppolite ran a 4.39 at Maryland's pro day. Burns — Originally signed by the University of Georgia, the 6-3 safety transferred early enough to make a big impact in four seasons with LSU. He was an instant starter in Baton Rouge and a team leader. Burns was credited with a team-high 93 tackles in 2023, returning one interception for a touchdown. He's not the fastest pass defender, running a 4.51 40 at LSU's Pro Day, but can use his strong legs and leaping ability to recover. His 37 1/2-inch vertical leap was better than all but five defensive backs at the NFL Combine. Edge Xavier Carlton, Cal — Carlton spent three years in Berkeley after two at the University of Utah. He was a consistent harasser of quarterbacks, with 55 pressures in 2023 and nine sacks in '24. He's got a great build for the job (6-6, 275) but lacks speed (5.08 40) and subtlety. One scouting report calls him a 'power rusher who looks to bull his way to pressures.' Edge Jereme Robinson, Kansas — He's smaller (6-3, 255) and quicker (4.83 40) than Carlton but wasn't as productive in college. He did show consistent improvement, with 22 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior. He played with fellow edge rusher Austin Booker, a Bears' fifth-round pick in 2023, as a junior. There's an opportunity for Carlton or Robinson to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, as the Bears didn't draft an edge rusher. Wide receiver JP Richardson, TCU — No need for him to apologize for being the No. 3 option for the Horned Frogs last season; the first two were Jack Bech (second round, Raiders) and Savion Williams (third round, Packers). More of a possession receiver from the slot than a downfield threat, Richardson is also a proven punt returner. He took one 89 yards for a touchdown last season. His father is Bucky Richardson, who played quarterback for the Houston Oilers. Looks like an interesting guy for Johnson and the Bears' new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle. Safety Tysheem Johnson, Oregon — A freakishly mature player who was all-state in Pennsylvania as a freshman at Philadelphia's Neumann Gorall High, he split a four-year career evenly between Ole Miss and Oregon. He had 262 career tackles and six interceptions, including three last season. He can be a play-maker but at 5-10 is under-sized and will be challenged by NFL receivers. Long snapper Luke Elkin, Iowa — Former Lion Scott Daly would appear to be in a good place after replacing Bears' long-time snapper Patrick Scales last season. But maybe there's thought Tory Taylor could have had a better rookie season with better snaps? it's hard for a collegiate snapper to be more reliable than Elkin, who handled all of the Hawkeyes' deep snaps for three years. Kicker Jonathan Kim, Michigan State — Cairo Santos seems secure, both a contract that runs through 2027 and an 89.3 success rate on field goals in six years in Chicago. But kickers can be quirky and Poles wants to create an uncomfortable camp for everyone, apparently. Kim was 19 of 21 on field goals in 2024 and hit a 58-yarder in '23. He handled kickoffs for three years at North Carolina before moving to East Lansing. If he doesn't land a spot, he could be worth a future draft pick from someone. Wide receiver Jahdae Walker — At 6-4 with 4.45 speed, he's all about his tools. Walker wasn't consistent in his two years at Texas A&M, however. He had three 100-yard games as a junior but seemed to lose confidence of the play callers last season, catching only 29 passes in 13 games Walker started his college career at Grand Valley State after failing to catch recruiting buzz at Cleveland's Shaker Heights High. Deion Hankins, Texas State — The Bears need inventory at running back but nothing in Hankins' background obviously moves the needle. He played four years at UTEP, in his hometown of El Paso, Tex., and one at Texas State, never rushing for 1,000 yards. At 6-0, 215 pounds, he's a power runner who averaged 4.7 yards per carry but never figured as a three-down back.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jon Echols visits Bartlesville on his campaign for Oklahoma attorney general
Republican Jon Echols is officially on the campaign trail for Oklahoma Attorney General, making stops around Bartlesville on April 24 and April 25, introducing himself to voters and outlining his vision for the office. Echols, a former state representative from Oklahoma City, sat down for an interview with the Examiner-Enterprise in between meetings with local police, firefighters and community leaders. "I'm an Oklahoman through and through," Echols said in an interview with the EE. "I believe in a safer, freer, stronger Oklahoma, and I think the Attorney General's office is the best place to make a real difference for the citizens of this state." Echols served 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, including eight as majority floor leader, before term limits forced him out in 2024. He announced his candidacy for attorney general earlier this year and says the response has been overwhelming, noting endorsements from more than 18 sheriffs and the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police. The 45-year-old attorney said his goal is to bring a proven conservative record to the AG's office while ensuring that all citizens — regardless of background — are treated equally under the law. "Whether you're from the richest part of Tulsa or the wrong side of south Oklahoma City, like my parents were, you will be treated the same by my office," he said. Echols emphasized that the Attorney General's duties go beyond criminal law enforcement, explaining that a large part of the job involves protecting taxpayer dollars and serving as the legal counsel for state agencies. He pledged to maintain transparency and to prioritize upholding the Constitution. One hot-button issue already on Echols' radar is the use of Flock Safety cameras, which are license plate readers that track vehicles, sparking debate locally and across the state. While some hail the technology as a crime-fighting tool, others worry it could violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. More: Bartlesville City Council approves Flock camera rules after split vote, heated debate Echols said he is taking a cautious approach. "Anytime you're dealing with government surveillance, it has to be done within the confines of the Constitution — both Oklahoma's and the United States," he said. He stressed that he is gathering information and weighing critical questions: how the cameras are used, where data is stored and whether the scope of surveillance is being legally applied. "I'm not a shoot-from-the-hip guy," he said. "Whatever the law is, that's what we're going to follow." Echols acknowledged the complexities surrounding surveillance technology, pointing out that he previously voted to authorize cameras used specifically to catch uninsured motorists — a system he said has operated appropriately within legal boundaries. Local news, sports and more: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Sun-News app With no major challengers yet announced, Echols is the first declared candidate in the race for the 2026 election. He says his campaign is about public service, not political ambition. "If someone doesn't want a conservative Attorney General, I'm not their guy. I mean that and I have the track record to back it up," he said. The filing period for the 2026 elections begins in April of that year. This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Jon Echols campaign for Oklahoma AG comes to Bartlesville
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Echols wants to be open with people of Oklahoma
Jon Echols said he believes the attorney general should represent the people of Oklahoma. The former State House Floor leader is seeking the Republican nomination to replace Getner Drummond, who is a candidate for governor. Echols said he feels this is the right time for his candidacy. 'I thought my message for a safer, freer, stronger Oklahoma — this is the right time to bring that message,' Echols said during an interview at the Phoenix. 'Getner Drummond has done a good job as attorney general. When he decided to run for the office of governor, I want another strong law enforcement-backed candidate that believes in public safety, that believes in transparency in government and fiscal responsibility and I felt like I was the right guy for the job.' With over a year remaining in the filing period, Echols is the only candidate who has filed for the office and said he wanted the people to know what he was and what he stood for. 'After my first quarter, we raised over $650,000,' he said. 'It was the largest first quarter by any first-time attorney general candidate in state history.' Echols was in Muskogee on Friday to meet with officials and residents to get to know them, and so they could get to know him. 'We're going to the Republican luncheon this afternoon,' he said. 'Then I'm meeting with some private citizens that haven't committed yet. And then I'm going to swing by the fire station having been endorsed by the Professional Firefighters on Oklahoma.' Echols hails from Del City and was a freshman in high school on April 19, 1995. He remembers vividly hearing the bombing of the Murrah Building. 'Everyone has a story and my story is both my parents were lawyers,' he said. 'As a freshman, I didn't know the difference between the federal courthouse and the Oklahoma City Courthouse — all I heard is courthouse blew up. They wouldn't let you leave so I intentionally got in trouble in class so they would send me to the office so I could use the phone to call and make sure my parents were OK and they were — they were in the district courthouse.' He went on to say that's one of the reasons he seeks to be the next attorney general. 'I'm a fifth generation Oklahoman,' Echols said. 'My family still owns the land-run farm and we still have it. We love this state, we're ingrained inside this state. 'My wife — my high-school sweetheart — is a fourth generation Oklahoman. We believe in the greatness of the people. Our biggest natural resource if the people.'
