Gov. Greg Gianforte is searching for a temporary replacement on the Public Service Commission for Brad Molnar, who has been suspended for a year, due to his on-the-job conduct.
The Governor, under authority granted by the Montana Code Annotated, has posted an application form online at governor dot mt. gov (forward slash) PSC Appointment. Applicants must live in PCS District 2m which includes Billings and a good portion of south-central Montana.
What’s interesting is that there is no replacement mechanism to replace a suspended member of the Commission. This is happening while Molnar is petitioning the District Judge Mike Menehan to stop the Governor’s action against him. He’s also asking Judge Menehan to prohibit the Governor from appointing even a temporary replacement.
An investigation into Molnar’s conduct prompted the Governor to suspend and, now temporarily replace him. The report recommended Molnar complete training to learn to be professional in the workplace.
This comes at a time when the Public Service Commission–made up entirely of Republicans, is deciding whether to approve the merger of Northwestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation, based in Rapid City, South Dakota in an all-stock deal. A-I Data Centers are also issues before the Public Service Commission.
