Prairie Public Broadcasting

Bergian running for PSC BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - A Fargo lawyer who chairs the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is running for the Public Service Commission -- for a second time.

Cheryl Bergian is seeking the Democratic endorsement. She ran in 2006 -- and she says she probably won't change anything this time around.

"In 2006, I had a really successful campaign," said Bergian. "I had almost 48% of the vote. So there's not a lot I'll change."

Bergian says her main issues are ratepayer protection, oversight of energy development and getting the railroads to charge North Dakota shippers fair rates.

She is the first Democrat to announce. Incumbent commissioner Susan Wefald -- a Republican -- is not seeking re-election. And Bergian says she wants to take over Wefald's role as the voice of the consumer on the PSC.

"I think the strong voice for consumers is even more paramount," Bergian said. "With Susan Wefald not running again, the voice for consumers is leaving the Public Service Commission."

Bergian says she was thinking about running -- and then she heard Wefald say it would be good if another woman would run for the PSC.


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