HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania’s Attorney General-elect Dave Sunday will be sworn in next week, but he’s already facing accusations of politicizing the office.
Consumer Advocate Patrick Cicero’s job is to fight for people paying utility bills against companies seeking rate increases. Cicero offered his resignation after Sunday said he would explore other consumer advocate candidates.
Cicero blamed “an open, vocal and public campaign led by various investor-owned utilities” seeking his removal who also donated to Sunday’s campaign.
Former Public Utility Commission Chairman Jim Cawley described Cicero as a “vigorous advocate” and says for-profit companies wanted Cicero out.
“Heavily lobbied, including campaign contributions to Dave Sunday to get rid of this guy because he’s doing too good a job,” alleges Cawley. “That’s essentially it.”
Attorneys General do appoint consumer advocates; Cicero was Josh Shapiro’s pick when the Democrat Shapiro was Attorney General. Now, the Republican Sunday will be sworn in on Tuesday.
Cawley, a Democrat, insists for nearly 50 years the office has been apolitical and independent.
“I think Dave Sunday should reconsider, he’s destroying his credibility coming in and he hasn’t even sworn in yet,” says Cawley.
Sunday issued his own statement wishing Cicero well, saying “having a capable, unbiased and apolitical consumer advocate is a priority for my administration.” Sunday added, “I look forward to an open and transparent process with feedback from all interested parties and individuals.”
Cawley says he doesn’t think residents can “count on a truly independent and zealous consumer advocate” coming in. Whoever Sunday does pick has to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled State Senate.