‘Bubba’ McDonald may not be out of ethics woods yet
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
Georgia’s newest Public Service Commissioner, Lauren McDonald — better known to his longtime fans and followers as “Bubba” — is already facing up to $25,000 in fines by the State Ethics Commission related to shoddy record-keeping during his losing 2002 campaign to keep his seat on the PSC.
Now, former AJC investigative editor Jim Walls reports on his Atlanta Unfiltered blog that McDonald may also have some problems with his filings during last year’s PSC race to regain his old seat, specifically a $15,000 campaign loan of uncertain origin.
What makes all of this more than usually ironic is that McDonald had been working behind the scenes to change the rules for how the PSC chairmanship is determined, presumably so Bubba could ascend to that position. Currently, the five commissioners take turns serving as chairman, based on a regular annual rotation.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
