2nd Opening on Public Service Panel Spices Up Speculation

With last week's pressured resignation of Public Service Chairman Kenneth D. Schisler, speculation began mounting at the State House as to whom Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) would name to replace him and to fill another slot on the embattled regulatory panel.

Susanne Brogan, a former PSC member from Anne Arundel County, was among the most talked-about names, with a spotting at the State House fueling the gossip.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) sang Brogan's praises to reporters Friday, calling her "a very competent attorney" and saying he was confident that she is "in the mix." She is a former top aide to former House speaker R. Clayton Mitchell Jr. (D).

Another person mentioned by lawmakers is Lawrence Brenner, a Montgomery County resident who is a judge with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He was previously recommended for the panel by House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel).

O'Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese would not comment on specific names but said the governor is eager to fill both slots on the five-member panel, which regulates electricity service, among other utilities.

O'Malley has promised to bring a more consumer-oriented bent to the PSC, which he said became too cozy with the industries it regulates during the Ehrlich administration.

-- John Wagner

Top Ehrlich Aide Goes Retail

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Chip DiPaula Jr., who was chief of staff to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), has landed a job at a retail property development firm.

Annapolis-based Petrie Ross Ventures announced last week that DiPaula had joined the firm as a partner, senior vice president and chief operating officer.

DiPaula was among the most trusted aides to the former governor, running his 2002 campaign and initially serving in his administration as budget secretary.