Monday, January 4, 2010

Chicago Alderman Manuel Flores to Lead the Illinois Commerce Commission

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

CHICAGO – January 4, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of Manuel Flores as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Flores, a Chicago alderman, brings to his new position a deep understanding of public service, a record for advancing pro-environmental initiatives, and a commitment to expanding broadband Internet access throughout Illinois.

“Manny Flores is an experienced and highly-regarded public servant who will provide a fresh viewpoint at this very important Commission,” said Governor Quinn. “He excelled in the Chicago City Council and will do so at the helm of the ICC.”

Upon Senate confirmation, Flores will be the first Latino Chairman of the ICC. A prominent member of the Chicago City Council, he was elected as 1st Ward Alderman in 2003. He has served in numerous capacities including on the Capital and Technology Development committee and the Energy, Environmental Protection, and Public Utilities committee. He also serves on the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council and the Board of Community Health. (Background information attached)

Flores has been a tireless advocate for building Chicago’s green economy by pushing for LEED certification in new developments, launching GreenEconomyChicago.com, an online social networking platform to develop policy to promote a green marketplace, and spearheading the Chicago’s Green Exchange development, a green business mall that will be a premier destination for clean technology and energy companies.

“I want to thank Governor Quinn for the appointment and I’m proud to serve the state of Illinois as the Chairman of Illinois Commerce Commission,” said Flores.

A graduate of Dominican University and George Washington University Law School, Flores served as a prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He began his career in public service as an aide to Congressman Luis Guiterrez.

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s acts as a bridge between consumers and Illinois’ utility companies, seeking an appropriate balance between the interests of consumers and service providers in order to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and least-cost public utility services for all citizens of Illinois.

For more information on the ICC, please visit: http://www.icc.illinois.gov/

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