Pickel clears first hurdle

After a few tough questions, a City Council committee Tuesday recommended energy industry consultant Fred Pickel fill the new position of ratepayer advocate for the Department of Water and Power. Melissa Pamer in the Daily News,

Pickel was nominated last week by a citizens committee to become executive director of the new Office of Public Accountability.

If confirmed by the full council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Pickel will become the first ratepayer advocate providing analysis of DWP rates. Voters overwhelmingly approved creation of the position in a March ballot measure.