Oct. 15, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) called on the Inspector General of the Public Service Commission to investigate BlackBerry PIN messages sent and received by Commissioner Nancy Argenziano. An outspoken critic of PIN communications, Argenziano exchanged thousands of private PIN messages about official PSC business and other matters during a two-month period. A review of those messages shows that Argenziano has not upheld her sworn duties with the impartiality and integrity that the PSC's code of conduct requires.

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As a formal intervenor before the Public Service Commission in the rate proceeding of Florida Power & Light Company, AIF is concerned that the future of Florida's affordable and reliable electrical system will be at risk if conduct unbecoming a commissioner is allowed to corrupt the outcome of the proceeding.

"Private Blackberry PIN messages sent by Commissioner Argenziano present disturbing evidence that she may have violated multiple rules governing the behavior of Public Service Commissioners," said AIF President and Chief Executive Officer Barney Bishop. "Commissioner Argenziano's communications reveal a deliberate attempt to alter the outcome of what is supposed to be an impartial rate proceeding process. Associated Industries of Florida cannot sit idly by and watch the deterioration of a body that is tasked with making impartial decisions about Florida's regulated industries based on evidence and information brought before them. We believe the Inspector General of the PSC needs to launch an investigation immediately and proceed with all deliberate speed."

Upon assuming office, Commissioner Nancy Argenziano took an oath in which she swore to perform her duties in a "professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner" and to "abide by the standards of conduct required of me by chapters 112 and 350, Florida Statutes, so help me God" (Section 350.05, Florida Statutes). The content of Argenziano's private PIN messages makes clear she has not upheld those sworn commitments to the people of Florida.

Argenziano's reliance on private PIN messages stands in contrast to her formal complaint that such messages from others could violate Florida's public records laws. In a letter to State Attorney Willie Meggs, which was reported in the St. Petersburg Times on Sept. 12, 2009, Argenziano complained that the failure to implement a PIN-messaging retention policy meant that "the substance of the communication was lost, apparently contrary to the public records law. The alternative technology, e-mailing, is apparently not acceptable because e-mail messages are required to be kept and disclosed." Argenziano appears to have been unaware that thousands of her own PIN messages had been retained.