[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1665-E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DAVID COEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETER WELCH

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
Vermonter, Mr. David Coen, who is retiring from the Vermont Public 
Service Board, the state agency that regulates our public utilities, 
after 18 years of exemplary service.
  There is no state agency that has a more direct impact on Vermonters' 
quality of life and economic well-being than the Vermont Public Service 
Board. Every Vermonter and every business in our state depends on this 
influential regulatory body to ensure the quality, availability, and 
affordability of electric, gas, cable, telecommunications, and water 
services.
  David Coen was appointed to the Board by Governor Howard Dean in 1995 
and has served with distinction for three terms. As a small-business 
owner who keenly understood the economic challenges of everyday 
Vermonters and the importance of high quality and reliable customer 
service, David was uniquely qualified to take on this challenge. Every 
day he served, he brought the perspective of the customer to the many 
challenging decisions in which he participated. David understood well 
utility law and public policy, but his top priority was to make sure 
the decisions made by the Board made practical and economic sense for 
Vermonters.
  David's leadership and expertise on utility issues extended well 
beyond the borders of Vermont. He served in several national leadership 
positions, including Board Chair of the National Regulatory Research 
Institute and President of the National Association of Regulatory 
Utility Commissioners (NARUC). At NARUC, David was the skillful and 
diplomatic voice of the association before Congress, the courts, and 
administrative agencies.
  Characteristically, he brought his laser-like focus on the customer 
to the national stage. The theme of his NARUC presidency was ``Keeping 
the Focus: Serving the Public Interest in Changing Times.'' He also 
served as chair of NARUC's Consumer Affairs Committee.
  Within the Public Service Board, David believed strongly in providing 
staff with opportunities for professional growth. With this goal in 
mind, he played a leading role in the creation of regulatory 
partnerships with other countries, such as Macedonia and Georgia. He 
also recognized the value to Vermont of good relationships with utility 
regulators in neighboring jurisdictions, working to foster productive 
relationships with both American and Canadian regulators.
  David's strong legacy reflects his rich personal life and deep 
commitment to public service. His wife, Sandy Berbeco, is a 
professional

[[Page E1666]]

artist and a passionate advocate for the arts. And David brought 
valuable experience to the Board as a former English teacher and leader 
in community and business organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking Mr. David Coen for his 18 years of service to Vermont and the 
nation and for his deep and abiding commitment to public service. 
Vermonters, and indeed our country, are better off because of his 
tireless and distinguished service.

                          ____________________