Tristani to exit FCC on Sept. 7
FCC Commissioner Gloria Tristani has announced that she will leave the FCC on Sept. 7, 2001.
“I am proud to have advocated for the E-rate and better access to telecommunications for all Americans. After nearly four years, however, I believe it is time for me to move on. I plan to return home to New Mexico in the near future,” Tristani said.
Tristani, a Democrat, was appointed by President Clinton and took office on Nov. 3, 1997. Previously, she had been elected to the New Mexico State Corporation Commission in 1994 and served as SCC chairman in 1996.
Her fellow commissioners had the following to say:
* Chairman Michael Powell — “Commissioner Tristani’s leadership on issues such as the V-Chip and her tireless efforts in bringing communications services to underserved areas have served the public interest well.”
* Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy — “Though I was only able to serve with her briefly, I deeply respect the quality of her work and the dedication of her and her staff to pursuing the public interest.”
* Commissioner Michael J. Copps — “What sets Gloria apart as a public servant is a very special combination of keen intelligence, enthusiasm, and an unflagging commitment to ensure that every American participates fully in the great information technology revolution of our time.”
* Commissioner Kevin J. Martin — “I have had the privilege of working with [Commissioner Tristani] for a number of years, both when I was a staffer and a fellow commissioner. Throughout her career here, she has been an asset to the commission and the nation.
President George W. Bush has the responsibility to nominate a successor whose appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.