Part-Time, Telecommute Friendly Position Opening: Independent Consumer Advocate for the The Metropolitan District of Hartford County (MDC)

The Office of Consumer Counsel seeks an independent advocate for consumer interests in all matters which may affect Metropolitan District of Hartford County (MDC) consumers, including, but not limited to, rates, water quality, water supply and wastewater service quality. This position is authorized pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 7-334a. This is a flexible, part-time, and remote-work friendly position.

By statute, the Independent Consumer Advocate may appear and participate in MDC matters or any other federal or state regulatory or judicial proceeding in which the interest of MDC consumers are or may be involved. The Independent Consumer Advocate, in carrying out his or her duties, shall: (1) Have access to the records of MDC, (2) have the right to make a reasonable number of copies of MDC records, (3) be entitled to call upon the assistance of the MDC's technical and legal experts, and (4) have the benefit of all other information of MDC, except for employment records and other internal documents that are not relevant to the duties of the Independent Consumer Advocate. Remote participation in meetings is permitted.

The Independent Consumer Advocate is required by statute to be a member of the bar of this state and have private legal experience in public utility law and policy but shall not be a member of MDC's board of directors or a person who has or may have conflicts of interest, as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct, in representing MDC's consumers as a class.

The Independent Consumer Advocate shall be independent of the MDC's board of directors and may not be removed by the MDC's board of directors for any reason. The MDC's board of directors shall not direct or oversee the activities of the Independent Consumer Advocate. The MDC's board of directors shall cooperate with reasonable requests of the Independent Consumer Advocate to enable the Independent Consumer Advocate to effectively perform his or her duties and functions.

Costs related to the Independent Consumer Advocate, including, but not limited to, hourly fees and necessary expenses shall be paid for by the MDC. The annual amount of such costs shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars (currently under consideration by the legislature to raise to $70,000), unless there is a demonstration of substantial need made by the Independent Consumer Advocate and approved by the board of commissioners of MDC.

The Independent Consumer Advocate shall prepare reports of his or her activities and submit such reports at the end of each calendar quarter to MDC, the chief elected official of each town receiving service from MDC and to the Consumer Counsel. Such quarterly reports shall be posted on the Internet web sites of MDC and the Consumer Counsel. The Independent Consumer Advocate shall hold an annual public forum on the second Wednesday of October each year at a location where MDC holds hearings, for the purpose of describing the recent activities of the Independent Consumer Advocate and receiving feedback from consumers. MDC shall publicize the public forum through an announcement at the preceding scheduled meeting of MDC, on its Internet web site and in a notice on or attached to its consumer bills. The Independent Consumer Advocate may hold additional public forums as he or she deems necessary.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit an application with a resume, a cover letter describing the candidate’s relevant experience, including but not limited to any experience in municipal, public utility law and policy or consumer advocacy; a writing sample; two references; and a written certification that the candidate does not have any conflicts of interest, as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct, in representing MDC consumers as a class.

Applications should be submitted via email to Veronica.Maas@ct.gov and Claire.E.Coleman@ct.gov

Consumer Counsel

Claire E. Coleman

c/o Veronica Maas

Office of Consumer Counsel

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, CT 06051-2605

Applications received by April 19, 2024, will receive priority, but OCC will accept rolling applications until a qualified, interested candidate is identified.

Candidates will be required to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee prior to finalization of selection.

The Consumer Counsel, appointed pursuant to Section16-2a of the General Statutes, shall select the Independent Consumer Advocate to serve for a two-year term. The Independent Consumer Advocate may be terminated by the Consumer Counsel prior to the completion of a two-year term only for misconduct, material neglect of duty or incompetence.

The MDC seeks to enhance the diversity of its workforce. People of color, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V