DENVER (AP) – Gov. John Hickenlooper has appointed a board member of the La Plata Electric Association to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Hickenlooper appointed Pam Patton of Bayfield to the commission Wednesday.

Patton grew up on a sheep farm in La Plata County and later served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. She has been on the board of the La Plata Electric Association since 2000.

The governor’s office says Patton’s appointment is effective June 21, and she will be sworn in June 25, but her appointment must be confirmed by the Colorado Senate in the next legislative session.

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