Porter’s return to PUCO fuels speculation about chairman’s future

Ohio’s commerce director will move back to his old seat at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio amid speculation that he’ll soon become chairman.

Gov. John Kasich chose Andre Porter for the commission from a pool of four finalists.

The choice raises an interesting question: Does Porter’s arrival signal the end of Tom Johnson’s tenure as chairman less than a year after he joined the PUCO? Those who watch the agency have wondered why Porter would apply for the position if not to lead it, considering…