Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr. began Tuesday his one-year term as chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission.

The Clarkesville resident is serving his second tour on the commission, having won election in November 2008 to a full six-year term.

He previously served on the panel from 1998 to 2002. McDonald represents District 4, which covers all of North Georgia. Outside of his work with the PSC, he is a partner in L.W. McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming with his son, Lauren III.

McDonald is taking the gavel from outgoing Chairman Doug Everett. Commissioner Stan Wise will serve as vice chairman.

The state panel is a constitutional body responsible for the regulation of electric, natural gas and telecommunications utilities and transportation companies operating inside Georgia.

From staff reports