Statement of the Attorney General's Office

Acting Consumer Advocate Named by Attorney General Miller.

Attorney General Tom Miller has named Deputy Attorney General Tam B. Ormiston to serve as acting Consumer Advocate and head of the Office of Consumer Advocate.

The Office of Consumer Advocate represents the interests of all consumers and the public in matters before the Iowa Utilities Board.

Attorney General Miller said he is beginning a nationwide search in order to nominate a permanent Consumer Advocate for approval by the Iowa State Senate early next year. The Advocate serves a four-year term.

Former Consumer Advocate Gary Stewart recently chose to resign the position in order to return to work as a staff attorney in the Office of Consumer Advocate. Ormiston will serve as acting Consumer Advocate until a permanent replacement is nominated to complete the term ending in 2003.

Miller praised Stewart's service. "Gary Stewart has a long and accomplished career in the office and as Consumer Advocate, including playing a key role in defeating the electric utility deregulation effort last year. We are very pleased that he will continue in the Office of Consumer Advocate, contributing his knowledge and experience and skills on behalf of Iowans."

Ormiston has been a Deputy Attorney General since 1997. He previously served as director of the Farm Division of the Attorney General's Office. "Tam has an excellent understanding of business regulation, antitrust laws, and other fields that make him an excellent candidate to serve as acting Consumer Advocate," Miller said.

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