Baudler appointed ;br; to Utilities

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 21, 1999

When Richard Baudler died last month, he left behind a long legacy on the Austin Utilities board as a man who was there to serve the community to the best of his capabilities, even when that meant perhaps saying something less than popular.

Tuesday, September 21, 1999

When Richard Baudler died last month, he left behind a long legacy on the Austin Utilities board as a man who was there to serve the community to the best of his capabilities, even when that meant perhaps saying something less than popular.

Email newsletter signup

He also left a vacancy on the board, which 10 people stepped forward to try to fill. From that field of 10 applicants, Mayor Bonnie Rietz selected one.

"They were 10 very fine candidates," she stressed. "It’s a very important appointment, as Austin Utilities is a $25 million a year business. Also, there is the pending deregulation of the electrical industry – and the board will also soon be appointing the next general manager for the utilities."

From the field of candidates, Rietz chose a familiar name – Tom Baudler. Son of Richard, he is also a member of the law firm Baudler, Baudler, Maus and Blahnik.

In his application, Baudler cited deregulation as the biggest challenge coming the Utilities’ way. Asked about it Tuesday morning, he reiterated that it was going to be a time of learning for all involved.

"I, like everyone else, have a lot of learning to do on it," Baudler said, stressing that he expected to work hard to "steer a course for the benefit of the community."

In his application to the mayor, he noted the need for good public relations in a time of deregulation, as well as the fair and even-handed administration of services to customers who might be refused service for some reason or another, when a utility company has the choice of turning people away.

Stepping into familiar footprints has Baudler both pleased and apprehensive.

"They’re very large shoes," he said with a chuckle. "It’s definitely gratifying, but I am aware that I have owe this appointment in part to his years of long and faithful service."

He described himself as "very happy" about the appointment.

Other things Baudler emphasized in his application were the protection of Austin’s water supply and the hiring of well-educated employees for Austin Utilities. On the application he indicated the continuing education of these employees in every facet of the industry would be a high priority for him.