Wheeler Responds to Pai Criticism of Field Office Cuts
Tom Wheeler noted the FCC vote to cut back field offices "was bipartisan," responding to criticism by his successor, Chairman Ajit Pai, that the cuts left the commission's San Juan office understaffed when Hurricane Maria devastated the island (see 1711080032).…
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In an email to us Thursday, Wheeler recalled then-Commissioner Pai "voting for it after it was negotiated" with the House Commerce Committee. "A chairman’s job is to deal with the realities that confront him, especially when all the headlines are warning of an impending storm," Wheeler said. "The ghosts of chairmen past have little to do with personal initiative." Pai and Commissioner Mike O’Rielly voted to concur with the cutback order (see 1507160036). As commissioner, Pai had said if it were up to him, the "plan would look substantially different," a spokesman said. "Unfortunately, the Commission’s prior majority was determined to plow ahead with its plan to substantially cut the FCC’s field presence, and that ... had its consequences." Pai concurred "because he was able to obtain some concessions that did improve the plan and reduce its negative impact," said the representative.