445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 202/418-2555
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23, 2001 |
News Media Contact: Jordan Goldstein: 202-418-2100 |
STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN NESS IN MEMORY OF
S.D. PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSIONER LASKA SCHOENFELDER
South Dakota Public Utility Commissioner Laska Schoenfelder was a courageous woman. I had the pleasure of serving with her for five years on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. She cared passionately about serving her community, her state, and her nation. She was engaged in the issues, and rarely lacked an opinion. Yet she always respected the views of others.
She understood the needs of rural communities, and worked tirelessly to ensure that quality phone service at affordable prices was available to one and all.
Laska lived in a remote area of South Dakota, where huge snowfalls and other extreme weather conditions occasionally made it impossible for her to travel. No matter. Laska remained on top of the issues and made sure she participated, even from her farmhouse location.
The last time I saw Laska was at the NARUC meeting in Washington, D.C. in February, less than a month ago. Although her cancer had returned, she was as upbeat and philosophical about it as ever. "You just have to accept it and keep moving," she commented briefly.
We sure are going to miss this courageous woman.
-FCC-