ALBANY—On the heels of the appointment of a U.S. senator that was opaque and circus-like, a coalition of consumer and good government groups is calling on David Paterson to ensure an open process for coming appointments to the Public Service Commission.

While little known, the five-member commission has a broad mandate to regulate telephone, cable, electric and gas service across the state, including approval of rate increases. Two commissioners terms will expire on February 1. In December, Paterson appointed James LaRocca with minimal public input or debate, the advocates say.

"We need to have a more deliberative process than a one-day confirmation," said Gerry Norlander, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project. He was joined by Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York, who said she would like to see confirmation hearings in the State Senate before any vote is taken.

Also joining the advocates was Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, who said the commission's resources have been cut over the years, and Paterson has a "golden opportunity" to set a new direction, "starting with the process."

The governor has been criticized from many corners over the selection of a new senator, and a poll released this morning shows two-thirds of voters surveyed were unhappy with the way he handled the process.

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