Nixon taps aide to Kinder for Mo. utility panel

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback who now is a top aide for Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has been named to a Missouri utility commission.

Bill Kenney, of Lee's Summit, was appointed Wednesday to the Missouri Public Service Commission. Kenney, a Republican, also served in the state Senate from 1995 to 2003.

The five-member Public Service Commission decides on rate increases. It also is responsible for regulating investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer companies in Missouri.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday announced the appointment of Kenney, who replaces utility commissioner Jeff Davis. The appointment requires state Senate confirmation.

Kenney was the starting quarterback for the Chiefs from 1980 to 1988 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1983.