WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- The head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission ended his last day on the job with a plea to the country to conduct public discourse in a civil way.
Thursday was the last day for Michael K. Powell as chairman of the FCC. During his helm, the partisan agency clashed internally and was criticized by interest groups and lawmakers in both parties, the Washington Post reported.
"It saddens me when public officials and bureaucrats are criticized for ulterior motives, none of which I have ever found in a government bureaucrat, or when someone personalizes disagreements," Powell said. "This country needs to disagree civilly and continue to recommit itself to the welfare of its citizens -- which is all we are sent here to do."
Powell, 41, who has not found another job, served at a time when the FCC helped speed Internet telephone service to market and pushed for faster digital TV conversion. He was attacked for cracking down on indecency and for attempting to craft new media ownership rules.
Fellow Republican Commissioner Kevin J. Martin is considered by many as a likely successor to Powell.
