Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Nonnie Burnes has been named the state's insurance commissioner.

Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick made the announcement yesterday that Ms. Burnes will replace Julie Bowler, an appointee of the previous Republican administration of Gov. Mitt Romney.

The new appointee became a judge ten years ago after serving in a Boston law firm.

Frank O'Brien, regional vice president for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, called Ms. Burnes a "blank slate" when it comes to the issue of auto reform in the state.

The same could be said of the governor, who Mr. O'Brien noted took no stand on the issue during the campaign, and upon assuming office halted the transition of the current residual market to an assigned risk plan, which was put in motion by Ms. Bowler in the Romney administration.

A hearing is set for Thursday on 90-day suspension of the order. Foes of the proposed assigned risk plan, including several regional carriers, are urging a complete end to the plan, and national carriers are seeking to put the process back in motion.

Meanwhile, Mr. O'Brien said the legislature will consider several bills this session that will attempt to reform the current state-ordered rate system to one more attuned to the free market.

Special Reports /

Judge Named Mass. Insurance Commissioner

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