As I accept the office of Arizona Corporation Commissioner, I feel a tremendous sense of obligation to the voters of Arizona. They have honored me with their trust, and I will not allow that trust to be misplaced.
I look forward to working with the four commissioners that I join. They are truly talented people and dedicated to the duties of their office.
I am also impressed with the quality of the staff employees here at the Commission. I have met many of them during the past month and a half, and I pledge my support to attracting and retaining the highest quality personnel at the Commission. An efficient and well-functioning staff is in the public interest.
I count myself very fortunate to have John LeSueur as my Policy Advisor and Beth Soliere as my administrative assistant. They are well-prepared for their respective positions and will be a tremendous asset to me and the Commission.
It is with a certain amount of sorrow that I leave the Arizona House of Representatives. I have served with some of the finest individuals that you would ever meet. They are dedicated, smart, and tough. They are statesmen and stateswomen.
I will to continue to associate with my friends at the legislature as issues arise within the concurrent jurisdiction of our respective branches of government.
As I traveled around this great state during my campaign, I learned a great deal about the concerns and wishes of Arizona individuals and business owners. Generally speaking, their concerns were five fold:
1. Arizonan’s want a stable energy rate and a reliable power supply. It is easier for individuals to deal with gradual increases at predictable intervals than sporadic jumps which occur due to spikes in fuel costs.
At the same time, our citizens never want to experience a power outage due to the inability of an electric provider to provide power.
I promise to measure my Constitutional mandate as a Corporation Commissioner against the policies that citizens would like implemented in this regard. It is imperative that we maintain fair rates to the rate-payer with a legitimately fair return to the companies who provide the service. That is a balance that I will look for every time a rate case is presented to me.
While serving as Chairman of Transportation at the Arizona House of Representatives, I had the privilege of participating in the long range planning of the multi-modal Regional Transportation Plan. That experience has prepared me for what I see on the horizon for energy demand.
I pledge to plan well into the future for the growing utility needs of our citizens. Taking a responsible approach to the generation of energy to meet the needs of this state is paramount to enabling our citizens to not just survive in this desert, but to thrive in it.
2. Many private water companies are having difficulty reaching federal arsenic standards. Many Arizonans are dependant upon these companies and are looking for relief from some governmental authority.
I see difficult times ahead on this issue. There could be legislative and executive resolve to get involved, but I frankly don’t see either institution taking action in this politically volatile issue.
The solution is basically two fold: First, private water companies need money to comply with water quality standards. Second, they need managerial expertise.
I will help create and support policies to ensure that private water companies have an adequate supply of money and management. I will not shirk from making tough decisions which will resolve these issues for ourselves and for future generations.
3. The business community is concerned about the Commission’s ability to respond to requests for incorporation in a timely fashion. They greatly desire the ability to form corporations and file yearly reports on-line.
I believe we can and should accommodate this desire. If we need a financial appropriation from the legislature, then I pledge to help make that happen.
In addition, I would like to see the Commission become a paperless Commission. Just as the courts are moving to electronic filing systems, we need to take advantage of the efficiencies of modern technology as soon as we can.
4. Arizonans who have money to invest in their future are
extremely concerned about fraud and the theft of their financial security. Seniors, who are particularly vulnerable, want more information to guide them on what to watch for and who to call for assistance.
As I have assured these wonderful citizens during my campaign, I will work with our Securities Division to get that word out. I will participate in workshops and forums in every club, organization or HOA that will have me.
We will shut these crooks down, we will coordinate with the Arizona Attorney General’s office to send them to prison, and we will recover lost funds for those who have been swindled. Hopefully, by working with community groups we will reduce the number of victims.
5. The final concern has to do with transmission lines and safety around
Railroad crossings.
I realize that no one desires transmission towers and lines near their home or business. At the same time, we all know that they need to be placed somewhere. I will be thoughtful on this issue and will look for solutions that are palatable to all sides.
Safe rail crossings are also of critical importance. Any statewide transportation plan needs to address rail crossings and I hope the Governor and Legislature will take them into consideration when talks heat up this spring on new transportation spending.
Bridges or tunnels should be built wherever a highway or major road is crossed, especially in highly populated areas.
Now I’d like to briefly comment on renewable energy: I support it. I agree with President Bush that America must break its dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Renewable energy adds to the diversification of our energy portfolio and is a step towards ending our reliance on foreign oil.
I am, however, concerned about the percentage goal and the timetable goal in the Arizona Corporation Commission’s renewable energy rules. It is speculative to assume these goals will be achieved.
I fully recognize that a goal and a timetable are necessary to attract investment into Arizona’s renewable energy industry, and for now, I am willing to support the goals as set forth by the Commission.
Ultimately, however, Arizona’s renewable energy industry must understand that any form of subsidy from the state is temporary and that it will be expected to stand on their own feet and compete for survival.
I pledge to watch this issue closely. I will not disrupt the progress that is being made to move Arizona in the direction of renewable energy unless it becomes obvious that the benefits are fleeting and the costs are more than ratepayers can bear.
Once again, thank you for coming. Sherry and I appreciate all your support.
I look forward to guidance from those of you who have been in the trenches here at the Commission. It is my pleasure to serve with you.
Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Attorney General, Commissioners, Senators and Representatives, ladies and gentlemen for being here today.