Seven of nine candidates running in the Nov. 5 general election for Arizona Corporation Commission have completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey, providing readers with answers to why they’re running, what they stand for, and more.
The Commission is a quasi-executive regulatory agency for non-municipal utility companies, including energy, heat, trash, water, and communications firms. It also oversees the incorporation of businesses, securities regulation and railroad/pipeline safety. The Commission is composed of five members. Republicans hold a 4-1 majority.
Three seats are up for election this year. Eight candidates are running:
- Incumbent Lea Marquez Peterson (R)
- Ylenia Aguilar (D)
- Jonathon Hill (D)
- Joshua Polacheck (D)
- Rene Lopez (R)
- Rachel Walden (R)
- Mike Cease (G)
- Nina Luxenberg (G)
Peterson, Hill, Polacheck, Lopez, Walden, and Luxenberg completed the survey. Peterson first assumed office in 2019.
Here are the areas of public policy the candidates say they are passionate about:
Lea Marquez Peterson (R)
“Since joining the Commission in 2019, Commissioner Marquez Peterson has been a fierce advocate for holding utilities accountable and fighting for affordable, reliable energy.
She is committed to energy reliability and has led on the creation of an Energy Reliability Summit. Many of Arizona’s vulnerable populations would be in great risk if energy shortages impacted delivery especially during the hot summer months.
She is passionate about an “all of the above approach” to Arizona’s energy resources and the importance of advanced nuclear technologies in the future.
Additionally, she prioritizes the affordability of utility rates for residential and small commercial customers.”
Click here to read the rest of Peterson’s responses.
Jonathon Hill (D)
“Our modern society is only possible because of the safety, affordability and reliability of our utility grids. And here in Arizona, our very lives depend on the electricity and water delivered by our utilities. But these grids are very complex and require thousands of people to ensure their continued operation. I look forward to bringing my engineering and geology experience to the Commission to better regulate our utility grids and ensure they remain safe, affordable and reliable for generations to come.”
Click here to read the rest of Hill’s responses.
Joshua Polacheck (D)
“Energy independence, water security, rural electrification and broadband access.”
Click here to read the rest of Polacheck’s responses.
Rene Lopez (R)
“Energy production, Grid reliability, and water security for the entire state of Arizona.”
Click here to read the rest of Lopez’s responses.
Rachel Walden (R)
“We need to keep Arizona free, safe, and affordable now and for future generations. The role of government is to uphold the rights of the people. The government does not grant rights, our rights are inherent. All government actions should be on a path to remove regulations, laws or ordinances that hinders self reliance, free enterprise, and economic prosperity.”
Click here to read the rest of Walden’s responses.
Nina Luxenberg (G)
“Areas of public policy I am passionate about are civil liberties, criminal justice reform, and tax fairness.”
Click here to read the rest of Luxenberg’s responses.
You can learn more about these elections here.