The Arizona Republic endorsements for Arizona Corporation Commission

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The Arizona Republic has endorsed Renz Jennings and Jorge Luis Garcia in the Democratic primary for Arizona Corporation commission. Best picks for Corporation Commission:

The race for Arizona Corporation Commission is invariably overshadowed by other political contests. This turbulent election season, with hotly contested congressional seats and high-profile state offices, is no different.

That's too bad. Because the Corporation Commission's decisions directly affect basic parts of daily life for many Arizonans: power supply, the location of transmission lines and water.

The commission has 55 pending rate cases for smaller utilities. Arizona Public Service, the state's largest regulated utility (Salt River Project is outside the commission's jurisdiction), almost always has some business pending. The commission has been active in overseeing the rollout of Arizona's renewable-energy standard, which requires regulated utilities to generate 15 percent of their energy from solar and other renewable sources by 2025.

The Corporation Commission is also considering how to achieve greater energy efficiency, which will save consumers money by delaying the need for more power plants.

This year, two of the commission's five seats are on the ballot, so voters pick two candidates in each primary.

Democratic Party

Renz Jennings offers an impressive combination of experience, expertise and leadership. He served 14 years on the commission, from 1985 to 1999. Jennings, who owns a small farm, got the renewable-energy standard rolling. He understands the dynamics that should go into maintaining it, including power requirements and the balance of costs and benefits for customers.

Jennings' positions are based on the evidence, and he's willing to keep an open mind. His strong commitment to consumers and cost-effective policy would serve Arizona well. Jennings points with justifiable pride to the fact that APS' electric rates were lower when he left the commission than when he arrived.

Jorge Luis Garcia, a Tucson social worker and outgoing legislator, is the strongest second candidate for the Democrats. His style is deceptively low-key. As Senate Democratic leader, he has been pragmatic and independent-minded. His ability to work collaboratively is a particular strength.

David Bradley, CEO of La Paloma Family Services in Tucson and a former legislator, has strong credentials. But he suggests the commission take an overreaching role in business incorporations, including efforts to curb the proliferation of non-profits.

The Arizona Republic recommends Renz Jennings and Jorge Luis Garcia for the Democratic nomination for corporation commissioner.