Commissioner Brenda Burns announced today that she will not run for a second term to the Arizona Corporation Commission. In making her announcement she said “It has been an honor to serve as a Commissioner. I feel confident that Commissioners Bob Stump, Bob Burns and Susan Bitter Smith will continue to provide steady and effective leadership after Commissioner Gary Pierce and I have completed our current terms. During the twenty-plus months remaining in my term, my commitment and dedication will not be diminished in the least. I plan to diligently continue my efforts to make certain that Arizona has reliable sources of energy at affordable rates. I will always be a vigilant watchdog for the ratepayers.”
There are no underlying issues or political reasons for Commissioner Burns’ decision not to run for elected office. Burns stated: “over the past several months many supporters have asked that I consider running for Governor of Arizona in 2014. As my husband, Bob Isbell, and I reviewed all of the possibilities and the time commitments that are required when running for Governor and then serving as Governor, it became apparent to us that this was not the right course for me to take.”
During those discussions it also became clear that we have several interests, priorities and causes to which we want to devote more of our time. These discussions led to a further evaluation of what we want to do over the next several years.”
Commissioner Burns further stated “I would have preferred to publicly make this announcement in early 2014, however, in fairness to other potential candidates and out of respect for this office – I felt that I should make my intentions known at this time.” She went on to say “I want to thank all of those with whom I have worked and those who have supported me. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of Arizona for so many years. Public Service is truly an honor and one of my most cherished experiences.”
Ms. Burns has a long and distinguished record of service to the residents of Arizona. She has served in many capacities and received many awards. Burns was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 1987 and served until 1994. Burns was then elected in 1995 to the Arizona Senate where she served until 2002. Brenda Burns became Arizona’s first woman to serve as the House Majority Leader and Senate President.
Other recognition and awards that she has received include: “Watchdog of the Year” by Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA), “Senator of the Year” by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), “Leadership for Family and Life Issues” by the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP), and she served as the National Chairman for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
