In a debate among four of the five Republicans in late June, the candidates listed improving ethics or “restoring integrity” at the commission among their top priorities
By David Wichner | Arizona Daily Star
Ethics have become a central issue in the race for two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, amid controversies including bribery charges against a past chairman and charges that the state’s biggest power company is unduly influencing elections.
In the primary, Republicans will have a choice of five candidates, including two incumbents; three Democrats are running, including two former commissioners. Voters in each party will pick two candidates to advance to the general election to vie for four-year commission terms.
The five-member Arizona Corporation Commission is responsible for setting utility rates and regulating power, water and wastewater utilities in the state, as well as regulating the state’s corporations and securities dealers and overseeing pipeline and railroad safety.
