Neil Macdonald
Our third member meeting of the year was opened by President Neil Macdonald. Pastor Ron Gannett gave the opening prayer and Al Melvin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Neil explained the change that occurred at the Central Arizona College (CAC) meeting February 23. The CAC board voted three to two on a new Bond Initiative of $33,000,000 to be paid by the citizens of Pinal County. This was voted on without discussion from the assembled public.
Al Melvin, who is running for, and Bob Burns who is up for re-election to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), both presented our membership with some of the workings and responsibilities which the ACC reviews and enforces its responsibilities. Arizona law requires that all Arizona corporations, including nonprofits, file an annual report every year with the ACC. They review most all of the electric rate cases within Arizona and all of the rate cases supplying Arizona from outside the state. They also approve all significant upgrades to railroad crossings throughout the state. The ACC is the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Arizona, established by Article 15 of the Arizona Constitution. Arizona is one of only 14 states with elected commissioners. The Arizona constitution explicitly calls for an elected commission, as opposed to a governor-appointed commission, which is the standard in most states because its drafters feared that governors would appoint industry-friendly officials. The commission has five members. They are directly elected statewide and serve staggered four-year terms.
Note: Our next membership meeting will be held April 14 in the HOA 2 Ballroom at MountainView. We will have in attendance the six Republican contenders for the Arizona Congressional District number one seat in a Super Meet and Greet format to answer all your questions.