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Arizona Corporation Commission elects new department chair

Powering Arizona’s Future

The Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to elect Republican Lea Márquez Peterson to serve as chair of the state body that sets rates and policies for utilities. She replaces former Republican Chairman Robert Burns, who completed his term and attended his final meeting.

Márquez Peterson took her oath on January 4, 2021, after winning one of the three seats on the November ballot to serve a full four-year term. Democrat Anna Tovar and Republican Jim O’Connor were also sworn in. 

 

 

Márquez Peterson can now influence the tone and direction of the regulatory body by running meetings and setting agendas as chairperson. The commission regulates electric, gas and water utilities in the state and oversees pipeline safety, railroad crossings and securities issues. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed Márquez Peterson in 2019.

Márquez Peterson bested Republican Justin Olson for the top position during a ceremony to swear in newly elected members of the five-person commission. O’Connor had argued he would be a more appropriate chairperson because he had served longer and made his own motion to give the seat to himself. Márquez Peterson voted with Tovar and Sandra Kennedy to seat herself as chair.

VISIT HERE to view the Arizona Capital Times article.

 


Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/tech-events to view all of the Council’s upcoming virtual tech networking opportunities, engaging virtual tech events and in-person tech events.


 

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