George Cunningham (Democrat, Clean Elections Candidate, 2 Year Seat, http://www.cunningham2002.com/)
(about George Cunningham...)

As I indicated in my response to the first questions, the difference between advanced and emerging economies often boils down to the state of their infrastructures. Hence, the Commission's actions in overseeing the development and expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure affect the ability of Arizonans to receive necessary and essential services and for the state's economy to participate and prosper. The Commission, for example, is responsible for granting operating licenses, establishing and changing rates, and ensuring the delivery of reliable and economical telecommunications service to consumers. The manner in which the Commission carries out these responsibilities can shape the development of the industry within the state and thereby influence its contribution within the overall state economy.

I believe the Commission's priority for advancing the development of the telecommunications infrastructure is two-fold.

First, the Commission as a customer-service agency, should re-focus its public outreach programs to better educate, inform, and assist consumers about competitive telecommunications services. This would include providing useful consumer information about the selection of providers and services as well as consumer rights. Making better access to consumer information on the Commission's web site should be a priority.

The second aspect of the Commission's priority for encouraging the development of the telecommunications infrastructure is to create a balanced regulatory climate that protects consumers and encourages investment. The Commission should regulate competitive telecommunication companies and services with a lighter touch than it regulates monopolies. Heavy-handed regulation of competitive companies and services should give way to market forces where appropriate. However, as I mentioned above, the Commission must vigorously oversee interconnectivity among the providers to ensure adequate service, and take any necessary actions to facilitate and enforce service quality and consumer rights.

Mike (Lowell) Gleason (Republican, Clean Elections Candidate, 2 Year Seat)
(about Mike (Lowell) Gleason...)

The regulation of the telecommunication industry competitive with companies in other states and other countries. The priority for advancing telecommunication service and products is very high. The development can be encouraged by leaving development decisions to the company that invests the money in the new service and equipment.

Jeff Hatch-Miller (Republican, Clean Elections Candidate, 2 Year Seat, http://www.hatch-miller.org/)
(about Jeff Hatch-Miller...)

Though I am not an economist, I do know that Arizona businesses require telecommunication systems at least equivalent to that in other states and nations in order to compete successfully. Because of its rate of growth, Arizona needs a rapidly expanding system in order to serve the needs of citizens and businesses in a timely fashion. As a result, the Corporation Commission places a high priority on the development of basic and advanced telecommunication services.

I believe the Commission (and all of the state's leadership) must clearly identify the specifications of the telecommunication system needed in Arizona and aggressively seek out providers. To the degree that the Commission streamlines its hearing and approval processes, the process of government will be less of a roadblock to business success.

This inventory of telecommunication needs should be a first step toward the formation of a broader strategic plan for Arizona's utility infrastructure, including the telecommunication component. Even though Arizona is evolving into a market based, competitive provider system, the leaders of the state must chart a course for the state as a whole. Like our system of highways, the key utilities (electricity, natural gas and telecommunications) are simply too essential to our success. The Commission's regulatory role will be an important factor in implementing the plan.

Jim Irvin (Republican, Clean Elections Candidate, 4 Year Seat, http://www.jimirvin.org/)
(about Jim Irvin...)

Telecommunications plays a significant role in the further economic development of Arizona. As our economy grows, it is imperative that a wide range of affordable and reliable services are available to our business community and residents. In the past, I have strongly encouraged the deployment of advanced services to all areas, urban or rural, the deployment of which I consider a priority. The Commission needs to further utilize the Rural Telecommunications Task Force ("Task Force") to help identify where a business case exists for the industry to begin expanding service into areas where advanced services are not currently available. The Task Force could also be utilized as a vehicle to better coordinate sound development practices and create a state-wide strategy for bringing large businesses that are heavily dependant on telecommunications to these areas.

However, the actions of the Commission and their overall effect on the progression of advanced services to Arizonans cannot be viewed in a vacuum. In order for advanced services to become more widespread, the legislature must create the appropriate tax incentives to assist the telecommunications industry in building the infrastructure, while at the same time the industry needs to find sources of capital to fund the expansion.

Roland James (Democrat, Clean Elections Candidate, 2 Year Seat, http://www.rolandjames.org/)
(about Roland James...)

In 1998, US West transferred the yellow pages within its corporate umbrella for 28X book value and about $4 billion in debt, for which three retiring executives were paid $45 million. Republican Commissioners Kunasek and Irvin voted against Democrat Renz Jennings' amendments to keep the huge interest on this debt and the $45 million out of rates. We know now that this deal was bad for everyone, including shareholders and Qwest, which was already overleveraged prior to the takeover.

This deregulatory/lasses-faire philosophy, especially for public goods, is not good for the economy in the long run. High-quality telecommunications is necessary for a vibrant economy. The Commission sets just and reasonable rates for public service corporations and should be as neutral as possible in light of changing markets and technology. It isn't the Commission's job to determine winners and losers.

However, the Commission should always act in the public interest, especially counterbalancing the power of large corporations. It should be remembered that the transistor and the other bases for the telecommunications/computer revolution came out of the regulated, monopoly Bell Labs. There have been no comparable inventions since the divestiture and deregulation of Ma Bell.

James Walsh (Democrat, Clean Elections Candidate, 4 Year Seat, http://www.jamespwalsh.com/)
(about James Walsh...)

A balanced approach is absolutely essential in the Corporation Commission's regulation of telecommunications - too much regulation may hinder the innovation that keeps our economy churning forward and may inadvertently hinder corporate access to low-cost capital, and too little regulation may concentrate economic power in the hands of the few at the expense of the many. Again, the Commission must establish the kind of regulatory environment that will encourage technological advances, increased choice, better service and lower prices for our consumers. And the Commission should also help empower consumers, whether by providing them with more information on choices for their telecommunications services or by helping to bridge the "digital divide" that prevents so many in our state from participating in this vital sector of our economy.