The telecommunication infrastructure of Arizona will be the backbone of future economic growth and prosperity. Since the "New Economy" is based on the efficient use of information, developing a system that provide affordable, reliable and technologically sound service is vital to Arizona's future. I generally believe that markets are better than regulations at ensuring a vibrant and competitive telecommunication system. However, in order for markets to operate effectively, it is important that all competitors be provided with a level playing field. The telecommunication industry is at a turning point, as companies are attempting to adapt to a new market while being shackled with an unresponsive regulatory system. As a result, many of the major telecommunication companies are struggling to maintain a high level of capital investment that consumers demand while generating a reasonable profit.

Regulatory decisions need to be made in a more timely fashion as new technologies often take less time than ACC rate cases. While in the State Senate, I sponsored legislation that would have required the ACC to meet specific timelines for decision-making. I will bring this type of attitude to the commission, as timeliness benefits the telecommunication companies, and more importantly, the public. Secondly, I will work to ensure that there is a level playing field that so small companies and new market entrants are not faced with unsupportable tariff barriers and bureaucratic game playing by incumbent utilities. The more robust the market, the more likely Arizona consumers will have their telecommunication needs satisfied.

Reliable power, high quality communications and safe and affordable drinking water are three critical elements of a stable and growing economy. As Commissioner, my role is to develop policies to help Arizona business to grow and expand. Without high-quality telecommunication services throughout the entire state, Arizona will not attract the kind of high-tech industries needed to improve Arizona's stature as a low-wage state. The recently developed Genomic Consortium that was enticed to Arizona will not stay long if they do not have access to the latest technology and communication infrastructure. As I help develop telecommunication's policy, I will be focused on its impact upon the Arizona economy, its ability to connect greater Arizona and its impact on Arizona consumers. Low rates do little good when the economy is in recession and the best infrastructure is equally as useless if it costs too much to use. I will seek an appropriate balance through market mechanisms

Yes, there are disparities that are generally created by economic conditions. For example, in lower-income communities the demand for advanced services is less and as a result telecommunication companies do not provide the same level of service. Similarly in rural Arizona the high costs of service delivery, combined with the low population density reduces the profitability of investment in these areas. While Maricopa and Pima County have state-of-the-art systems, much of greater Arizona has needs that are unmet. These communities face lower levels of economic development and increased poverty. To the extent possible, local and state governments can be the anchor tenants for much of technology as a high-tech government should be more efficient and effective. By helping to create demand for these advanced telecommunication services, governments can sure the needed capital investment. However, such approaches must be cost effective and the taxpayers' money must always be respected. In addition, I believe the Commissioners must sometimes leave their role as regulators and become coordinators of service. As a commissioner, I will work will all providers and help to coordinate the extension of service to areas that formerly were cost-prohibitive to service. Much of the work currently conducted by your members is an excellent start to this project.

The Universal Service fund is used to help subsidize the costs of expansion of telecommunication services to rural Arizona. It is an important tool that must be utilized in a coordinated manner with other programs and incentives. While market forces should be the principle guiding system, I believe the approaches that help subsidize the cost of rural telecommunication will produce dividends for the entire state through increased economic prosperity.

The data that can be collected by telecommunication companies is extremely valuable and private by nature. Strong controls should be mandated to ensure that the public feels safe when utilizing Arizona's telecommunication infrastructure. Consumers who feel vulnerable when using these services will reduce usage that will negatively impact both the providers and the economy as a whole. Secondly, because the inherent advantages some utilities maintain, such as release of private information, could place competitors at a disadvantage.

Timeliness, customer service and a competitive market are key performance objectives for me. The ACC must develop a reputation as a body that is timely in its decision-making. This will help ensure that rates are reasonable. Secondly, both business and their customers are also the consumers of ACC services and they both should be treated with respect and professionalism. Finally, as a strong supporter of free markets, at the end of my tenure, Arizona should have the most competitive markets in energy, telecommunications and were appropriate water.

Energy deregulations, telecommunication competition and addressing the new EPA standards for arsenic will be the priorities of the Commission. Deregulation, if properly implemented, does work but the mistakes of California cannot be repeated. Across the Arizona, businesses and consumers need access to high-quality services if Arizona is going to compete in a global economy. The ACC must shepard the development of a more competitive and advanced telecommunication systems. Finally, the new EPA standards could cost Arizona's water users billions of dollars. Creative strategies and aggressive federal lobbying must occur to ensure that Arizona has the resources to pay for these new standards.