The state must advance its telecommunications infrastructure and capabilities or run the risk of economic stagnation. In order to have a prosperous Arizona, we cannot allow economic failures. As a Commissioner I would expand services by looking to next generation technologies and infrastructures instead of relying on the antiquated legacy systems currently in use. New technology is extraordinarily inexpensive, off the shelf, and well tested. The Commission should be looking to companies who are interested in bringing upgrades to Arizona and provide incentives to them by dramatically shortening the CC&N process. We need to streamline and expedite the Commission process so that we can attract competitive companies who are willing to make infrastructure investment.

It has always been my belief that the Commission's action or inaction affects the state's economy. The problem we currently face is that the Commission has not kept up with the changing dynamic of competition. We have not seen any substantive changes in the processes at the Commission in the past 18 years. The CC&N process is cost prohibitive to new entrants, the hearing process is unnecessarily long, rate filings are antiquated, approvals and denials are onerous and the entire process is expensive for the utilities and ultimately the consumers. This process favors incumbent providers at the expense of opening Arizona's economy and market place.

The priority for encouraging advanced telecommunications services should be on the forefront of every commissioner's mind. I would change the CC&N process to minimize the time and expense involved in obtaining approval. Using the technology we have available today, this can easily be done without risking consumer protections from non-viable or unscrupulous providers. Such a change would incentivize companies with advanced technologies to come to Arizona and introduce their products and services to our consumers. In the technological age that we live in where obsolescence of a computer can occur in less than one-year, why do we have a commission that continues to draw out the approval process for as much as 18 months?

Disparities must be reduced so that all of Arizona can benefit from the economic development that comes with a global marketplace. Geographic disparities should be addressed first. As for technology, the Commission's timeline is a hindrance to progress. When a technology becomes obsolete before the Commission approves its use, it is plain that changes need to be made.

The disparities that are the most obvious are in greater Arizona where the old stepper and analog switches still exist and the Central office is an under built facility without the capacity to serve new business or expand old businesses. The opportunity for public private partnerships has never been more obvious. Small business and public entities can come together to develop the infrastructure needed to address community concerns.

Where possible, public entities can be the backbone for services while new competitors build out the network for those entities as well as small business and residential users. Such fresh starts with new technology and business models allowing small business to work together and build new infrastructure can be easily accomplished by the commission becoming more agile in its hearing and approval process.

My approach is to shorten the hearing process and the CC&N approval process. I would make a specific request that staff at the Commission be well read and prepared to make recommendations on the next generation technologies that are offered. I would encourage the Commission to collaborate with the Department of Commerce and GITA to accelerate the entry of new business to Arizona. I would remove as many barriers to competition as possible so that competition can flourish.

The Universal Service Fund ("USF") was the original idea for "bridging the digital divide." It was initially intended to assure that all people could access the local telephone network. With the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and technology changes it became clear that the USF could assist states with the deployment of advanced telecommunications and the wiring needs of our schools, libraries and healthcare facilities.

The USF has grown from a nominal fee of approximately 1% to 7.5 times that amount. The opportunity is astronomical as to the possible uses for the fund. Assuming the Commission can take a more active role in the application process, Arizona could benefit substantially. The USF is perfectly poised as a solution to the advanced telecommunications deployment. Changes that could be made include, a streamlined application process, a more interactive commission, and the recognition that Arizona companies and consumers are contributing substantially to the fund and they should reap the benefits of investment as well.

With respect to the sale of personal information to marketing companies and the customer service and repair centers being used to sell additional product, the Commission can and should step in on behalf of Arizona consumers. As to personal information being available to marketing firms, the Commission should have had the foresight to know that limitations needed to be placed on the utilities long before this matter became an issue. This is not a new issue; we have faced it in every facet of consumer buying, from banks to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.

Particularly in the telephone industry, the personal information that is documented and stored is voluminous. Anyone with a little bit of knowledge of the industry would know that valuable, private information is obtainable and that data collection on people's habits is a booming business. Telecommunications companies have so much more information than just customer name and address. A public service corporation should not take advantage of consumers' trust and vulnerability when dealing with their privacy.

I would ensure that public service corporations consider consumers first; that an opt-in system be considered when dealing with personal information and that opt-out systems are not an option. I would monitor the changes in the market place and technology to provide me with the foresight to know where potential violations could occur. I would do the same things I have done legislatively when advocating for privacy. I would pass the rules and policies necessary to protect consumer privacy.

Efficiency is a very important aspect of providing Arizona residents with the services they want and need. As such, I would streamline all of the processes at the Commission to shorten timeframes, remove redundancy and remove barriers to entry. The system is currently antiquated. It takes entirely too long for business to get accomplished at the ACC. Rate hearings can take as much as 18 months, water matters take years, telephone technologies are obsolete by the time a certificate is granted, and corporate filings are cumbersome.

Utility matters should be decided swiftly and with the least amount of litigation in mind. Issues should not be delayed due to personal interest. The corporate filing division should be moved and merged with the business services division of the Secretary of State to promote economic development and ease of business for our small businesses.

Equally important to efficiency, Arizonans look for consistency and credibility at the Commission. There should be judicial decorum among the entire panel. The Commission must be viewed as a fair body managed by knowledgeable professionals. Ethical behavior, efficiency and openness to the public will be the values I bring to the Commission.

• Electric Deregulation
• Telecommunications infrastructure and the 271 Application
• Water availability and EPA requirements