Cynthia Hall

Valerie Espinoza

After a couple of decades when the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has often looked like a clown show, so riddled with ethics and personal lapses that you fully understand why there is a measure being considered to eliminate the five member panel and replace it with a three member PRC appointed by the Governor. But there's a problem--the clown show has closed.

The current five PRC members have done nothing of late to embarrass themselves or the state. More important, many Dems are pleased with the working liberal majority that has emerged on the panel (perhaps the first one in the PRC's 20 year history). This PRC has been more aggressive with PNM--the electric utility it is charged with regulating--along with many other companies including insurance and transportation.

For now, it's hard to see how the Governor could appoint a stronger panel than today's. Take a look:

--ABQ attorney Cynthia Hall is a star in her field and already had a lengthy background at the PRC, serving as assistant general counsel, before winning election. Hall sports an eye-popping resume that includes expertise in environmental and regulatory law--essential to the PRC's responsibilities.

--Former Las Cruces area Dem State Senator Stephen Fischmann overcame paid political opposition from PNM in last year's election to win his seat. He is known for his studious demeanor and expertise in regulatory affairs. This quote says it all: "My goal is to transform the PRC from an agency that’s guided by utility interests to an agency that guides utilities in the public interest."

--Valerie Espinoza, the former Santa Fe County Clerk, is also a Democrat and gives the PRC a progressive majority that has turned around the image of the commission. She currently chairs the PRC and is known in the North for her crafty political ability, an essential quality to bridge the gap between the utilities and end users.

--Teresa Becenti Aguilar adds to the Dem majority--but not necessarily to the progressive majority. Her northwest district is plentiful in natural resources. She brings a Native American perspective to the commission and lengthy experience at the federal level, including the Congress and BLM.

--Republican Jefferson Byrd is a rancher and environmental engineer who gives voice to the conservative view on PRC matters. He grew up in Mosquero and brings to the commission a deep understanding of rural NM.

So finally, after two decades filled with antics that made voters want to pull their hair out, the PRC seems to have found its footing. That makes the proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters to let the Governor appoint the PRC and add additional qualifications to serve seem a bit out of step. Internal staffing reforms of the complex agency seem to be more pressing, according to experts.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed the Senate and is now in the House but legislators might want to keep it there and pause before upending a PRC that at last seems equal to those it regulates--and tough enough to represent everyday people.

PAY HIKES COMING?

When the PRC launched, in 1999, the eyebrows were raised over the salaries for the commissioners. Coming in at $90,000 a year they were then among the highest paid public servants in the state, but time marches on as does inflation. The Senate on a 37-3 vote recently passed 15 percent pay raises for various elected officials, including the PRC. See what you think:

⦁ Governor: $110,000 to $126,500
⦁ Secretary of State: $85,000 to $97,500
⦁ State Auditor: $85,000 to $97,500
⦁ State Treasurer: $85,000 to $97,500
⦁ Attorney General: $95,000 to $109,250
⦁ Commissioner of Public Lands: $90,000 to $103,500
⦁ Public Regulation commission (PRC): $90,000 to $103,500

Those are still pretty modest wages for the authority the positions wield. We would look for the pay raises to be quietly pushed through the House in the final legislative days. We'll let you know.

NEW NAME FOR DR. NO?

Dr. No

Reader Ken Tabish has an insightful and funny take on the tabling by the Senate Rules Committee of the constitutional amendment to tap a portion of the nearly $18 billion Land Grant Permanent School Fund for early childhood (ages 0-5) education:

Joe, I had this feeling after reading your blog last Thursday that "Dr. No"--State Senator John Arthur Smith, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, needs a name change. I believe he is due sainthood and should be given the title of Saint of Perpetual Poverty in NM. 

Yes, the early childhood amendment was killed in the Rules Committee but no one will convince me that conservative Democratic Senators Mary Kay Papen, Clemente Sanchez and Bill Tallman are not in Dr. No's hip pocket. It was a clear deflection to avoid a direct "no"  from Smith and his Senate Finance Committee. He is firmly against the amendment and always has been but this year he avoided a direct hit for that position which is unpopular with the public. 

It's apparent Smith has the power in the Senate. Where is Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth through all this? Smith’s behind the scenes push to decrease the minimum wage increase and the change in the recommended tax rate increase for higher earners are measures that impact mostly poor citizens of this state! Thus, Dr. No is now the Saint of Perpetual Poverty!

Sainthood for Dr. No, Ken? Somebody call J.D. Bullington. Looks like we need a lobbyist at the Vatican!

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2019