The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has asked ATIC to submit a proposal to coordinate the 2008 primary and general election debates for candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). We are in the process of putting together a committee to help develop
our plans and prepare the proposal. Please let me know ASAP if you
would like to participate on this Committee.
This year voters will have the opportunity to vote for three (possibly four) members of the Commission (ACC). The debates will help voters better understand the importance of the
ACC, and to become acquainted with the positions of the candidates, The
debates will cover all services under the jurisdiction of the ACC:
utilities regulation, incorporation of businesses and organizations,
securities regulation, and railroad and pipeline safety.
In previous years the debates were presented in front of a live audience, web cast real time, and later available for on-demand access from the ATIC Web Site following the debates. We provided this service for the 2002, 2004 and 2006 ACC elections. Based upon our research we believe that in 2002 we were the first in the country to web cast a live statewide debate. It was certainly the first in Arizona. This year we will explore the applicability of using new Web 2.0 and social networking technologies to market and deliver these debates in lieu of, or complimentary to, the web casts.
Our planning will include:
- Questions and content for the debates
- Format
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Technologies
- Budget
As you may know, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is an independent regulatory body created by the Arizona Constitution. There are 5 members of the Commission elected by the public to a four-year term. The Commission makes decisions that affect the quality of service, utility rates, and future investments by public utilities, including telecommunications, water, electric and gas. By state law, public service utilities are regulated monopolies. The Commission also oversees corporations including granting corporate status for businesses and organizations and maintaining public records. They serve as watchdogs ensuring the integrity of the securities marketplace and protecting the public from investment scams and fraud. They also insure the safe operations of railroads and gas pipelines in Arizona.
