May 29, 2018 • Local News
Albuquerque Journal: Guest Columns- Reject the negative campaigning
One of the anomalies of politics is that candidates say they dislike negative campaigning; nevertheless just about every candidate slings their fair share of mud. New Mexico’s 2018 primary race is most certainly no different – in fact, the vitriol is at a fevered pitch.
Opponents and political action committees are willing to say – and pay – anything to distort records and end records of success. And while allegations made against a political foe may be false and misleading, the First Amendment protects fake news no matter how defamatory the charge.
Right now, special interest groups are spending nearly $500,000 of out-of-state dark money to buy my NMPRC seat, which is why I am humbled to have received the Albuquerque Journal’s endorsement for New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This endorsement is a great indicator of why experience counts.
Our job at the Public Regulation Commission is to balance consumer protection, utility return on equity, environmental impacts, and system reliability equally so that we all have safe, reliable, affordable utilities.
The biggest misconception of the NMPRC is that our role is to advocate for or against policy, when in fact that is the job of the Legislature. The NMPRC implements the laws or policies lawmakers create. The other misconception is that the NMPRC is a consumer advocate when that role, by law, is the attorney general’s.
Under my watch, the NMPRC has approved 2,300 megawatts of renewable energy projects – more than any commission in NMPRC history. Nearly $3 billion has been invested in the state’s renewable energy industry, and New Mexico is poised to double its wind power capacity.
The NMPRC fast-tracked the Facebook Data Center in Los Lunas – a $250 million investment in Valencia County and New Mexico. Facebook is now planning a $1 billion expansion, citing the NMPRC’s interest in renewable energy development.
I’m running on my record, and I am proud of the work I have done during my time as chairman. My consumer-friendly votes have kept utility rates low; in fact, New Mexico has the lowest natural gas and electric rates in the Southwest. I rejected PNM’s proposal to install smart meters due to rate increases, an excessive opt-out fee and layoffs. I directed El Paso Electric to refund more than $5 million back to customers after changes to corporate tax laws. I created a broadband fund to improve access to high-performance data networking and telecommunications in rural New Mexico communities.
I made sure firefighters received their full funding allotment after legislators swept several funds to cover budget shortfalls. When predatory businesses, such as towing services and moving companies, cheat you, I have your back. I have made constituent services the cornerstone of my platform, and I am the only commissioner who has brought the NMPRC to my district, holding nearly 50 town hall meetings.
Perhaps my opponent’s vicious attacks on my character and credibility are intended to mask his inexperience, or maybe he believes mudslinging is the only way he can beat an honest rival. Whether you’re a new voter or seasoned civil servant, I urge you to do your research, be informed and vote for the best person for the job.
https://www.abqjournal.com/1177433/reject-the-negative-campaigning.html
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