Hatch-Miller selected to lead commission

The Arizona Republic
Max Jarman
Jan. 12, 2005

The Arizona Corporation Commission selected second-term commissioner Jeff Hatch-Miller to lead the powerful panel for the next two years.

The former Arizona legislator was unanimously elected by his peers Tuesday to succeed Marc Spitzer as the commission's chairman. Spitzer's term as chairman had ended, but he remains on the commission.

He takes over as the five-member body wrestles with rate increases proposed by Arizona Public Service Co. and Southwest Gas Corp.; continued deregulation of the telecommunications industry and jurisdictional challenges from the federal government.

In the post, Hatch-Miller will preside over the commission's public meetings and provide leadership to the 300-employee agency.

Empowered by the state's Constitution, the commission sets rates for water, natural gas, electricity and telephone services. It oversees the state's securities industry, inspects pipelines and keeps tabs on Arizona's corporations and limited liability companies.

"I am deeply honored at the trust you have placed in me," Hatch-Miller said. "I will work overtime to reflect the professionalism and confidence I see in my fellow commissioners and the commission's staff."

Hatch-Miller expressed his gratitude to Spitzer, who guided the commission through a turbulent period marked by large securities fraud cases, the malfeasance trial and resignation of ex-Commissioner Jim Irvin, and last summer's substation fire and power crisis.