Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Arizona Chamber Releases 2010 Corporation Commission Endorsements

PHOENIX - The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry today announced its 2010 primary and general election endorsement of Gary Pierce and Brenda Burns for the Arizona Corporation Commission. The Chamber is confident that each candidate has the experience and knowledge to pursue a pro-business regulatory environment throughout Arizona.
 
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the 2010 Corporation Commission endorsement process," Chamber President and CEO Glenn Hamer said. "Both candidates for the Corporation Commission are highly capable, experienced public servants and we are confident that they will serve our state well on the ACC."
 
Incumbent Gary Pierce has a long and distinguished record of public and private service. Prior to serving as a commissioner, Mr. Pierce served as the majority whip at the Arizona House of Representatives where he was a strong advocate for balanced budgets and lower taxes. His skills as an Arizona legislator will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Corporation Commission.
 
Brenda Burns also has a long history of leadership in Arizona. She first served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995. Burns blazed new trails in Arizona politics, becoming the first woman to hold the position of House Majority Leader and, later, Arizona Senate President.
 
"We look forward to Brenda Burns joining Commissioner Pierce on the Corporation Commission," Hamer said. "Both are proven advocates for a regulatory environment that encourages investment and attracts jobs."
 
This year the Chamber put in place a rigorous process for endorsing candidates for the Corporation Commission. Incumbent candidates were evaluated based on their record as it relates to the Arizona Chamber policy agenda. Challenger candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire about their policy positions before participating in a candidate interview with members of the Chamber's Public Affairs Committee.

   
The Public Affairs Committee made its candidate recommendations to the Arizona Chamber Board of Directors, which ultimately voted on the final endorsements. The Chamber requires that each candidate receive the support of 60 percent of the board to receive an endorsement, ensuring each endorsement carries strong support by an overwhelming majority of the board.