Bill McCamley
In my recent travels around the state, one thing has become obvious: People are angry. Some are frustrated because they have lost faith in government, others because they believe big corporations are trampling the public in the pursuit of profit. And everyone is scared about the lack of good jobs.
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission regulates areas that affect day-to-day aspects of people’s lives (electricity, telephones, insurance, transportation and public safety). I am running for the PRC because I believe that it can help ensure that New Mexico generates good jobs, protect citizens from the abuses of corporations and industries, and begin to restore a little bit of faith in government itself.
Job creation
New Mexico has the potential to be a leader in alternative energy over the next 50 years, and thus be able to maintain a steady workforce even in further tough economic times.
Our goal should be to become an energy independent state by 2030. In order to do this, however, we must begin planning now with policies that ensure the continual development of solar, wind, geothermal, bio-fuels and nuclear energy. Also, long-term strategies need to be completed and implemented for transmission lines that can get this power transported around our state and out of it so that we can reap the economic rewards of energy exports.
With these technologies, it will be possible for us to contribute not only to our economic future, but also to the future of our environment (by reducing carbon emissions that cause global warming) and our national security (by reducing our dependence on oil coming from nations like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Russia). The PRC has a vital role to play in ensuring that New Mexico is a leader in alternative energy.
Protecting the public
The economic crisis that began on Wall Street demonstrates the importance of well-designed regulations in protecting the average citizen. The PRC must aim to craft efficient regulations that encourage the economy while always protecting the little guy against the abuses of corporations, industries and government itself.
Nowhere will this be more important than in the area of health care. In particular, the most important issue concerning health care in the upcoming years will be how possible federal health care legislation will be implemented at the state level. The PRC, in its role of regulating state insurance companies, will need to closely examine these new regulations to make sure that they are interpreted so that the most people as possible can obtain health care.
There will also be an opportunity to implement policies that make health care more efficient. For instance, insurance cards with standardized information would make it easier for providers to submit claims to companies, therefore speeding up the process of getting claims to providers. Other policies that would make it easier for small businesses to be able to provide for their employees need to be examined, as these companies are the hardest hit by the rise in health care costs.
Restoring faith in government
Arrests of commissioners, staff mistrust and press investigations have led to a gap of trust between the board and the public. Given its role, the PRC must always maintain the highest ethical standards. I will push for new policies to make the PRC more transparent, accountable and ethical.
I propose that, over a six-month period, we step back and examine the PRC itself. During this time, an advisory council should be assembled consisting of people with backgrounds in business, law and public policy, but with no direct connections to state government or regulated industries. This panel would have the responsibility of investigating three issues:
• Role of the PRC: Do five elected PRC commissioners have the ability to regulate the varied and complicated issues they are responsible for? Are there more effective ways for this to happen?
• Ethics: Are there more barriers that can be instituted between the PRC and regulated entities? Will more training help? Is there a better staff structure that will lead to more ethical behavior?
• Rate procedures: Is the procedure regarding rate increases fair, thorough and focused on keeping rates low and services high? Does the public have an opportunity to participate in the process, see evidence for raising rates, and cross-examine officials who wish to do so? Are there strategies employed elsewhere that would work better here?
The PRC should seriously consider the results that this panel comes up with and work with whatever bodies necessary to make the oversight more efficient, fair and ethical.
We are all living in difficult times. The recession has made people feel helpless, frustrated and angry. Massive corporate profits that turn in to huge bonuses, and a government filled with ethical problems only exacerbate the situation. Now, more than ever, boards like the PRC have a duty to provide active, ethical oversight of regulated corporations so that hard-working, regular people have an opportunity to lead successful, productive lives.
Bill McCamley is a Democratic candidate for Public Regulation Commission. He can be reached at billmccamley14@gmail.com.