Karen Louise Montoya
Democratic Party

1. The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) is responsible for regulating insurance, telephone and utility rates, corporations, pipelines, public transportation, trucking, and water works. What specific experience have you had in these areas that qualifies you to be a Public Regulation Commissioner? (65 words)

As Bernalillo County Assessor I work with complex financial and legal matters on a daily basis, often in formal "on the record" decision making processes, similar to what the PRC uses. I have had to decide complex and controversial issues, such as "tax lightning" in a manner that was transparent and fair. With over 20 years of public service my background is diverse.

2. Decisions made by the PRC affect the daily lives and wallets of New Mexicans. When evaluating requests for insurance and utility rate increases, what factors should be taken into account to ensure fairness to both the public and the companies involved? (65 words)

The PRC is legally required to permit utilities and insurers to recover their reasonable cost of providing service through rates. I will carefully scrutinize rate requests to make sure that consumers are not asked to pay for unjustified costs, waste, or windfall profits.

3. There are three proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot that will impact the PRC: Constitutional Amendment 2 would increase the qualifications and education requirements to qualify as a PRC Commissioner. Constitutional Amendment 3 would remove responsibility for corporate chartering and regulation from the PRC, and Amendment 4 would remove the duty to regulate insurance companies and others engaged in risk assumption from the PRC. What is your position on each of these Constitutional Amendments? (65 words)

I do not agree with the argument that a law degree would ensure ethical behavior or result in electing PRC members who would be better for New Mexico. The Secretary of State would be a more approprpriate office to registrer corporations and LLC's as there is no regulation involved. It is important to have elected officials ultimately accounable for regulating insurance with PRC oversight.

Christopher Ocksrider
Republican Party

1. The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) is responsible for regulating insurance, telephone and utility rates, corporations, pipelines, public transportation, trucking, and water works. What specific experience have you had in these areas that qualifies you to be a Public Regulation Commissioner? (65 words)

PRC commissioner is a "quasi-judicial" position. As such, a strong knowledge and background in the law is essential to understand the procedural and substantive issues involved in complex cases before the PRC. I have been practicing law in the areas of estate planning, business and tax law for 17 years. In addition, I received an MBA from UNM and a BA in Accounting from NMSU.

2. Decisions made by the PRC affect the daily lives and wallets of New Mexicans. When evaluating requests for insurance and utility rate increases, what factors should be taken into account to ensure fairness to both the public and the companies involved? (65 words)

A balancing standard should be applied to ensure fairness to all stakeholders in rate increase cases. This standard weighs the reasonableness of the burden placed on the consumer against the benefit to the provider. In other words, the provider must demonstrate why a rate increase is needed, how this increase will improve product and service, and why the increase is reasonable to the consumer.

3. There are three proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot that will impact the PRC: Constitutional Amendment 2 would increase the qualifications and education requirements to qualify as a PRC Commissioner. Constitutional Amendment 3 would remove responsibility for corporate chartering and regulation from the PRC, and Amendment 4 would remove the duty to regulate insurance companies and others engaged in risk assumption from the PRC. What is your position on each of these Constitutional Amendments? (65 words)

Amendment 2: Do not support. The amendment as written is too vague because the qualifications are not defined. Therefore, voters cannot judge the merits of the standard. Amendment 3: Support. Moving corporate registration and reporting to the SOS will reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. Amendment 4: Support. It would reduce the scope of the PRC and mitigate political influence on the position of Superintendent.

Valerie L. Espinoza
Democratic Party

UNOPPOSED