Tobin Running For A Full Term On Arizona Corporation Commission
State regulator Andy Tobin, who was appointed to the Arizona Corporation Commission after the resignation of Susan Bitter Smith, is running for a full term.
On Monday, Commissioner Tobin filed paperwork with the secretary of state for this November’s election.
Governor Doug Ducey appointed the former House Speaker to the commission early this year after Bitter Smith resigned amid allegations she violated conflict of interest laws.
Up till now, it was unclear whether Tobin would simply serve out the remaining year of her term, or run in this year’s election.
Although brief, Tobin’s time on the commission has not been without controversy. The commissioner has two possible conflicts of interest that could prevent him from ruling on matters related to solar energy and telecommunications. One of his relatives works for rooftop solar leasing giant SolarCity and another works in television for Cox.
Some lawmakers are currently trying to change state law so those relationships would not preclude him from ruling on such cases.
