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Incumbent wants water companies surveyed
by Barry Cohen

NEW RIVER – Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes said the commission needs to survey small water companies statewide to identify potential problems and assure they correct infrastructure deficiencies to avoid the “terrible situation” plaguing Desert Hills Water Co. and its customers.

She made those comments at an Aug. 8 “Meet Your Candidates” night held at Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church on New River Road.

Desert Hills water users have for some time been experiencing extremely low water pressure and oftentimes nonexistent water service.

Mayes, a Republican, is one of five candidates–and the only incumbent–seeking the two open slots on the five‑person commission. She has been a commissioner since 2003.

About 120 people attended the meeting which featured 33 federal, state, and local candidates. The candidates addressed a variety of topics, including: immigration, taxes, energy, the environment, crime, drugs and education.

Bill Montgomery, Republican candidate for state Attorney General, noted Arizona’s high crime rate, including being ranked No. 1 in the nation for identity theft the past three years and 13th for violent crime, all during incumbent AG Terry Goddard’s term in office.

Republican Tom Horne, who is seeking re‑election as Superintendent of Public Instruction, responded to several other candidates’ criticism of the state’s education system. Horne pointed out that Arizona students now perform above the national average on the Terra Nova test (that compares them to students nationally), the SAT and the ACT.

Jason Williams, one of two Democratic challengers for the office of state superintendent, said he is uniquely qualified for the post because he is the only candidate who has worked as a teacher in public schools.

“For attorney general, you want a lawyer; and for surgeon general, you want a doctor,” said Williams. “Who should lead Arizona’s schools, another politician or an experienced educator?”

The candidates meeting was hosted by The Desert Advocate in conjunction with the New River/Desert Hills Community Association.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.

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