Stephanie DuBois Guest Blog: My PRC Campaign in District 2

This is a guest blog by Stephanie DuBois of Tularosa, a Democratic candidate for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) in District 2.

On March 16, 2010, I filed to run for the PRC seat in District 2 as a Democrat. Along with my petition signatures I turned in 208 of the required 178 five-dollar donations to qualify for public money. I ran for this position on public money four years ago. I defeated my Democratic opponent on public money, but I wasn't successful against the incumbent Republican, David King. I had much less money in the general than I had in the primary. But I did prove that public money can effect a competitive campaign.

I strongly believe that the best way a Commissioner can be independent in his or her decision making is to run a publicly financed campaign. A publicly funded candidate for elected office cannot take corporate, PAC or union contributions -- an important factor in running for a position on a regulatory body that oversees utility rates, insurance and the many other entities that this commission of five regulates.

At the Dona Ana County Democratic Convention

I support renewable energy as long as it is affordable. New Mexico could very well be the leader in all kinds of renewable energy. With the technology at Sandia and Los Alamos labs and New Mexico's sun and wind, our state will draw companies seeking to compete for alternatives ways to decrease our need for fossil fuels and oil. I also believe these innovations into alternative energy will create good-paying jobs that we must protect and not allow to be sent to other countries. We are no longer a manufacturing country, but renewable/alternative energy companies could bring manufacturing jobs back to New Mexico.

I look forward to working with all on the Commission. I especially look forward to working with those utility companies that have provided opportunities through fiber-optics extending communications, and our electric providers that bring the conveniences of life, not only to inner cities but to the rural areas where irrigation pumps are the life line for farmers and ranchers and for the overall economy of New Mexico.

As a citizen of New Mexico since 1978 -- living first in Deming for 12 years and now in Tularosa -- I have always volunteered my time to those communities in any capacity where needed. I will have an open door policy and will respond to the people's questions and inquiries.

I do want to thank all those who helped me get to this point and allowing me to be placed on the ballot. I want the public to know that I know right from wrong and I will be the best PRC commissioner that I can be.

If you'd like to learn more or volunteer for the campaign, contact me at docdubois@aol.com or 575-430-1640.

Stephanie DuBois will be uncontested on the June Democratic primary ballot. Current Land Commissioner, Patrick Lyons, and Robert Corn, a former judge in Roswell, are battling for the nomination on the Republican primary ballot. The District 2 seat is being vacated by Republican David King, who is term limited.

This is a guest blog by Stephanie DuBois. If you'd like to submit a piece for a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link at the upper left-hand corner of the page.