Sep. 28--LAS CRUCES -- Former Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley is running for the District 5 seat on the Public Regulation Commission, seeking to fill the position being vacated by PRC Chairman Sandy Jones, who is running for state land commissioner instead.

"The things the PRC does are things I have a background in," McCamley said. "It affects everybody. We're going to need somebody who can stand up for the everyday folks in the state, and I think I'm up to that task."

The PRC regulates a wide variety of businesses in the state, including utilities, telecommunications, motor carriers and the insurance industry. Among other things, it sets rates that consumers must pay and regulations that companies must follow. Along with the industries mentioned above, the PRC also has oversight of the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Firefighter Training Academy and the Pipeline Safety Bureau, and holds the registrations for all corporations doing business in New Mexico.

The District 5 seat that Jones holds and McCamley is running for covers the southwest quadrant of New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Silver City and Deming.

McCamley served on the Dona Ana County Commissioner from 2005 to 2008, serving as chairman in 2005. In 2006, he challenged Harry Teague in the Democratic primary for the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives now held by Teague.

McCamley listed "ethics" as one of the reasons he chose to run for the PRC.

"There have been some developments

at the PRC that get in the way of the people trusting that board," McCamley said. "With the PRC having so much power over so many things that affect the lives of New Mexicans, it's important people have someone up there they can trust."

Several current commissioners have come under scrutiny recently. Jones came under fire when it was revealed his executive assistant has two prior felony convictions. Jerome Block Jr, commissioner for District 3, was indicted in April -- along with his father, a former PRC commissioner -- on felony charges alleging violations of election law. District 4 Commissioner Carol Sloan was charged with battery after allegedly hitting a romantic rival with river rocks. And, District 2 Commissioner David King settled a sexual harassment suit brought on by a former employee.

McCamley said creating new jobs, especially in the field of "green" energy, would be a priority for him, as would health insurance.

"When the federal government passes whatever it will pass, it's important that the PRC regulate health care regarding all health insurance." he said. "As somebody who has been without health care for five or six years, I know what it's like and I know how important it is for all Americans to have health care."

McCamley has taught college and worked as a development officer at New Mexico State University.

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