Lea Márquez Peterson: Elevating Southern Arizona in the Heart of the Capitol

Lea Márquez Peterson has made her mark as the longest-serving member of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Appointed in 2019 and subsequently elected in 2020, her stance as the only statewide official from southern Arizona offers a unique perspective. As her current term approaches its conclusion, she elaborated on her experiences and aspirations during a discussion with the Arizona Capitol Times.

Peterson’s journey to the ACC began following her congressional primary win in 2018, which was cut short by a general election loss. The Governor’s office later contacted her to discuss the potential role at the commission. “It was a steep learning curve,” she reflected, noting that it took her about a year to grasp the complexities of the job, including the various stakeholders and regulatory terminology.

The unforeseen challenge of campaigning during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted Peterson to reevaluate her commitment to the role. After consultations with her family, she recognized her satisfaction in the work. “I like the analysis and knowing I represent ratepayers,” she stated, underscoring her background as a small business owner and a ratepayer herself. Engaging with constituents from diverse locales, such as Yuma and Morenci, reinforces the importance of her role.

Throughout her tenure, Peterson has learned much about the lobbying landscape and the often-limited public engagement in regulatory matters. “I was surprised by how little we heard from real people,” she admitted. Active outreach through public speaking engagements emphasizes her commitment to increasing community involvement in decision-making processes. Peterson encourages constituents to share their stories when voicing concerns, as personalized narratives hold more weight than form letters.

She advocates for greater transparency, stating, “Most people are surprised to learn they can watch our meetings or participate via WebEx.” Peterson wishes for lawmakers to have a clearer understanding of the commission’s crucial role, particularly regarding how legislation directly impacts its operations.

Living in Tucson while serving at the commission provides her with a different outlook. “I’m proud to be the only statewide elected official from southern Arizona,” she expressed. Having established a smaller office in Tucson facilitates accessibility for residents in rural areas, allowing easier communication and engagement with the commission’s activities.

With a lengthy commute between Tucson and Phoenix, Peterson has taken to listening to audiobooks to pass the time, favoring genres like thrillers. This approach lends a refreshing perspective compared to political talk shows.

As her term at the ACC nears its end, Peterson remains open to future opportunities in public service. Despite being term-limited, she expressed her desire to continue contributing to the fields of energy, water, and nuclear regulation, whether in a new public role or another capacity within the industry.