Cool-Off Bill Ignites Political Heat at Arizona Corporation Commission
More to report: our investigation into superintendent pay continues—and yes, a utility regulator really told grieving sons, “I’m more blaming you.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Gov. Hobbs Signed HB2518 into law after the original date this was scheduled to publish! We have amended this Newsletter.
Let’s face it, the Corporation Commission usually flies under the radar. But, HB2518 has sparked fireworks this session. It will prohibit the Arizona Corporation Commissioners from working for or lobbying on behalf of any utility regulated by the Commission for two years after leaving office. The goal is to protect ratepayers by preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring that Commissioners base decisions solely on public interest—not on potential future employment with the companies they regulate.
The bill as passed is narrower than first proposed. Below is the legislation as signed:
Corporation Commissioner Kevin Thompson weighed in on X and slammed the bill as it was first proposed:
But he was far from being done. In a fiery tirade on the bench at the ACC, Thompson unleashed harsh criticism of HB2518, a bill aimed at implementing a two-year “cooling off” period.
Thompson didn’t hold back, calling the bill “poorly written and ill-conceived,” and said the groups and individuals backing it “should be embarrassed.” He added, “A high schooler could have probably done a better job in actually writing this if they would have just used A.I. and a little bit of Googling.”
What was most shocking was the personal attack.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Justin Olsen, became a direct target. Thompson dismissed Olsen’s legacy on the Commission, saying, “Rep. Olsen should have known better—he learned nothing during his tenure here.” He continued, “He didn’t do anything to improve the Commission, and he’s taken that same energy to the legislature. Either he’s incompetent or malicious.”
Olsen, a widely respected former regulator known for his ethics reform efforts, previously employed current Commissioner Nick Myers during his time at the ACC and endorsed Commissioner Rachel Walden in her campaign—both of whom sat silent during Thompson’s personal attacks. During their time to speak they did not defend Olsen.
The moment left many stunned, not just for its tone, but for the broader implications: a bill meant to guard against undue utility influence has triggered a deeply personal and public tirade from the chair during session. Ethics reform at the ACC has become anything but civil.
Watch it for yourself!
Speaking of Conflicts….
In March, the Energy and Policy Institute dropped a report alleging that Commissioner Kevin Thompson “works with clients whose interests too closely align with his work on the commission.”
Recent reports have highlighted Thompson’s affiliations with firms such as National Strategies (NSI) and Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given his regulatory role.
NSI specializes in assisting organizations with their policy needs through legislative and regulatory activities across various state and local government markets in the United States. Their services include helping companies identify and prioritize contract opportunities, developing relationships with decision-makers, and securing government incentives and grants.
SPI offers procurement consulting and research services, providing clients with insights into public sector procurement and assisting them in navigating government contracting opportunities. Their Government Contracting Pipeline publication is a resource for contractors seeking information on upcoming projects and procurement trends.
Thompson’s involvement with these firms, which may operate within the spheres he is tasked with regulating, has been asked and answered - well sort of.
But here’s what they didn’t tell you—some clients aren’t just close to his regulatory work, they’re downright peculiar picks for a conservative rate maker.
Let’s just say, Thompson’s current/ previous client list looks less like a conservative watchdog for ratepayers—and more like a résumé someone in the ESG crowd would be attracted to.
➡️Is it concerning that the Chair of the Corporation Commission has a consulting portfolio of clients that promote ESG and DEI?
His firm Broadmore Consulting services the following clients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the companies.
EdgeCore “Data center campuses built for the AI revolution.” They state, “We are aligned with net zero,” and, “Our sustainability goals align with net zero objectives and are backed by transparent, thorough reporting.” The company has a carbon neutral program and a DEI policy.
Crumb Rubber Manufacturers they heavily lean into sustainability.
Allkiosk is a subsidiary of GECO Avionics, which was acquired by Mercury Systems. There is ESG and DEI in the parent company.
“We have a deep responsibility to our stakeholders to promote long-term value and we’ll continue making ESG an integral part of our business strategy.”
They also have an extensive DEI policy and environmental stewardship.
Citelum, an EDF Group subsidiary, is all-in for Net Zero and helps companies get contracts to work on “smart cities.”
…One More Peculiar Thing!
The team over at Broadmore consists of Katharine Fredriksen the sister and business partner to Commissioner Kevin Thompson.
Fredriksen, currently serving as a policy advisor to Commissioner Rachel Walden and formerly to Chairman Jim O’Connor, has a professional background that includes recognition for leadership in diversity initiatives.
In 2015, she was honored by the National Diversity Council as one of the region’s Most Powerful and Influential Women, acknowledging her role in promoting diversity within the energy sector. This accolade was awarded during her tenure as Senior Vice President for Health, Safety, and Environmental Affairs at Consol Energy Inc., where she was responsible for policies aimed at ensuring worker safety and environmental protection.
The ACC mandates that its commissioners and staff adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, emphasizing impartiality and neutrality. According to the ACC’s Code of Ethics, commissioners are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Commission.
The real question is this: Can a commissioner truly act independently when their top advisor is not only the sister of the ACC Chair, but also represents a portfolio of clients who aggressively push ESG and DEI agendas?
You asked, we listened. Loud and clear. Apparently, Maricopa County isn’t the center of the universe—who knew? Around the 48 is our way of proving we can find other parts of Arizona on a map. You’re welcome, Yuma.
HAPPENING IN MOHAVE…
Mohave County just signed a deal with Runbeck Election Services to boost ballot security with fancy features like watermarks and invisible fibers, starting in 2026. The Supervisors want to be the “first in the state,” hoping other counties will follow with similar deals. County leaders are calling it a win for voter trust—but not everyone’s buying it. Election integrity watchdog Shelby Busch isn’t thrilled, warning that the problem isn’t fake ballots, it’s real ones being misused—“thanks to companies like Runbeck churning out millions with little transparency.” While officials pat themselves on the back, critics say the move might look good on paper, but it does little to address the real vulnerabilities.
Our senior journalist Kelly covered this in detail for The Arizona Globe. You can find the Mohave deal HERE and election hawk Shelby Busch’s response HERE.
PRESCOTT VALLEY SUPERINTENDENT DR. CHRISTINE GRIFFIN HEADS TO SANTA FE FOR TOP SCHOOLS JOB
Dr. Christine Griffin, Superintendent of Humboldt Unified School District in Prescott Valley, has been named the next Superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools.
In July 2024, the Humboldt Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for Dr. Christine Griffin, committing to a base salary of $159,650 through 2027. But less than a year later, Griffin is leaving the district—and the state—for a new position in New Mexico.
The Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education voted 5–0 to hire Griffin on a one-year contract worth $205,000. She is scheduled to begin the role on June 9, 2025.
In a letter to HUSD families dated May 1, Griffin shared she is resigning at the end of the school year to be closer to her parents, who are experiencing health issues. Her departure comes two years into her tenure with Humboldt.
State 48 News has been exclusively compiling and analyzing taxpayer-funded salary data for superintendents and public school leaders across Arizona.
The B-rated Humboldt Unified School District in Yavapai County operates 11 schools under its Local Education Agency and ranks as the 37th largest district in Arizona, according to the state Department of Education. Yet despite overseeing one of the larger districts in rural Arizona, Superintendent Dr. Christine Griffin’s base salary of $159,650 is notably lower than many of her counterparts in smaller districts.
For comparison:
– The Superintendent of Agua Fria Union High School District, ranked #84 in size, earns a base salary of $239,724.
– The Superintendent of Tolleson Union, ranked #69, has an earning potential of $361,584 starting this summer.
State 48 News is closely investigating the growing web of AI-powered surveillance across Arizona—and the companies behind it. In its latest move, Scottsdale-based Axon has announced plans to integrate with Ring, the Amazon-owned smart security giant. The partnership would allow Ring customers to share video footage with law enforcement—on their terms—with the stated goal of solving crimes faster and “safeguarding neighborhoods.”
“Technology alone doesn’t build safer communities—people do,” says Rick Smith, Axon Founder & CEO. “Our job is to build the tools—and relationships—that help protect more lives in more places. With our latest product and partner announcements, we’re delivering on that promise like never before.”
But the implications are far-reaching:
🔍 How will consent be tracked?
🔍 What guardrails exist for data access?
🔍 Who decides what’s “relevant”?
🚨 EXCLUSIVE COMING SOON
Next week, State 48 News drops a hard-hitting investigation featuring a world-renowned privacy expert who exposes the quiet—but aggressive—rise of real-time surveillance across Arizona. From license plate readers to smart home integrations, your data is being tracked more than you think.
This goes beyond gadgets—it’s a battle over power, consent, and control.
We’re digging in where others won’t. Stay tuned.
“I’M NOT JUST BLAMING YOUR MOM — I’M MORE BLAMING YOU.”
Yes, an Arizona utility regulator actually said that. And yes, he said it to the grieving sons of an 82-year-old woman who died after her electricity was cut off.
Kate Korman, lost her life after APS shut off her power, and instead of compassion, her sons got a Twitter tirade from Corporation Commissioner Nick Myers, who’s currently up for reelection. Myers didn’t just defend the utility—he went a step further, shifting blame onto the victim’s family: “I refuse to tell utilities they have to provide power to people who do not pay their bills.”
The exchange was jaw-dropping and played out over hours on X.
With triple-digit heat hitting Arizona this week, maybe it’s time to revisit this issue. Are we finally ready to talk seriously about heat-related deaths? Because this isn’t just a PR nightmare—it’s a wake-up call. And it’s playing out in real time, in full view of the voters who will decide Myers’ future.
In a world where elected officials are expected to show empathy and accountability, this social media meltdown is one for the books—Kelly wrote about it for the Arizona Globe here.
ARIZONA HEAT IS NO JOKE—HERE’S HOW TO STAY COOL AND SAFE
Let’s face it: we live in Arizona, and the Valley has already seen 100-degree days. But here’s some good news—there are free resources to help you beat the heat.
🛠️ Free A/C Repair for Income-Qualified Homeowners
Maricopa County offers an Emergency Home Repair Program that can fix or replace your air conditioner at no cost if you meet income requirements. This program is available to homeowners in Maricopa County. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Priority is given to seniors, families with young children, and individuals with disabilities.
❄️ Cooling Centers Across Arizona
If your A/C is out or you need a place to cool off, there are cooling centers and hydration stations throughout the state. These centers provide a safe, air-conditioned space and water to help you stay cool during extreme heat.
👉 Find a cooling center near you
📞 Need Help Now?
Call 2-1-1 to find the nearest cooling center, get transportation assistance, or learn about emergency A/C repair programs. Operators are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.