And that's unfortunate. The actions of the ACC have a direct impact on the amount you pay for electricity, natural gas and telephone service. It also oversees private water companies, securities sales and corporations.

In the five-way race for three full four-year terms on the ACC, the best qualified are Democratic newcomer Mark Manoil and incumbent Republicans Jeff Hatch-Miller and Bill Mundell.

Manoil is a Phoenix lawyer who calls for a stronger environmental focus for the ACC. He urges the commission to "set itself on a new path of sustainable future and renewable resources" for the utilities it regulates.

Hatch-Miller, a former legislator, is a strong advocate for new technologies. He warns that Arizona's growth is outstripping utilities' ability to provide power and natural gas. He also is working to help small water companies afford to meet stiffer federal arsenic standards.

Mundell, also a former legislator, has been a tireless consumer and environmental advocate during his years on the ACC. He has been endorsed by some Democrats as well as the Sierra Club. Mundell also has been key in the ACC's decision to reject two proposed generating plants because of environmental concerns.

Also seeking re-election is Republican Mike Gleason. He has extensive business experience, but his two years on the ACC have been unremarkable.

The only non-Phoenician in the race is Nina Trasoff, a former news anchor for a Tucson television station. She said she was asked to run for the commission and decided to do so to give a voice to Arizonans outside of Maricopa County.

We can't argue with that motivation. But in this position, knowledge and experience are more important than geography. Trasoff will be a formidable candidate should she run again. But at this point, several of her opponents have a better understanding of the issues facing the ACC.

The Tucson Citizen endorses Democrat Mark Manoil and Republicans Jeff Hatch-Miller and Bill Mundell for election to four-year terms on the Arizona Corporation Commission.