Proposed changes for troubled PRC

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) - What's going on at the Public Regulations Commission? A New Mexico think tank says a lot - too much in fact, and they are calling for change.

Just last week, PRC Commissioner Jerome Block Junior pleaded guilty to multiple felonies including check fraud and embezzlement. Fred Nathan the Founder of Think New Mexico says the scandal is simply a symptom of the PRC's larger problem.

The Commission that regulates gas, electric, water and phone companies in the state is one of the largest regulatory agencies in the nation. That is partly because it also looks after insurance, the state fire marshal's office and transportation. Think New Mexico says that's too much. "As long as the PRC is so powerful and has so few qualifications for office, we believe it's going to continue to be a magnet for corrupt politicians like Jerome Block Jr.," Nathan said.

Block was charged with pocketing thousands of dollars in campaign cash, racking up more than $8,000 on his state issued gas card in less than three months, and was even accused of stealing a car from a Santa Fe dealership. His spot on the PRC pays a whopping $90,000 a year. All it takes to get that gig is to be at least 18 years old, a one year resident of your district and a clear criminal record.

Think New Mexico wants to change that and the PRC chairman agrees."These are very, very complicated issues," said PRC Chairman Patrick Lyons. "This is a very steep learning curve, and you need to have some prior background."

Lyons says he also likes the thought of more transparency within the commission. He thinks the think tank's proposal to concentrate on just utilities would make the commission more efficient, and he says on the heels of the Block scandal, they need to earn back the public's trust. "We need to be doing a better job for the people of New Mexico," Lyons added.

Block stepped down last week from the commission as part of a plea agreement, will pay restitution and is never allowed to hold another political office. The Governor is expected to appoint a replacement, but in the meantime Think New Mexico hopes the legislature will put their proposal on the ballot so voters can have a say in 2012.