Supervisor Sandie Smith Honored by Az Corp. Commission

Supervisor Sandie Smith was honored during Wednesday's Board meeting for her service on the on Az. Corp. Commission's Az. Power Plant & Transmission Line Siting Committee.

Commission chairman Jeff Hatch-Miller presented Supervisor Smith with a plaque honoring her tenure on the committee. Arizona Power Plant & Transmission Line Siting Committee serves as a board to independently evaluate applications for power plants & transmission lines throughout the state. In his presentation before the Board, Chairman Hatch-Miller praised Supervisor Smith's service to the committee & to the State of Arizona.

"Supervisor Smith," the Chairman began, "from the perspective of the capitol is well respected. From the perspective of the Corporation Commission, Supervisor Smith is visible, active & a member of the Arizona Power Plant & Transmission Line Siting Committee."

Chairman Hatch-Miller continued by explaining the work of the committee & the tremendous amount of hours & dedication it takes to go over just 1 application. "Supervisor Smith evaluated many projects such as the 100 Mile S.E. Valley 500 Kilovolt Transmission Line from Palo Verde, through Pinal & on into Apache Junction," the Chairman announced. "She looked at & evaluated the Toltec Power Plant & transmission line near Picacho Peak-another difficult, difficult matter."

After naming numerous projects Supervisor Smith was involved in examining, Chairman Hatch-Miller continued to applaud her work on the committee. "She's noted for her thoughtful, sensitive questions to members of the public," Hatch-Miller said. "She has an in-depth knowledge of property taxation, land use planning & zoning issues. She was skillful in sponsoring key changes to both applications & to the process itself."

After receiving the plaque from Chairman Hatch-Miller Supervisor Smith said she was grateful for being a member of the Line Siting Committee. "It was an exciting committee," the District 2 Supervisor said. "I've been on more back roads in Arizona than a lot of the folks who 1st came here to develop & live in Pinal County back in the 1900's. We've been on it all. Following gas lines, power lines & where they need to go. We all need the electricity; we all want it, but don't want the lines in our backyard. It's a balance that needs to be achieved." A term on the Line Siting Committee lasts 2 years.