Jim O’Connor says he’s not a politician. O’Connor holds an elected position as chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission, but considers his job more akin to that of a judge on a court of law. As he prepares to leave the commission after just one term, Mr O’Connor said: Arizona State Capitol Times About what he learned and what legacy he hopes to leave behind.
What originally brought you to this position?
I moved to Arizona in 2000 after spending 30 years in LA. I was working as an investment advisor, but I sold it and moved here with my wife and young son. And for the first time in my life as a Republican, I got engaged. Political parties and political activities. I have always voted Republican, but have never been involved with the party. A lot of people, especially throughout Maricopa County, were struck by how different I am from politicians. I always tried to hire young men and women because I thought I was too old at 60, but that was a long time ago. At the time, there were people working in out-of-state (Sun City West) legislative districts, and it was like 2015, he said. “Jim, you need a person of integrity to run for the Corporation Commission.” Now, I had never thought about running for anything. I considered myself too old. It is truly a game between young men and young women. But I couldn’t find anyone I could really trust. So in 2017…I threw my hat in the ring and ran with it. In that race, there were five candidates in the Republican primary, and only two seats were open, but the two winners on the Republican side were Justin Olson and Rodney Glassman. So Justin came in first place, Glassman came in second place, and I came in third place, with about 207,000 votes. This was pretty impressive for a guy who came out of nowhere. In the summer of 2020, I was in my fiancé’s living room. Justin Olson called me and asked if I would consider running as a write-in candidate for the Corporation Commission. I’m standing in my fiance’s house (living room). We are planning to get married in July and it’s Memorial Day weekend. My wife is a very energetic woman. She said, “Tell Justin I’ll call you back.” Give me a hand. We bring it to the Lord in prayer. ” Three minutes later she said to me, “God told me to run and watch as I opened the door.” It’s the best story of my life. Because that’s exactly what happened. Nick Myers, who is currently serving on the committee with us, when I was out of state on my three-week honeymoon, Nick took care of all my appearances and speaking engagements. And he’s done a great job in that regard. So maybe people thought, “Let’s get that guy in,” because I was young and energetic and full of energy. Then we continued campaigning…and[my wife]looked at me one night in September (2020), exhausted, and said: Second date. ‘I wasn’t a politician then, and I’m not a politician now. I have to do something political, but I think I’m a typical citizen who had the opportunity to run for public office and took it seriously.
What did you learn from serving on the Corporation Commission?
My experience has taught me that Congress doesn’t need people who have been members for years. Because there is a game in which both teams play in Congress. And I say this without any disrespect. It’s gamesmanship and it’s all politics. I win and you lose. After George Washington left office, we all followed his advice to never form a political party. That way I wouldn’t have to go across the street and talk to my neighbor and say, “Oh, you’re blue, I’m red.” We must hate each other. ” Come here with business experience, not political experience. Political experience is all about winning elections and getting elected to office. It’s kind of stopped and we don’t need it anymore. We must move forward and have common sense, an open mind, and an open ear.
What have you learned from your time as chairman?
I think God chose the right people in the right place at the right time. This committee, before your time, and certainly throughout my first two years, those meetings – I would rather visit someone in prison for two, three, or six hours. They were boring, boring, rigid, formal. One of the things we brought with us was Robert’s Rules of Order. (Arizona Public Interest Research Group) literally praised us and praised us for bringing order to the courtroom. Certain members and stakeholders run behind the General Counsel’s table and have a sidebar in the middle of the public meeting, and this is very unruly. So some changes had to be made to restore civility and restore order. I try to bring a little (humor) into the courtroom as well. And the feedback I received was very positive. From both water, electricity and gas utility companies and all stakeholders. It’s a gift. That’s not what Jim does. It is a gift from heaven and I apply it as generously as I can.
What do you want people to know about this committee?
This may sound like a strange answer, but I would use the word humility. Whether it’s the general public, a neighboring councilor or a stakeholder with an ax to grind. I want people to be more educated.
You talk a lot about your faith, but how do you apply that to your role as a public servant?
I start each day with a little dedication. Four years ago, when I myself was inaugurated, I had the pastor come down and bless the committee. That day, that meeting elected Leah Marquez Peterson as chair, and she called me and said, “I was so moved by the pastor’s words at the inauguration that I would like to resume prayer before the public meeting.” “But” he said. And for the past four years, all five members of our committee have taken turns praying each month. Back to the Bible. I don’t like chapters and verses. I thought it would be nice if I could do it, so I tried it, but it’s a thick book. So these words tell us that if we recognize God before our fellowmen, Jesus will also recognize us before the Father. That’s what keeps me going every day.
Why did you decide not to run for re-election to the Commission?
When Justin Olson called me and asked me to run as a write-in candidate over the 2020 faithful Memorial Day weekend, I had no intention of doing so. (2018). I think of it as God sometimes calling you to run but not win. He is preparing you for something else. My wife runs an intercessory prayer group. In fact, she ran a group three times a week and had everyone pray about whether or not I should run. I received a lot of encouragement to want to run again. And there was a sense of, “I’ve accomplished so much in my two years as president.” If I had four more, I could do a lot more. ”But there was always a part of me that wanted to be an example of passing the baton. I want to be a model for how to do it better, how to do it differently. But the words (my wife) received from the Lord were, “I will never run away again, the Lord has other plans for me.” So, whatever it is, I’m packed and definitely ready.
Do you know your next move or are you still thinking and praying about it?
both. As you can imagine, the prayer has been going on for quite some time, so I’m just waiting for a response. I’m just thinking about the unimaginable success that we’ve had at this particular point in my life and here at the Commission…I’m very hopeful that we can leave this in great hands. In fact, we are moving from a 4-1 Republican (majority) to a 5-0 Republican majority. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect by any means, but I’m very optimistic that I can maintain what I’ve gained over the past two years into at least the next two years and, God willing, beyond. So I made a lasting contribution, and I think I’m probably more able to contribute now than at any other time in my life because of this experience. That’s my goal.
Are you interested in running for public office again?
Let’s offer a different type of service.
What legacy do you hope to leave for the Corporation Commission and the state of Arizona?
If we honor God and are not ashamed to include Him in our activities, both public and private, He will listen to us and give us great power. He will give you favor. And the work that has been accomplished by this committee with everyone involved is, to me, an answer to prayer. Therefore, the inheritance will be his and not mine.
