The think tank that succeeded in getting three constitutional
amendments seeking to reform the New Mexico Public Regulation
Commission on Tuesday's ballot said there was a recent example
of why changes are necessary. Think New Mexico Field Director
Jason Espinoza pointed to what he said was a conflict of
interest when PRC Commissioner Ben Hall, R-Ruidoso, voted on a
rate increase sought by the privately owned ambulance provider
in Doña Ana County.  "There's definitely a conflict of interest
in him voting for a rate hike, or not approving a rate hike,
with his granddaughter working there," Espinoza said Thursday.
During an Oct. 23 PRC discussion on how American Medical
Response ambulance employees are paid, Hall challenged the
company's accounting and tax-reporting practices. He said he had
a pay stub from one of the employees.  "My granddaughter works
for them," Hall stated during the meeting. "I can tell you
because I know. I know what they do and she is paid on an hourly
rate, not a salary."  Think New Mex