Arizona Commissioner Resigns From Office Amid Conflict of Interest Investigation

Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Susan Bitter Smith resigned after filing a response to Attorney General Mark Brnovich's (R) petition to remove her from the ACC position for conflict of interest (see 1512010060). The ACC has "important work" ahead of it, which is why Bitter Smith said she is concerned the AG's petition will create distractions from the commission's duties, the chairwoman said during a news conference announcing her resignation Thursday. Bitter Smith's resignation is effective Jan. 4. The AG alleged in the petition to the state Supreme Court that Bitter Smith is a registered lobbyist and executive for Southwest Cable Communications Association, an association of cable companies regulated by the ACC, so she's ineligible to hold office.