Having watched her grow and flourish, I can wholeheartedly recommend Valerie Espinoza for the PRC.

On June 5, voters will choose a new commissioner for our troubled Public Regulation Commission. I believe one individual’s integrity and track record makes her the standout candidate.

When I had the honor to serve as New Mexico’s secretary of state, Valerie Espinoza was an up-and-coming young clerk who rose to become a department head. She went on to earn two college degrees while raising a daughter. Serious and hardworking, she later became a top LANL administrator during a successful 20-year career.

As Santa Fe County clerk, her dedication, openness and integrity were rewarded with an amazing 83 percent re-election vote. Transparency and professionalism have increased under Valerie, who has gained statewide respect for her honesty, hard work and problem-solving skills. She’s a recipient of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Prevention Awareness Award and two-time nominee for “Woman of the Year” by the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women.

Today, an agency like the PRC needs a serious, experienced public official – someone who has been tested and consistently shown to demonstrate responsibility, good judgment, and ethical conduct.

Having watched her grow and flourish, I can wholeheartedly recommend Valerie Espinoza for the PRC.

Hooper-Garcia, a Democrat, was secretary of state from 1979-1982.