TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: May 18, 1999

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

CORPORATION COMMISSION SELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN

In a special open meeting today, the Arizona Corporation Commission chose veteran Republican Commissioner Carl J. Kunasek to serve as its new chairman, replacing Commissioner Jim Irvin, who had served as Chairman since November 1997.

"I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to serve the people of this state and the employees of this agency," Kunasek said, noting that he is committed to bringing competition to both the electric and telephonic communications industries in Arizona.

Chairman Kunasek was elected to the Commission in 1994. His term will expire in January 2001.