IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/28/06 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

 

            SILVER CITY- Associated Students of Western New Mexico University President Victor Carbajal recently completed an internship with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission working with Commissioner E. Shirley Baca, who represents all of Southern New Mexico.

            The NMPRC regulates the utilities, telecommunications, motor carriers and insurance industries in the state.

            Carbajal, a Spanish major with a minor in political science, left for the paid internship in Santa Fe, N.M. on May 28 and returned to Silver City on Aug. 4. 

            “After a few weeks on the job, I was assigned cases to review. One of the cases was the rate increase for PNM and my task was to prove to Commissioner Baca why the company should get that rate increase by conducting a lot of research and reviewing the case with her,” Carbajal said.

He also attended the regular work sessions and formal meetings of the PRC. In addition, Carbajal drafted a couple of resolutions for the commissioner, including one resolution which was proposed to the PRC commission.

            Carbajal also had the opportunity to work with state legislators on a daily basis, the New Mexico Association of Counties, and various departments of the PRC including the Chief of Staff. 

            Commissioner Baca was impressed with Carbajal’s work ethic and accomplishments while serving as an intern with the PRC this summer. 

“Victor has been one of the finest interns that the PRC has ever had the opportunity to work with. He was an exceptional employee and helped me out a great deal,” Commissioner Baca stated. “These internships are a great experience for students who are interested in law or public policies. Students receive a better understanding of how state politics work and it is a very unique experience.”

Carbajal enjoyed his time as an intern with the PRC and says he learned some very useful information and methods that will help him in the future. 

“I have seen how state politics works and I know that I would like to run ASWNMU the way the state politicians work and run their sessions. This was a great experience which I learned a lot from and I think it made me a better leader,” said Carbajal.

Carbajal, a senior who plans to graduate in May, says this experience has bolstered his thoughts of pursuing a career in politics.

 “In the future I would like to go into politics of some sort. Hopefully one day I can be a legislator myself.”

            For further information, please contact Carbajal at 538-6377.

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PHOTO CAPTION—Pictured is Associated Students of Western New Mexico University President Victor Carbajal, left, with the Chairman of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Ben R. Lujan as they review NM State Statutes.  Carbajal served as an intern for the NMPRC this summer.

(WNMU Photo)

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