Expertise Over Special Interests
Jonathon Hill has many titles - scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, leader, and a proud Arizona native who was born in Kingman and raised in Phoenix. One title he has never held? Politician.
Why Vote 'Yes' for Jonathon Hill
Jonathon brings a unique perspective to the Commission, drawing from an unconventional yet highly relevant background. He is neither a politician nor a businessman—he is a scientist, an engineer, and a proud Arizonan. Jonathon has spent the past 18 years at Arizona State University, working on several NASA space missions focused on Mars, Jupiter, and asteroids. He has earned a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences, both from ASU.
Jonathon’s extensive engineering experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges facing our power generation and water distribution infrastructure. His expertise in geology is particularly valuable for addressing groundwater management issues, especially in rural communities where it is crucial.
We need someone on the Commission capable of asking the tough, technical questions when utility companies request rate increases. Jonathon’s goal is to leverage his engineering and scientific expertise to advocate for you, ensuring that hardworking Arizonans are protected from unnecessary and excessive rate hikes.
Jonathon's Priorities
ISSUE
POSITION
EXPERIENCE
Energy Affordability
We have plenty of sunshine and, in the north of the state, plenty of wind. Jonathon will focus on utilizing these resources to meet our energy needs so we can keep our money and jobs in Arizona. This transition has already started and will take time, but we must continue to build on the progress we’ve already made while maintaining the reliability and security of our grid.
Jonathon’s technical background means not only does he understand how the grid works now — he knows how it can do better. As a professional aerospace engineer and geologist, he can offer expert insight into infrastructure and resource management to maximize efficiency, making sure that Arizonans don’t have to sacrifice reliable utilities for affordability.
Climate Resiliency
Jonathon is committed to implementing clean energy policies that will benefit Arizona's environment and economy.
Jonathon is a scientist, not a politician. He earned four degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Geology, and Russian, and all of his schooling has proved to him that we cannot neglect the ongoing climate crisis. Arizona needs a Corporation Commission that prioritizes both a science-backed transition to climate resilient practices and the protection of our economy.
Solar Industry Jobs
Arizona offers many opportunities for solar energy generation, both utility-scale power plants and home-based panels. We should support this emerging industry, which generates power and creates jobs here in Arizona, rather than sending our money to other states.
As an engineer for ASU and NASA, Jonathon believes Arizona needs to take advantage of the rapidly growing solar industry to move toward energy independence and security. His past work with solar power on aerospace missions qualifies him to help lead our state through a reliable, economically just shift toward greater use of solar energy
Innovation in Energy Sector
Jonathon will leverage his deep understanding of technological innovation to propel Arizona’s energy sector forward. His vision includes fostering the development and adoption of new technologies that enhance sustainability, improve efficiency, and create economic opportunities. By supporting advancements in renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grid systems, Jonathon aims to ensure that Arizona remains at the forefront of the global energy landscape, driving progress and resilience for the future.
Jonathon’s experience as an engineer offers a proven track record of scientific innovation and technological expertise. For 18 years, Jonathon has worked at the ASU Mars Space Flight Facility, participating in NASA's Mars Odyssey project, the University of Arizona's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission, NASA's Clipper mission to Europa, and the Lucy mission to the Trojan asteroids.
Cybersecurity
Public utilities are increasingly being attacked by amateur and professional hackers, which puts the public at risk of major service disruptions, something that could be deadly during the summer.
His time working on NASA missions has made Jonathon very familiar with cybersecurity requirements and best-practices, since those missions are high-priority targets for the same hackers that have turned their focus to utility companies in recent years. Jonathon wants to take that experience and the lessons learned at NASA to ensure our utility companies are implementing similar cybersecurity precautions to protect Arizona from utility disruptions.
Groundwater
The Corporation Commission regulates over 350 water companies across Arizona, many of which rely completely on groundwater to serve their customers. The Commission needs to carefully balance the desire of those companies to expand their customer base with the need to properly manage our desert aquifers.
With a PhD in Geological Sciences, Jonathon knows how groundwater aquifers change over time and can read the geologic maps to understand the unique properties of each aquifer throughout the state and make good management decisions based on the geology of each individual region.
I AM RUNNING AS A 'CLEAN ELECTIONS' CANDIDATE
What's a 'Clean Elections' Candidate?
As a Clean Funding Candidate, I am committed to transparent, ethical, and environmentally responsible funding practices. I am not taking donations from special interests or entities that could influence my policy decisions. Instead, I am focusing on the support of everyday Arizonans like you. By prioritizing clean funding, my campaign is driven by a genuine dedication to public service and environmental stewardship, ensuring that trust and integrity remain at the core of my work.
The state of Arizona has verified that I have not accepted donations from any special interest groups or corporations that could unfairly influence my policy decisions.
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