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{{short description|American politician}}
{{For|the English former football goalkeeper|Gary Pierce (footballer)}}
{{For|those of a similar name|Gary Pierce (footballer)|Gary Pearce (disambiguation)}}
⚫
'''Gary Pierce''' (born c. 1952) is a member of the [[Arizona Corporation Commission]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcc.gov/commissioners/pierce/|title=''Pierce Member of Arizona Corporation Commission''|publisher=azcc.gov|accessdate=2010-11-30}}</ref> and a former member of the [[Arizona House of Representatives]]. Mr. Pierce was elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cc.state.az.us/commissioners/pierce/default.asp|title=''Arizona Commissioners''|publisher=cc.state.az.us|accessdate=2010-11-30}}</ref>
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
⚫
| name = Gary Pierce
| honorific-suffix =
| image = Gary Pierce by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption = Pierce in 2013
⚫
| alt =
| state_house = Arizona
|birth_date = {{birth year and age|1952}}
|birth_place =[[Illinois]], U.S.
|alma_mater = [[Arizona State University]]
| office = [[Arizona Corporation Commission]]er
| term_start = 2006
| term_end = 2015
| predecessor =
| successor =
| prior_term =
⚫
}}

⚫
'''Gary L. Pierce''' (born c. 1952) is a former [[Arizona Corporation Commission]]er<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcc.gov/commissioners/pierce/|title=''Pierce Member of Arizona Corporation Commission''|publisher=azcc.gov|accessdate=2010-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116152904/https://www.azcc.gov/commissioners/pierce/|archive-date=2018-11-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a former member of the [[Arizona House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cc.state.az.us/commissioners/pierce/default.asp|title=''Arizona Commissioners''|publisher=cc.state.az.us|accessdate=2010-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331044250/http://www.cc.state.az.us/commissioners/pierce/default.asp|archive-date=2014-03-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Political career==
In the House of Representatives, Mr. Pierce served as the [[Majority Whip]] (2005–2006). He is a member of the Rules, Environment, and Federal Mandates and Property Rights committees. He had previously served on the [[Judiciary Committee]] and others.
In the House of Representatives, Mr. Pierce served as the [[Majority Whip]] (2005–2006). He was a member of the Rules, Environment, and Federal Mandates and Property Rights committees. He had previously served on the [[United States House Committee on the Judiciary|Judiciary Committee]] and others.


Prior to his election to the Legislature he was twice elected to the [[Yuma County, Arizona|Yuma County]] [[Board of Supervisors]].
Prior to his election to the Legislature he was twice elected to the [[Yuma County, Arizona|Yuma County]] [[Board of Supervisors]].


The Maricopa (County) Association of Government's awarded the Honorable Gary Pierce (R-[[Mesa, Arizona]]) the coveted ''Peak Award'' (Summit Award) in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/DP04Program-web58669.pdf|title=''Pierce Wins Peak Award''|publisher=mag.maricopa.gov|accessdate=2010-11-30}}</ref> In their citation they state "Representative Gary Pierce was instrumental in guiding the $15.8 billion Regional Transportation Plan through the legislative process. He sponsored House Bill 2292, which laid the framework for the planning process and formalized the Transportation Policy Committee in state law. To help legislators keep abreast of developments, Representative Pierce created the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on the Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan, a bicameral, bipartisan committee made up of lawmakers interested in transportation issues. His leadership helped advance House Bill 2456, calling for a continuation of the half-cent sales tax for transportation, after it stalled in a Senate subcommittee. His efforts are credited with the ultimate approval by the legislature of an election that will allow voters to decide their transportation future."
The Maricopa (County) Association of Government's awarded Gary Pierce (R-[[Mesa, Arizona]]) the coveted ''Peak Award'' (Summit Award) in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/DP04Program-web58669.pdf|title=''Pierce Wins Peak Award''|publisher=mag.maricopa.gov|accessdate=2010-11-30|archive-date=2010-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602134009/http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/DP04Program-web58669.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In their citation they state "Representative Gary Pierce was instrumental in guiding the $15.8 billion Regional Transportation Plan through the legislative process. He sponsored House Bill 2292, which laid the framework for the planning process and formalized the Transportation Policy Committee in state law. To help legislators keep abreast of developments, Representative Pierce created the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on the Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan, a bicameral, bipartisan committee made up of lawmakers interested in transportation issues. His leadership helped advance House Bill 2456, calling for a continuation of the half-cent sales tax for transportation, after it stalled in a Senate subcommittee. His efforts are credited with the ultimate approval by the legislature of an election that will allow voters to decide their transportation future."


His record of public service includes serving on the Governor's Commission on National and Community Service from 1994 to 1997 and on the [[Arizona Housing Commission]] in 1996 and 1997. He also served on the [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]] Planning and Zoning Commission and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation Advisory Board. In Yuma, he served two years on the City Board of Adjustment.
His record of public service includes serving on the Governor's Commission on National and Community Service from 1994 to 1997 and on the [[Arizona Housing Commission]] in 1996 and 1997. He also served on the [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]] Planning and Zoning Commission and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation Advisory Board. In Yuma, he served two years on the City Board of Adjustment.


The Arizona [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] unanimously selected Gary Pierce as a candidate for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). He replaced ACC candidate Marc Spitzer who withdrew when he was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (July 2006).
The Arizona [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] unanimously selected Gary Pierce as a candidate for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). He replaced ACC candidate Marc Spitzer who withdrew when he was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (July 2006).

==Legal Issues==

In 2015 the FBI opened a long-term investigation related to the financing of certain statewide races in the 2014 election cycle that allegedly influenced the regulators who decide how much consumers will pay for power. This investigation specifically centered around alleged so-called "dark money" campaign contributions from the utility company Arizona Public Service's (APS) in the 2014 Corporation Commission race. Pierce was interviewed by the FBI in the course of this investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/06/10/fbi-interviews-former-corp-comm-chairman-corp-comm-staff-in-2014-election-probe/|title=FBI interviews former Corp Comm chairman, Corp Comm staff in 2014 election probe|first=Luige del|last=Puerto|date=10 June 2016|publisher=}}</ref>

On May 25, 2017 Gary Pierce and his wife Sherry were indicted in federal court on felony conspiracy, bribery, mail fraud and five counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleged that Pierce, his wife and utility owner George Johnson conspired to have Johnson pay the Pierce couple by channeling the money through longtime Capitol lobbyist Jim Norton, who at times lobbied on Johnson's behalf, and an "unindicted coconspirator" in exchange for Pierce's votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2017/05/25/ex-corporation-commissioner-gary-pierce-lobbyist-jim-norton-george-johnson-indicted/|title=Ex-Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, lobbyist Jim Norton indicted|first=Rachel Leingang and Hank|last=Stephenson|date=25 May 2017|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/05/25/utilities-george-johnson-former-corporation-commissioner-pierce-indicted-conspiracy-fraud-charges/347500001/|title=Utility owner, ex-regulator, lobbyist indicted on bribery, fraud charges|website=azcentral}}</ref>

On July 17, 2018, a federal judge declared a mistrial in the Pierce's case after the jury informed the judge that it was deadlocked.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2018/07/17/arizona-ghost-lobby-gary-pierce-sherry-pierce-jim-norton-george-johnson-kelly-norton-bribery-trial-ends-in-mistrial-deadlocked-jury/|title=Bribery trial ends with deadlocked jury|first=Katie|last=Campbell|date=17 July 2018|publisher=}}</ref> A majority of the jurors believed the Pierces were innocent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2018/07/17/arizona-ghost-lobby-gary-pierce-sherry-pierce-jim-norton-george-johnson-kelly-norton-taryn-jeffries-majority-of-jurors-in-bribery-trial-voted-for-acquittal/|title=Majority of jurors in bribery trial voted for acquittal|first=Katie|last=Campbell|date=17 July 2018|publisher=}}</ref> On August 7, 2018, the government announced it would not seek a retrial and instead moved to dismiss the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2018/08/07/arizona-ghost-lobby-gary-pierce-sherry-pierce-jim-norton-george-johnson-utility-bribery-case-dismissed/|title=Utility bribery case dismissed|first=Katie|last=Campbell|date=8 August 2018|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2018/08/09/arizona-ghost-lobby-high-grid-gary-pierce-sherry-pierce-jim-norton-george-johnson-bribery-case-ruins-careers-leaves-question-of-larger-probe/|title=Bribery case ruins careers, leaves question of larger probe|first=Katie|last=Campbell|date=10 August 2018|publisher=}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Gary was born in [[Illinois]] and moved to [[Mesa, Arizona]] with his family in 1960. He attended Emerson, Lincoln, Mesa Junior and [[Mesa High School (Mesa, Arizona)|Mesa High School]], graduating in 1970. A track scholarship provided an education at [[Mesa Community College]] where he graduated in 1972. Moving on to [[Arizona State University]], he graduated in 1974 with a Bachelors Degree in Education.
Gary was born in [[Illinois]] and moved to [[Mesa, Arizona]] with his family in 1960. He attended Emerson, Lincoln, Mesa Junior and [[Mesa High School (Mesa, Arizona)|Mesa High School]], graduating in 1970. A track scholarship provided an education at [[Mesa Community College]] where he graduated in 1972. Moving on to [[Arizona State University]], he graduated in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Education.


For three years Pierce taught at Taft Elementary School in Mesa. A career in the automobile business followed his teaching experience, which culminated as a [[Honda]] and [[Nissan]] new car dealer in [[Yuma, Arizona]]. Concurrently with his new automobile dealerships, Gary owned a [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] gas station and [[Budget Rent-A-Car]] franchise. Upon selling his businesses he become involved in local politics.
For three years Pierce taught at Taft Elementary School in Mesa. A career in the automobile business followed his teaching experience, which culminated as a [[Honda]] and [[Nissan]] new car dealer in [[Yuma, Arizona]]. Concurrently with his new automobile dealerships, Gary owned a [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] gas station and [[Budget Rent-A-Car]] franchise. Upon selling his businesses he became involved in local politics.


Gary is married to Sherry (Moore), a Mesa, Arizona native, since 1973. They have four sons.
Gary is married to Sherry (Moore), a Mesa, Arizona native, since 1973. They have four sons. He is a member of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zelph.blogspot.com/2004_07_01_archive.html|title=ZelphBlog: July 2004|publisher=}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.cc.state.az.us/commissioners/pierce/default.asp]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140331044250/http://www.cc.state.az.us/commissioners/pierce/default.asp]
*[http://www.azleg.state.az.us Arizona legislature]
*[http://www.azleg.state.az.us Arizona legislature]
*[http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/detail.cms?item=3704 Maricopa County]
*[http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/detail.cms?item=3704 Maricopa County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627214233/http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/detail.cms?item=3704 |date=2006-06-27 }}
*[http://garypierce.com Gary Pierce of Reno, NV]


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
⚫
| NAME = Pierce, Gary
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American politician
⚫
| DATE OF BIRTH =
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
⚫
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pierce, Gary}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pierce, Gary}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Arizona House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the Arizona House of Representatives]]
[[Category:People from Mesa, Arizona]]
[[Category:Politicians from Mesa, Arizona]]
[[Category:1950s births]]
[[Category:1950s births]]
[[Category:Mesa High School alumni]]

Revision as of 08:16, 21 May 2024

For those of a similar name, see Gary Pierce (footballer) and Gary Pearce (disambiguation).
Gary Pierce
Pierce in 2013
Arizona Corporation Commissioner
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives
In office
2006–2015
Personal details
Born1952 (age 72–73)
Illinois, U.S.
Alma materArizona State University

Gary L. Pierce (born c. 1952) is a former Arizona Corporation Commissioner[1] and a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives.[2]

Political career

In the House of Representatives, Mr. Pierce served as the Majority Whip (2005–2006). He was a member of the Rules, Environment, and Federal Mandates and Property Rights committees. He had previously served on the Judiciary Committee and others.

Prior to his election to the Legislature he was twice elected to the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.

The Maricopa (County) Association of Government's awarded Gary Pierce (R-Mesa, Arizona) the coveted Peak Award (Summit Award) in 2004.[3] In their citation they state "Representative Gary Pierce was instrumental in guiding the $15.8 billion Regional Transportation Plan through the legislative process. He sponsored House Bill 2292, which laid the framework for the planning process and formalized the Transportation Policy Committee in state law. To help legislators keep abreast of developments, Representative Pierce created the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on the Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan, a bicameral, bipartisan committee made up of lawmakers interested in transportation issues. His leadership helped advance House Bill 2456, calling for a continuation of the half-cent sales tax for transportation, after it stalled in a Senate subcommittee. His efforts are credited with the ultimate approval by the legislature of an election that will allow voters to decide their transportation future."

His record of public service includes serving on the Governor's Commission on National and Community Service from 1994 to 1997 and on the Arizona Housing Commission in 1996 and 1997. He also served on the Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation Advisory Board. In Yuma, he served two years on the City Board of Adjustment.

The Arizona Republican Party unanimously selected Gary Pierce as a candidate for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). He replaced ACC candidate Marc Spitzer who withdrew when he was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (July 2006).

In 2015 the FBI opened a long-term investigation related to the financing of certain statewide races in the 2014 election cycle that allegedly influenced the regulators who decide how much consumers will pay for power. This investigation specifically centered around alleged so-called "dark money" campaign contributions from the utility company Arizona Public Service's (APS) in the 2014 Corporation Commission race. Pierce was interviewed by the FBI in the course of this investigation.[4]

On May 25, 2017 Gary Pierce and his wife Sherry were indicted in federal court on felony conspiracy, bribery, mail fraud and five counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleged that Pierce, his wife and utility owner George Johnson conspired to have Johnson pay the Pierce couple by channeling the money through longtime Capitol lobbyist Jim Norton, who at times lobbied on Johnson's behalf, and an "unindicted coconspirator" in exchange for Pierce's votes.[5][6]

On July 17, 2018, a federal judge declared a mistrial in the Pierce's case after the jury informed the judge that it was deadlocked.[7] A majority of the jurors believed the Pierces were innocent.[8] On August 7, 2018, the government announced it would not seek a retrial and instead moved to dismiss the case.[9][10]

Personal life

Gary was born in Illinois and moved to Mesa, Arizona with his family in 1960. He attended Emerson, Lincoln, Mesa Junior and Mesa High School, graduating in 1970. A track scholarship provided an education at Mesa Community College where he graduated in 1972. Moving on to Arizona State University, he graduated in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Education.

For three years Pierce taught at Taft Elementary School in Mesa. A career in the automobile business followed his teaching experience, which culminated as a Honda and Nissan new car dealer in Yuma, Arizona. Concurrently with his new automobile dealerships, Gary owned a Shell gas station and Budget Rent-A-Car franchise. Upon selling his businesses he became involved in local politics.

Gary is married to Sherry (Moore), a Mesa, Arizona native, since 1973. They have four sons. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Pierce Member of Arizona Corporation Commission". azcc.gov. Archived from the original on 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2010-11-30.
  2. ^ "Arizona Commissioners". cc.state.az.us. Archived from the original on 2014-03-31. Retrieved 2010-11-30.
  3. ^ "Pierce Wins Peak Award" (PDF). mag.maricopa.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-02. Retrieved 2010-11-30.
  4. ^ Puerto, Luige del (10 June 2016). "FBI interviews former Corp Comm chairman, Corp Comm staff in 2014 election probe".
  5. ^ Stephenson, Rachel Leingang and Hank (25 May 2017). "Ex-Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, lobbyist Jim Norton indicted".
  6. ^ "Utility owner, ex-regulator, lobbyist indicted on bribery, fraud charges". azcentral.
  7. ^ Campbell, Katie (17 July 2018). "Bribery trial ends with deadlocked jury".
  8. ^ Campbell, Katie (17 July 2018). "Majority of jurors in bribery trial voted for acquittal".
  9. ^ Campbell, Katie (8 August 2018). "Utility bribery case dismissed".
  10. ^ Campbell, Katie (10 August 2018). "Bribery case ruins careers, leaves question of larger probe".
  11. ^ "ZelphBlog: July 2004".
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