As part of Arizona PBS’ ongoing “AZ Votes 2026” election coverage initiative, a series titled “Candidates in Conversation,” we were joined by the two candidates running for Arizona State Mine Inspector.
The office of Arizona State Mine Inspector is in charge of inspecting active mines, enforcing safety operations, ensuring safety for miners and more.
Incumbent Les Presmyk (R) and Brian Matlock (D) joined us to discuss future policies and their goals should they win their seat.
Matlock said part of his decision to run for the position stems from what he see as an outdated office and administrative system saying it was “woefully behind the times.” He pointed specifically to the office’s administrative code, saying it can be difficult to navigate and understand.
Presmyk acknowledged there are challenges with the code but said his office is already working to update it.
“There is a lot of stuff in here. The formatting, the wording, we just need to update it, and we are already working on that,” Presmyk said.
Both candidates said the office needs to modernize its operations. Presmyk suggested moving more processes online, including the MSHA Form 5000-23, which is required for every person who works in a mine.
Matlock said his industrial background is one of the factors that distinguishes his from the incumbent. He also emphasize the important of transparency and establishing clear policies and procedures within the office.
“One of the things that I would bring to the mine inspector’s office is that type of a quality system,” Matlock said. “So we’d have documented policies and procedures… those policies and procedures would be posted online.”
Presmyk said the role of the state mine inspector is to monitor and protect the safety of miners, the public and the environment. He said that during his time in office, he and his inspectors have spent significant time educating people who work in and around mines about Mine Safety and Health Administration violations and why they can pose risks.
Matlock said he would approach the role as more of a partnership between the mine inspector’s office and mining operations rather than primarily as an educational role.
“When I say it’s a partner, is that we’re an extension of the safety programs that they already have at the mine sites,” Matlock said. “Most of the mine sites I’ve gone to have a pretty good safety program, so it’s a matter of being the other set of eyes looking over the shoulders.”
The candidates offered different perspectives on how the office could modernize while continuing to prioritize mine safety, transparency and communication with mining operations.
