After I wrote Tuesday that the two candidates for the Public Regulation Commission District 5 seat weren’t happy with the secrecy surrounding the PRC’s hiring of a new insurance superintendent, another candidate wrote to put in her two cents.
Stephanie DuBois of Tularosa, the Democrat challenging District 2 Commissioner David King, wrote in an e-mail that “government works better when you let the sun shine in.”
DuBois, Democrat Sandy Jones and Republican Earl Greer were all upset that the PRC kept secret the names of finalists and the salary being offered until the day before it announced that Chavez had been hired.
After the PRC announced Tuesday that it had selected Morris Chavez for the job, DuBois sent a second e-mail today decrying his selection.
“I am more than disappointed in their choice,” she wrote. “… We can’t seem to find anyone for these high-paying positions that doesn’t have a DWI or some conflict of interest. There are many people out there with the same or better qualifications that have never even been charged with anything. I don’t think the ethics task force is really going to make a difference. You can’t mandate morals.”
Chavez was charged with drunken driving in 2003, but the charge was dismissed because a prosecution witness didn’t show up for court, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Chavez’s brother owns an insurance firm, but he said he will recuse himself from any matters involving his brother.
Chavez said he was open with the PRC about the drunken driving charge and said he takes responsibility and regrets his actions, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Chavez, according to the Journal, will be paid $91,500 per year. He is also the state’s gaming representative, a position to which he was appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson.