Gov. Bill Richardson (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Gov. Bill Richardson plans to hold open office hours next week to meet with New Mexicans who want to discuss the state’s budget shortfall, but the meetings that have been announced are taking place only in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area.
Richardson will hold meetings Wednesday in Santa Fe and Friday in Albuquerque, according to a news release from his office. Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos did not immediately respond to an e-mail asking whether there will be any more meetings outside the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area.
The governor will grant five-minute meetings on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the news release. People must provide their driver’s licenses for background checks by the state police.
Wednesday’s meetings will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the governor’s office at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. People can start signing up at noon.
Friday’s meetings will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave. in Albuquerque, the release states.
Richardson and lawmakers are working to address a shortfall of about $433 million in the current fiscal year budget. Richardson has said he will call a special session in October. In the meantime, members of his staff have been holding closed-door meetings with a group of lawmakers to discuss proposals.