New Mexico State Treasurer James B. Lewis (Photo: Peter St. Cyr)
While legislators met in special session at the state’s capitol on Saturday afternoon, State Treasurer James B. Lewis was in Albuquerque announcing his re-election bid for a second consecutive term and third overall.
Invoking President John F. Kennedy’s call to service, Lewis told supporters at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that he believes it is his duty and responsibility to seek re election during “these turbulent times in this state, country and the world.”
“I must continue the journey of restoring honesty and integrity in the office of the treasury,” Lewis said.
During his announcement speech Lewis outlined some of the initiatives he has undertaken the last four years, including implementing and reconciling the state’s news accounting system, called SHARE. After reviewing state investment policies, Lewis said he’s focused on focused on safety, liquidity and yield for state investments, and enhanced the investment policies in his office.
No one has announced plans to run next year against Lewis, a Democrat.
Prior to his current term, Lewis was chief administrative officer for the City of Albuquerque and also held other city, state and county administrative jobs, including serving as chief of staff to former Gov. Bruce King.
Lewis was appointed treasurer by Gov. Toney Anaya in 1985. He subsequently won election and served as treasurer from 1987-1990. He was once again elected to the job in 2006 following the scandal in the treasurer’s office that led to former treasurers Michael Montoya and Robert Vigil serving time in prison.
A native New Mexican, Lewis, a U.S. Army veteran, holds undergraduate degrees in education and business administration and a master’s degree in public administration.
St. Cyr is a contributing writer for this site and an Albuquerque radio reporter. He can be reached at peter.stcyr@gmail.com. By way of disclosure, St. Cyr has been a paid subcontractor for Lewis’ communications consultant, Joan Griffin, but worked on publicity contracts that have nothing to do with any candidate’s campaign.