Susana Martinez (left, courtesy photo) and Diane Denish (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Diane Denish says scandal that has plagued the New Mexico Land Office demonstrates the need for an ethics commission, while Republican Susana Martinez says she would push increased transparency to address issues like those that have dogged the land office.
Denish also said she would “support a thorough review of the procurement and contract exceptions available to the office of the land commissioner” and would consider signing legislation aimed specifically at the land office.
Martinez didn’t indicate whether she would support reforms designed specifically for the land office.
The Land Office has been dogged by controversy in recent years, with much of it surrounding development leases, especially one in Las Cruces involving a developer whose campaign contributions aided the land commissioner.
The attorney general has found fault with a development lease the land office entered into with that developer. The state auditor is currently conducting a special audit of the land office. Three Las Cruces lawmakers have proposed reforms they say are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the land office and reforming the development lease process. One of those bills has been approved.
Additional reform bills could come to the desk of the next governor. So I asked both candidates if they believe reform is needed in the land office and, if so, what reforms they would advocate for and support as governor.
Here are their responses:
Diane Denish
“It is important to note that the Land Office has been dogged by controversy during the term of the current, independently elected land commissioner who has chosen to disregard the due diligence practices of former commissioners and the guidance of the attorney general.
“Historically, land commissioners have put the children of New Mexico first and managed our state lands to the benefit of all New Mexicans. The current situation illustrates the urgent need for broad ethics reform. This is exactly why we need an independent ethics commission to oversee, investigate and recommend prosecution when elected or appointed officials cross the line.
“With regard to increasing accountability and transparency of the State Land Office, it is critically important for the public to be informed on how their land and money are being managed. As governor, I would support a thorough review of the procurement and contract exceptions available to the office of the land commissioner and would give full consideration to signing reform legislation that provides increased accountability and transparency while still allowing the land commissioner to negotiate in the best interest of the state.”
Susana Martinez
“In all areas of state government, we must have ethical, open and transparent leadership starting from the top down. This not only includes the Office of the Governor, but also the constitutional offices, such as the land commissioner.
“First, we must have transparency in all dealings involving public resources. If we do not have transparency, we end up facing situations where the integrity of the office may come into question. The doors should be wide open, so the taxpayers can see what is happening with state lands, as well as with their children’s educational funds. Second, we must have a transparent, efficient and effective system for reporting campaign contributions. We must move toward real-time reporting, so the public can see who is contributing to all political campaigns.
“I have put forward a bold plan that will achieve these goals by increasing transparency, reporting and accountability in state government, changing the way business is done and putting power back in the hands of the people.”