Aragon mess proves that university president positions should not be political appointments

Manny Aragon is proving why university president positions should not be political appointments.

As one of the most powerful legislative leaders in state history, the political mastermind left the Senate a couple of years ago to take the job as president of New Mexico Highlands University. It’s been a disaster.

The professors don’t like him. He’s been at odds with the regents, who are attempting to fire him. And the Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday about his ties to former state Treasurer Robert Vigil, which in New Mexico today might be the kiss of death.

Some student leaders and the League of United Latin American Citizens have come to Aragon’s defense, with LULAC playing the race card.

“New Mexico needs… more Latinos in leadership positions that adequately reflect our demographics,” state LULAC Director Paul A. Martinez said. “We would take exception to anyone targeting our leadership and/or encroaching on our advancement as a community.”

This is why Gov. Bill Richardson shouldn’t play politics with presidential positions.

But that’s exactly what he did. He appoints the Highlands regents and orchestrated Aragon’s hiring. Now, as the regents try to fire Aragon, Richardson is silent.

The exact reasons for the termination aren’t known.

Apparently, Vigil solicited donations for the university’s “president’s fund” that Aragon controlled. Using treasurer’s letterhead, he sent eight letters to firms doing business with the state, asking them to give money to Aragon’s fund. You can read one of the letters via the Albuquerque Journal by clicking here.

During Vigil’s recent federal extortion trial, a treasurer’s employee testified that Vigil directed her to make calls on state time to ask companies that do business with the state to help pay for Aragon’s inauguration as president, the Journal reported.

The trial ended with a hung jury. A second trial is set for September.

The letter isn’t clear on which “president’s fund” Vigil was seeking donations for, but there were two: one Aragon used for university-related expenses, and another fund that paid for his inauguration.

That fund is one of the gripes the regents have with Aragon.

Sources say the FBI investigation that had led to the indictments of former state treasurers Vigil and Michael Montoya is now focused on other individuals, including Aragon.

What qualifications did Aragon have for the Highlands job? Well, it depends on your take, but he’s a lawyer and politico, not an educator.

At the same time, what politico wouldn’t want the job of a university president, when they’re paid so well these days? Aragon’s contract this year was for $165,000, plus a fat bonus.

Aragon is a powerful and brilliant politico. This one isn’t over yet.