Here’s how NM can create a more open and ethical Legislature
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We need change. That is the one thing everyone agrees on. An independent commission seems to be the best way to achieve that without spending decades doing so. Continue Reading
Recent legislative session casts shadow on Sunshine Week
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When officials resist reforms that would empower citizens with information about our government, we all suffer. Continue Reading
‘We, the undersigned…’ an opportunity to provoke change
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This petition would help force lawmakers to address ethics reform before voters decide whether to re-elect them in June and November. Continue Reading
Martinez slams lawmakers for ‘pork’ spending and killing reform
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“It is frustrating and disappointing to watch how the Legislature squanders critical infrastructure funding,” Gov. Susana Martinez wrote in a strongly worded message to lawmakers. Continue Reading
Ethics reform would encourage the best in us, improve NM
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Our system discourages ethical behavior. We need to pay state legislators and embrace reforms to increase transparency and accountability. Continue Reading
Ethics, standards and accountability are not rocket science
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With the entire N.M. Legislature up for election this year, the people of New Mexico have an opportunity to change the rules between games. Continue Reading
Ethics, campaign-reform wins in legislative session weren’t enough
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New Mexicans have had enough and they were looking to the Legislature to ensure transparency and accountability in government. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen in 2016. Continue Reading
The charade is over; it’s time to create an ethics commission
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Some members of the Senate Rules Committee want to make it look like they’re trying to create an ethics commission while they actually stand in its way. Continue Reading
NM could be the model for open and honest government
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There is no legitimate agenda for state government that does not move forward on the day that politicians and public servants find themselves honestly and transparently accountable to meaningful standards of conduct and competence within their public service. Continue Reading
Ethics commission’s death reveals why many people have given up
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COMMENTARY: “Secrecy does breed suspicion,” and the deeply corrupt system that exists in our state is one of the reasons why my people — no, scratch that — why a lot of people choose to opt-out of participating in civic life. Continue Reading
Relatively productive, cooperative session comes to an end
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For a 30-day session — one during which shifting economic forecasts necessitated a rewrite of the fiscal year 2017 budget — the session of the New Mexico Legislature that ended Thursday was arguably productive. From driver’s licenses to the state’s finances, Democrats and Republicans worked together to find compromise. Continue Reading
Ivey-Soto on defense over ethics commission criticism
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Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, said Wednesday he is getting a bum rap over this week’s sudden death of a proposed amendment to the N.M. Constitution to create a state ethics commission. Continue Reading
Readers mourn the death, once again, of ethics commission bill
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Many New Mexicans are upset that a proposal to create a state ethics commission has met its death once again in the Senate Rules Committee. Continue Reading
Bill would forbid campaign spending on mani-pedis and medical costs
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The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nora Espinoza, who is running for secretary of state, would prohibit expenditures to defray “normal living expenses” for the candidate and his or her family members. Continue Reading
With Senate committee about to make it ‘toothless,’ Dines withdraws ethics commission bill
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Once again, the state Senate has confirmed its status as the graveyard for ethics legislation. Continue Reading