Susana Martinez Insists That She and Other Politicians Have Not Influenced the State’s Management of
SANTA FE, N.M. - Governor Martinez’s reversal on a long-running proposal to depoliticize the State Investment Council comes amid new questions about the links between her re-election campaign and firms that manage state funds valued at some $22 billion. She made her stand in the face of a mutiny by some council members, including fellow Republicans, who have accused her of trying to stifle criticism.
Last week, New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn questioned whether politics has played a role in some of the state’s investments decisions.
The International Business Times, (collaboration with the nonprofit watchdog group MapLight), published a story saying people associated with eight firms that handled $757 million in state investments contributed more than $1.2 million to Martinez, her political action committees and national Republican organizations that have supported her. In a follow up story by MapLight days later, Dunn said(also a Republican “ I think we’re taking on extreme risk and not getting the return for that risk” also said, “ I am concerned that pay-to-play may be involved in those kinds of investments.”
The governor described the original story as “click bait.” Deputy Investment Officer Vince Smith called it unfair and devoid of facts.At one point, the governor went around the room asking investment managers if they felt any political pressure in their work. None said they had.
Susana Martinez vetoed the measure, writing that it did nothing to address the roles that two other elected officials play on the council. She was referring to commissioner and the state treasure.
On Tuesday, member Lynn Hoffman renewed calls for reform. Hoffman proposed eliminating the seats of the three elected officials on the council. She also called for barring any appointees who have accepted campaign contributions within a certain period, apparently a reference to former legislators.“I think we need to remove the taint of campaign contributions entirely,” Hoffman said.Martinez called on legislators to pass such a bill.
“The State land commissioner should absolutely have a place at the table, as should the state treasurer,” Dunn said in a statement later. “If the governor wants off, let her off.”This confrontation points to a conflict at the council’s heart. While some members have been publicly critical of the council’s efforts to recoup money from the pay-to-play scheme, others argue they are undermining the council’s work and should address their concerns internally.Dunn responded with a letter charging that the new code of conduct was only intended to hide more of the council’s business from the public. He said it is his authorized duty as land commissioner to serve on the council, and he threatened legal action if the members do not rescind their ban.
