Dear Commissioners,
I'm writing to urge you not to appoint Rep. Moe Maestas to the NM Senate.
This article in the Santa Fe New Mexican today explains the conflict of interest which should disqualify him, as his wife is a lobbyist.
But the article fails to mention
Alarid's role as lobbyist for the Santolina project which may not directly implicate Maestas' responsibilities in the Legislature, but it demonstrates how deeply enmeshed this couple is in New Mexico politics. Whose interest does Rep. Maestas represent --- the people of New Mexico or his wife's business interests?
New Mexico needs to turn the corner on the pervasive corruption (appearance and in fact) that has permeated our state politics for so long.
Please don't appoint Rep. Maestas to the NM Senate.
Sincerely,
Lora A. Lucero
PO Box 7638
Albuquerque, NM 87194
505-453-3938
Here is what my family and I are planning to send:
Dear Commissioners,
On behalf of my family, neighbors and myself, we are writing to express our wishes that you support the appointment of an uncompromised community member to replace outgoing westside Senator Jacob Candelaria and not long-time politico Representative Antonio Moe Maestas to this open seat. Use this opportunity to give a chance to someone who does not have the luxury of political connections. Mr. Maestas is welcome to run in 2024 like anyone else in his position. We have always wondered how it's possible that NM legislators like Mr. Maestas are allowed to continue their political ascent despite being extremely compromised through conflicts of interest; and in his case; being married to one of the most successful lobbyists in New Mexico and not recusing himself from votes on bills for which she is lobbying.
In addition to today's article (Santa Fe New Mexican:
"
Don't Advance a Legislator Who's Married to a Lobbyist"), there are multiple news pieces over the years that have discussed this conflict, his spouse's profit-based work with the legislature, and his refusal to recuse from her bills. When a legislator is married to a lobbyist and is not disclosing that obvious conflict or disengaging from votes on their bills, we are obviously left to wonder who they actually represent -- and who among our elected officials will put a stop to this? You have that opportunity now.
New Mexico residents have dealt with old school politics, quid pro quo, and worse, for far too long. Our family asks that, as our elected commissioners, you thoroughly research the applicants for this new open seat, their work, their history, and their conflicts of interest before supporting them with your vote.
Sincerely,
Trish Lopez, and on behalf of
Gregorio Lopez
Carmelita Lopez
Margarita Lopez
Andrew Francisco,
and our westside family:
Michael Lopez
Brendita Lopez
Alyssa Lopez
Emmanuel Lopez
Nicolle Lopez
Gabriel Lopez
Liana Lopez
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.