[Lwvcnmtopics] Who'll Get Appointed to Open Senate Seat?

[Richard Mason]

 I don't think this is appropriate for any League list serve. We do not take positions on individual candidates. 

Dick Mason
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Trish Lopez <trishlopez33 at gmail.com>
To: lwvcnmtopics <lwvcnmtopics at mailman.swcp.com>; LWVCNM <LWVCNMTopics at yahoogroups.com>; LWVNMAction at yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, Oct 21, 2022 3:09 pm
Subject: [Lwvcnmtopics] Who'll Get Appointed to Open Senate Seat?

Santa Fe New Mexican: "Don't Advance a Legislator Who's Married to a Lobbyist"

Hi everyone,
I would like to thank Lora Lucero for bringing to our attention a very compromised and high profile legislator seeking to fill the newly opened senate seat that westsider Jacob Candelaria is leaving. Today she wrote the Bernalillo County Commission to ask that we not advance politicians who have very clear conflicts of interest that go unaddressed everyday (even by their own party members). We may have elected officials even on this list serve who might turn the other cheek when they see conflicts of interest among their friends, and I'm hoping that ends. Whether our words make any impact or not, I recommend that we, as league members, at least call out these obvious conflicts given the ongoing corruption and quid pro quos that have existed in NM forever. My family and I will join Lora in writing our own email.
To email all commissioners, simply send your message to this one email: Commission at bernco.gov
Here is Lora's letter (the article she refers to is posted above): 

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. LuceroPO Box 7638Albuquerque, NM 87194505-453-3938LoraLucero3 at gmail.com

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 ofGregorio LopezCarmelita LopezMargarita LopezAndrew Francisco,and our westside family:Michael LopezBrendita LopezAlyssa LopezEmmanuel LopezNicolle LopezGabriel LopezLiana Lopez
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Trish Lopez (310) 266-4128_______________________________________________
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