By Susana Martinez

The next governor of New Mexico will immediately be tasked with balancing a budget deficit in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  This deficit is not a sudden occurrence, but the result of mismanagement and neglect by the Richardson/Denish Administration. Clearly it is time we change the budgeting process.  We cannot continue budgeting by hoping for the best and planning for the best.  We must hope for the best and plan for the worst.

The picture is clear – there has been huge growth in government with a continued and unfriendly tax policy.  As a result, New Mexico has some of the highest tax burdens for both individuals and businesses in the region and country. It is obvious that the Richardson/Denish Administration’s policies of taxing and spending have left us with a broken system that will result in perpetual deficits unless we enact bold change. Certainly, these decisions are not always easy, but given the dire situation of our state’s finances, strong and focused leadership is needed to get New Mexico back on track.

Along with common-sense leadership, I am providing a detailed plan to re-establish our priorities and pull our state back from the brink of bankruptcy.  Individuals and small businesses have tightened their belts and done more with less during this challenging economic time, and our state government must as well.

In order to achieve fiscal responsibility in New Mexico, we must begin by:

1. Instituting Fiscal Responsibility – The New Mexico state budget should be based on the overall goals of limited government, low taxation and efficient and wise use of taxpayers’ dollars. At the same time, we can still provide public safety, create a world class education system and provide a reasonable safety net of services to assist those most in need in a financially responsible manner.  When the state takes in surplus tax dollars, we should not immediately look to grow government by creating new government programs. Instead, a good portion of those funds should be returned to the taxpayer and used to phase-out job killing taxes in order to improve our economic competitiveness.

2. No-Growth Budgeting – We must require most state agencies to operate on no-growth budgets until we get our fiscal house in order. The Richardson/Denish Administration has instead chosen to operate on unrealistic projections – and assumed 6% growth – which did nothing more than justify deficit spending and delay tough decisions.  By instituting no-growth budgets, state government will be able to live within its means without raising taxes.

3. Creating A Business Friendly Environment – More government spending does not create more jobs – only businesses can create sustainable, long-term jobs. The more businesses we have producing jobs, the more revenue the state will take in.  By establishing a pro-job growth budget and investing in future private economic activity, we eliminate the possibility of large tax increases down the road to fund state government that has grown beyond its means.

4. Truly Balanced Budgets – Our state Constitution requires a balanced budget every year.  We must not use budget gimmicks to give the impression that the budget is balanced.  And if one-time funds are used to help fund government operations they should be used for one-time expenses, not long-term government financing.

5. Doing More With Less – The only way to ensure the state has a balanced budget is to compare the spending side with the revenue side.  Simply put, we cannot spend more than we take in. The current budget situation is not caused by taxes being too low, but is the result of spending being too high during the past eight years. We must do more with less.

6. Demanding Results – We must demand results each budget year.  Too many agencies spend large sums of money during the final part of the budget year because they may lose funding during the next budget year.  Budget decisions must be based on what is required to get the job done, not on a use-it or lose-it mind set.

7. Efficient Use Of Funds – While programs are undergoing review, we must determine if they are meeting the goals laid out in the previous budget.  If they are poorly operating or determined not to be the best use of taxpayer funds, they should be eliminated.

8. Identifying Waste, Fraud & Abuse – We must do a better job of tracking taxpayer dollars.  It is inexcusable that any government agency or organization goes un-audited and their expenditures unaccounted for.  Properly accounting for expenditures should be a requirement for receiving additional appropriations.  Not only that, but employees and beneficiaries of services, those who know government programs best, should be rewarded for reporting waste, fraud and abuse.

9. Budgeting Transparency – We must restore transparency in all levels of our budgeting process and re-establish the trust of New Mexico’s taxpayers that their money is being spent wisely. Turning New Mexico around requires the confidence of the people.

10. Budget Reserves – We must not use our state reserves, or rainy day funds, during good economic times to simply finance higher government spending.  The use of these funds should be limited to times of severe economic duress or when state revenues change in a dramatic or unexpected manner.  If and when budget surpluses occur, the extra money should be used to reduce the tax burden on New Mexicans.

These detailed principles may sound like common sense, but they represent a bold departure from the way business has been done in the Roundhouse under the Richardson/Denish Administration over the past eight years.  And the results speak for themselves with a budget deficit climbing into the hundreds of millions.  The way state government handles taxpayer money must change and we cannot continue the reckless and unsustainable spending that has taken place under Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s watch.

In a Martinez Administration, we will be more sensible and accountable with our spending, plus we will ensure that taxation is kept at a low level by making bold changes to the way state government functions starting with getting New Mexico’s fiscal house in order.

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor today announced that a new advertisement titled “License” will begin airing statewide.  The commercial speaks to Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s dishonest and false attacks against Martinez to cover up for her weak stance on border security, including the Richardson/Denish Administration’s record of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and her refusal to revoke them if elected.  Martinez will hold those who violate the law to account, while Denish represents more of the same.

To view “License,” click here.

“LICENSE” AD SCRIPT:

ANNOUNCER: Another Denish smear proven false. By the Southwest Border Director.

ANNCR: Susana Martinez prosecutes thousands of border cases.

ANNCR: Prosecutor of the year, Martinez gave criminal illegals prison time.

ANNCR: Richardson/Denish gave them driver’s licenses.  50,000 to illegal immigrants, even violent criminals.

ANNCR: Diane Denish won’t revoke them.

ANNCR: We need real change.

SUSANA MARTINEZ: Criminals take advantage of weak laws like giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

SM: As governor, that will change.

ANNCR: Susana Martinez for Governor.

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor today released the Republican gubernatorial nominee’s budget principles, which address the perpetual deficits facing New Mexico.  The principles serve as a foundation for dealing with the fiscal crisis, which requires bold and comprehensive change to get New Mexico’s books in order and turn the economy around.  After eight disastrous years under the Richardson/Denish Administration, New Mexico is on the verge of bankruptcy with growing unemployment and job loss.

SUSANA MARTINEZ’S BUDGET PRINCIPLES FOR RESTORING FISCAL RESPONSIBILTY TO NEW MEXICO’S STATE GOVERNMENT

1.    Instituting Fiscal Responsibility – The New Mexico state budget should be based on the overall goals of limited government, low taxation and efficient and wise use of taxpayers’ dollars. At the same time, we can still provide public safety, create a world class education system and provide a reasonable safety net of services to assist those most in need in a financially responsible manner.  When the state takes in surplus tax dollars, we should not immediately look to grow government by creating new government programs.  Instead, a good portion of those funds should be returned to the taxpayer and used to phase-out job killing taxes in order to improve our economic competitiveness.

2.    No-Growth Budgeting – We must require most state agencies to operate on no-growth budgets until we get our fiscal house in order.  The Richardson/Denish Administration has instead chosen to operate on unrealistic projections – and assumed 6% growth last year – which did nothing more than justify deficit spending and delay tough decisions.  By instituting no-growth budgets, state government will be able to live within its means without raising taxes.

3.    Creating A Business Friendly Environment – More government spending does not create more jobs – only businesses can create sustainable, long-term jobs.  The more businesses we have producing jobs, the more revenue the state will take in.  By establishing a pro-job growth budget and investing in future private economic activity, we eliminate the possibility of large tax increases down the road to fund state government that has grown beyond its means.

4.    Truly Balanced Budgets – Our state Constitution requires a balanced budget every year.  We must not use budget gimmicks to give the impression that the budget is balanced.  And if one-time funds are used to help fund government operations they should be used for one-time expenses, not long-term government financing.

5.    Doing More With Less – The only way to ensure the state has a balanced budget is to compare the spending side with the revenue side.  Simply put, we cannot spend more than we take in.  The current budget situation is not caused by taxes being too low, but is the result of spending being too high during the past eight years.  We must do more with less.

6.    Demanding Results – We must demand results each budget year.  Too many agencies spend large sums of money during the final part of the budget year because they may lose funding during the next budget year.  Budget decisions must be based on what is required to get the job done, not on a use-it or lose-it mind set.

7.  Efficient Use Of Funds – While programs are undergoing review, we must determine if they are meeting the goals laid out in the previous budget.  If they are poorly operating or determined not to be the best use of taxpayer funds, they should be eliminated.

8.  Identifying Waste, Fraud & Abuse – We must do a better job of tracking taxpayer dollars.  It is inexcusable that any government agency or organization goes un-audited and their expenditures unaccounted for.  Properly accounting for expenditures should be a requirement for receiving additional appropriations.  Not only that, but employees and beneficiaries of services, those who know government programs best, should be rewarded for reporting waste, fraud and abuse.

9.  Budgeting Transparency – We must restore transparency in all levels of our budgeting process and re-establish the trust of New Mexico’s taxpayers that their money is being spent wisely.  Turning New Mexico around requires the confidence of the people.

10. Budget Reserves – We must not use our state reserves, or rainy day funds, during good economic times to simply finance higher government spending.  The use of these funds should be limited to times of severe economic duress or when state revenues change in a dramatic or unexpected manner.  If and when budget surpluses occur, the extra money should be used to reduce the tax burden on New Mexicans.

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor today announced that a new advertisement titled “Jet” will begin airing statewide.  The commercial speaks to Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s abuse of the $5.5 million dollar state jet breaking regulations at least 39 times and costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Even after violating the public trust and wasting state resources, Denish refused to sell the jet; while as governor, Susana Martinez would do so immediately.

To view “Jet,” click here.

“JET” AD SCRIPT:

ANNOUNCER: Diane Denish, rules for us are below her.

ANNCR: Denish told schools to cut energy use by 10%.

ANNCR: Then used the state’s Luxury jet like an air taxi for family and friends.

ANNCR: Wasting $367,000 in tax money.

ANNCR: And breaking state regulations 39 times.

ANNCR: Claimed state rules don’t apply to Richardson and Denish.

ANNCR: Schools cut budgets, while Diane Denish wasted tax money flying a luxury jet.

ANNCR: Diane Denish above the rules.

ANNCR: More of the same.

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee today released the following statement:

“Nearly a month ago, I called on Diane Denish to match her rhetoric on corruption with action; since then, she has yet to step forward and call on her running mate Brian Colón to release the names of the donors to the Moving America Forward Foundation.  Today, we learn of a federal grand jury probe into pay-to-play scandals during the Richardson/Denish Administration, which demands the lieutenant governor speak to the matter.  For eight years, Denish has sat by idly and did nothing as corruption ran rampant around her.  Diane Denish often speaks about the need to fight the corruption that has plagued New Mexico politics, but if her words had any authenticity, she would call upon her running mate, Brian Colón, to end the cover ups and release the names.  As a candidate for governor, Denish has an obligation to shine her own Sunshine Portal on one of the worst examples of corruption in New Mexico political history; otherwise, admit what all of us already know to be true, she represents the status quo and would be nothing more than an extension of the current administration and its corrupt ways.”

BACKGROUND:

Public Documents Now Reveal That Authorities May Have Been Deliberately Mislead:

“Questions about whether President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team was misled during the vetting process for Gov. Bill Richardson’s nomination for commerce secretary were investigated by a federal grand jury that recently ended its term without returning an indictment.” (Mike Gallagher, “Gov. Commerce Vetting Led To 2nd Probe,” The Albuquerque Journal, 8/27/10)

“However, the U.S. attorney at the time wrote a letter saying the Richardson administration had corrupted the procurement process and that subjects of the investigation should not view the lack of an indictment as exoneration.” (Mike Gallagher, “Gov. Commerce Vetting Led To 2nd Probe,” The Albuquerque Journal, 8/27/10)

“A month after Richardson pulled his name from the Commerce position, then-state Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón wrote an op-ed column published in the Albuquerque Journal criticizing the federal grand jury investigation.  Colón was board treasurer for the Moving America Forward Foundation, according to a spokesman for the Denish-Colon campaign.  It was a separate organization from Richardson’s Moving America Forward political action committee to which Rubin contributed. Its purpose, according to IRS filings, was to increase voter registration and leadership training for Latinos, Hispanics and Native Americans.  The foundation never revealed the names of those who donated $1.7 million to the IRS-approved charity.  Colón is the current candidate for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket headed by Diane Denish, after winning his party’s primary election.  Colón argued in his op-ed piece published Feb. 20, 2009, that the governor was being unfairly pursued in a politically motivated federal investigation by the U.S. attorney and provided specific details about the conduct of the investigation.” (Mike Gallagher, “Gov. Commerce Vetting Led To 2nd Probe,” The Albuquerque Journal, 8/27/10)

Bill Richardson Formed The Moving America Forward Foundation (MAFF):

“The Moving America Forward Foundation (MAFF) and a separate political action committee known as Moving America Forward Inc. (MAF) jointly were created in April 2003 by Mr. Richardson, chairman of this year’s Democratic National Convention, to ‘empower the Native-American and Hispanic communities’ though intensive voter-registration and education programs.” (“Groups Register Swing State Voters,” The Washington Times, 10/26/04)

MAFF “Does Not Have To List Individual Contributors Or Expenditures”:

“Velasquez was one of several members of Richardson’s political team listed as a director of the Moving America Forward Foundation, which was formed as a public charity more than four years ago, about the same time Richardson started a similarly named political action committee, Moving America Forward … Unlike the Moving America Forward PAC, the foundation legally does not have to list individual contributors or expenditures.” (“Richardson Foundation Donors Remain Undisclosed,” The [Santa Fe] New Mexican, 1/20/09)

MAFF “Collected More Than $1.7 Million From Undisclosed Contributors”:

“A director of a foundation established by Gov. Bill Richardson – which collected more than $1.7 million from undisclosed contributors — once worked as a lobbyist for a corporation that manages private prisons for the state.” (“Richardson Foundation Donors Remain Undisclosed,” The [Santa Fe] New Mexican, 1/20/09)

Charities Can Release Their Contributors Voluntarily:

“Under IRS rules, public charities are exempt from having to publicly disclose their contributors but can release the information voluntarily.” (“GOP Chair Wants Donor Names,” The Albuquerque Journal, 1/20/09)

Whistleblower Makes Allegations That Political Contributions Led To Pay-To-Play Schemes:

“A former state official who alleges a ‘pay-to-play scheme’ involving the loss of $90 million in state funds wants to know who contributed $1.7 million to Gov. Bill Richardson’s Moving America Forward Foundation.  A lawyer for Frank Foy, a former investment officer for the state’s Educational Retirement Board, has subpoenaed information about the foundation formed by Richardson in 2003.  The foundation, which isn’t required by law to reveal specific contributors or expenditures, was formed under IRS rules as a ‘public charity’ to increase voter participation by minorities … Foy filed a civil lawsuit made public Jan. 14 alleging that political contributions to Richardson influenced investment decisions at the Educational Retirement Board and State Investment Council.” (“Plaintiff Wants Donor Names,” The Albuquerque Journal, 1/31/09)

2010 Democratic Nominee For Lieutenant Governor & Former Democratic Party State Chairman Brian Colón Listed As MAFF’s Director & Treasurer:

“Other directors of the foundation listed in IRS filings include longtime Richardson fundraiser Ed Romero; state Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón; Loretta Armenta, president of Qwest New Mexico; former Richardson staffer and foreign affairs adviser Calvin Humphrey; and longtime Richardson fundraiser Anthony Correra.” (“Richardson Foundation Donors Remain Undisclosed,” The [Santa Fe] New Mexican, 1/20/09)

“It should be noted that Colón is good friends with Richardson, and served as treasurer for Richardson’s Moving America Forward Foundation.” (“N.M. Dem Party Chair Says Gripgate Is Politically Motivated,” New Mexico Independent, 2/20/09)

Colón “Refuses To Release The Names Of Contributors And Expenditures”:

“Colón is a longtime Richardson supporter who served as treasurer for a Richardson charity called Moving America Forward Foundation, which raised $1.7 million during Richardson’s tenure as governor but refuses to release the names of contributors and expenditures.” (“Pay-To-Play Investigation,” The [Santa Fe] New Mexican, 2/21/09)

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor Campaign Manager Ryan Cangiolosi today released the following statement concerning news reports detailing more troubling and questionable activity from the Secretary of State’s office:

“Today, there are additional examples of how state government is failing New Mexicans and why we need bold change to clean up the mess in Santa Fe.  Accusations that a state employee has been suspended for speaking with federal authorities about illegal activities in the Secretary of State’s office demonstrates the desperate need to restore order in state government and change the culture of corruption that has become institutionalized by the Richardson/Denish Administration.  Susana Martinez has a plan to change the way business is done in Santa Fe starting with holding elected officials to account if they fail to report corrupt activities.  New Mexicans are tired of the ineffective leadership and embarrassing revelations that have become a calling card for those in the state capital and will vote this fall to elect leaders that are committed to reform and accountability.”

BACKGROUND:

“A top official for the Secretary of State has been suspended in what his attorney is calling a retaliation for going to the F.B.I. with information on inner workings of Secretary of States office.  Deputy Secretary of State Francisco Trujillo says office manager Manuel Vildasol has been placed on leave for an unspecified personnel matter, but told Eyewitness News 4 that the suspension has nothing to do with Vildasol visiting the F.B.I.  Two weeks ago Eyewitness News 4 broke a story in which Vildasol came forward with information and video showing a pornographic virus had infected Mary Herrera’s unprotected state issued laptop.  At the time Vildasol said he was tired of working in a place where anything that could be perceived as negative was ‘covered up’ and also said he had gone to the F.B.I with information on what he claimed were illegal activities that had taken place at the Secretary of States office.” (Gadi Schwartz, “Secretary Of State’s Office Manager Suspended,” KOB-TV, 8/25/10)

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee today released the following statement concerning recent news reports of continuing and escalating violence on the border:

“Recent and unfortunate news developments along our border emphasize that the next governor of New Mexico must decisively address issues concerning border security.  As violence on our border escalates on a seemingly daily basis, it has become increasingly clear that the federal government has completely failed in its duty to secure our borders.  Furthermore, the Richardson/Denish Administration has only made matters worse by promoting sanctuary policies, such as granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, which make New Mexico a magnet and safe haven for illegal immigrants.  As governor, my experience prosecuting border-related criminal cases will enable me to take bold and common-sense steps that address this issue.  Unlike my opponent, I will fight to revoke the driver’s licenses issued to illegal immigrants and work to end the sanctuary policies that allow illegal immigrants arrested for criminal acts to elude federal authorities.  For eight years, my opponent has largely ignored this issue or supported policies that have exacerbated the problem as opposed to resolving it.  We must have leadership in the Roundhouse that acts swiftly to secure our borders and as governor, I will.”

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor today announced that a new billboard advertisement will be shown in locations throughout New Mexico.  The ad contrasts the fact that Susana Martinez would sell the state’s $5.5 million dollar jet, while Diane Denish refuses to do so in spite of having violated state regulations at least 39 times costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The billboard will remind voters that the culture of corruption in the Richardson/Denish Administration will end with Susana Martinez as governor as she will enact bold changes starting with selling the state jet, which is a symbol of wasteful spending on the part of state government.

To view the billboard advertisement image, click here.

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee issued the following statement:

“After being attacked by Governor Bill Richardson as he defends his failed policies and ‘good, loyal soldier’ Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, it is clear that I am running against the Richardson/Denish machine.  Both Richardson and Denish represent the same failed principles and ideas, which have led New Mexico to the brink of bankruptcy with higher unemployment, record spending and unacceptably low performance levels in the classroom. When I debated Diane Denish last week, she clearly advocated continuing those same failed policies. Now it seems Bill Richardson wants to join the debate. Therefore, if Bill Richardson wants to defend Diane Denish and their administration’s abysmal record, he shouldn’t hide behind press releases.  I am challenging Bill Richardson to a televised debate about whether we should continue the failed policies of the Richardson/Denish administration, or seek real change.”

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Albuquerque – Susana Martinez for Governor Campaign Manager Ryan Cangiolosi released the following statement:

“News reports that New Mexico colleges and universities are now reliant upon out-of-state students – in large part – due to the unacceptably low high school graduation rate is deeply disappointing; yet, not at all surprising.  While other states are turning away students, we don’t have enough of them to fill our rosters at institutions of higher learning.  And those New Mexico students who do enroll in our colleges and universities often times are in need of remedial classes and not equipped to deal with the curriculum.  The Richardson/Denish Administration’s abysmal performance has left our state less competitive and set us back.  We need bold changes if we are to correct the incompetence and recklessness that has been the hallmark of Diane Denish’s tenure as lieutenant governor.”

BACKGROUND:

“High-school graduation rates have declined in New Mexico, and that has turned college recruiting into a far-reaching enterprise.  New Mexico State University has intensified its efforts to attract students from across the West.  That means the Land of Enchantment is becoming an oasis for more high-school graduates from Arizona, California and Colorado.  ‘We are more welcome here than in Colorado,’ said Bailey Schurr, an incoming NMSU freshman who is from a rural area of southwestern Colorado.  Elsewhere in the West, universities face a crowding crisis.  In California, public universities have capped enrollment and raised tuition and admission standards.  Arizona State University last year capped enrollment for the first time and closed applications for the incoming freshman class five months earlier than usual.  Given these developments, many students in those states have to go out of state for a college education.  New Mexico has the opposite problem – a drop in college-bound students … ‘Because the number of high-school graduates in the state of New Mexico is declining, we must continue to find new markets,’ said Valerie Pickett, director of admissions at NMSU.  New Mexico had about 5,000 fewer students in high school than in college in 2008, census statistics show.  In Texas and nationwide, the number of high-schoolers exceeded the number of college students.” (Adriana Gomez Licon, “With Few NM Students Available, NMSU Goes Out Of State To Recruit,” El Paso Times, 8/22/10)

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