Today’s Albuquerque Journal has an update on the New Mexico corruption case that was prosecuted in New York. A subscription is required, but here’s the gist:

A financial firm that helped private companies get New York and New Mexico state investment money has agreed to get out of the placement business and will pay $1 million to the New York State Pension Fund.

California-based Wetherly Capital Group was active in New Mexico from 2003 until 2008, helping arrange five investments worth $145 million from the State Investment Council in three different funds.

The company also was involved in two investments worth $90 million made by the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board.

While New York prosecutors are managing to reclaim some public pension money lost in kickback schemes, their New Mexico counterparts have complained that they don’t have the time or resources to pursue such cases—even when the same companies are involved.

Continue reading »

Everyone else is looking for Val Kilmer, apparently.

At a press conference on economic development this morning, Gov. Bill Richardson shamelessly dodged a question about a proposed junk food tax, which seeks to calm food tax critics by targeting soda pop and exempting staple foods.

What’s a staple? This bill defines it as “meat, poultry, fish, bread, cereal, vegetables, fruits or dairy products,” which leaves some wiggle room.

SFR asked Richardson if he would veto any bill that did not declare green chile a staple food.

Richardson laughed and, “Is that what’s coming?”—as though green chile was some kind of joke.

What do you think, New Mexico: Is green chile a joke?

More importantly, is it a “vegetable”? Where you at, scientists?

Here are Gov. Bill Richardson’s prepared remarks for the opening of the Jan. 19 session of the New Mexico Legislature, from which I’m sure he will vary at least a little here and there:

Before we begin, let me say that the thoughts and prayers of every New Mexican are with the people of Haiti during this terrible disaster.
What we don’t hold in riches, we have in generosity and I would like to encourage our citizens to do all they can to help those in such great need.
Lt. Governor Diane Denish, Speaker Ben Lujan, Senate Pro-Tem Tim Jennings, distinguished members of the New Mexico Legislature, and the State Supreme Court, members of our Congressional Delegation, honored guests, including New Mexico’s First Lady Barbara Richardson and my fellow New Mexicans.
I’m sure you will agree that this year – more than any other – represents a defining moment for us all.
How we respond to tough times like these is a test of who we are as a people. Continue reading »

Updated 11am Thursday.

“Inexcusable”—that’s the word the Vatican used to describe Irish Bishop Donal Murray’s sex scandal cover-ups. But why not extend that pithy description to the Richardson administration for its refusal to support transparent, responsible governance?

So begins Kate Nash’s front-page story in the New Mexican this morning: “The Governor’s Office refuses to identify the 59 exempt state employees whose jobs will be eliminated early next year.” Continue reading »