Guv: 'Very little public interest' in open-meetings bill
Posted 4/01/2009 03:07:00 PM
Gov. Bill Richardson’s office says there has been “very little public interest” beyond that shown by the media in a bill that would open conference committees and many other legislative meetings to the public.
The comment from Deputy Chief of Staff Gilbert Gallegos came today in response to a recent column in which I questioned the motive behind Richardson’s backpedaling on a previous pledge to sign the bill. Richardson now says he doesn’t know whether he will sign it.
I wrote that it may take “a great deal of public pressure” to convince the governor to sign the bill.
“By the way, the governor told me to let you know that if you really think a ‘great deal of public pressure’ is needed for him to sign the bill, this bill is in real trouble,” Gallegos wrote in an e-mail. “Outside of the media interest, we have had very little public interest in the bill. One person met with the governor, we got four e-mails and some phone calls. I also requested and received input from Sen. (Dede) Feldman.”
Feldman, D-Albuquerque, was the sponsor of a mirror version of the bill currently awaiting action by the governor -- House Bill 393, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces.
For those who might be interested in contacting the governor to express their opinions on this or any other bill awaiting action by him, the phone number for the governor’s office is (505) 476-2200. You can also e-mail him.
Labels: ethics reform, Legislature, Open government, Richardson
6 Comments:
the lies, the deceit, if they were so powerful why must they cheat?
I find it very hard to believe that I am only one of four people who emailed him on this issue.
Assuming you did as well, that would mean only two other people in the entire state spent one minute following the link to the governor.
I don't believe him.
Since when does the govenor take a poll to decide what to sign? If my math is correct the representatives who voted for the bill represent the majority of NM voters.
But then again if you don't want to something, one excuse is as good as another.
Deputy Chief of Staff Gilbert Gallegos is wrong. There has been numerous emails sent to the Governor in support of this bill. When I sent an email to the governor I received no acknowledgement. In fact in all the years I wrote the Governor, I have NEVER received a reply. I guess he doesn't care what New Mexicans think! His only input is from anti-reform Ben Lujan.
There you go again GUV. He doesn't need public opinion to sign a bill. The State Legislature represents the public and their votes speak on our behalf. Again, the GUV is not being truthful with the facts. Hundreds of emails came in GUV office in support of ethic reforms. He will do and say anything to avoid signing this important legislation. GUV actions speak louder than words!
I think the Governor is dragging his feet on signing the bill because he does not want an open government, where the politicos in Santa Fe are held accountable for the actions they take and the work they do. Many of them are just there to fill the seat and do nothing, while others are either uninformed or just plain don't give a d--- about the constituents who voted them in.
It is about time the people vote these dead-heads out of office and elect people who will serve their interests and open the shadowy rooms to public scrutiny. We are not helping ourselves by voting over and over for people who will not do their jobs.
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