Smith 'embarrassed' by scandal: I would be too
Posted 5/13/2009 12:01:00 AM
State Sen. John Arthur Smith said on Tuesday at a legislative hearing about the controversy plaguing the state’s investment boards that he’s “embarrassed” to be a public official in such a scandal-plagued state.
No kidding. I would think all public officials in New Mexico would be embarrassed.
Officials convicted of corruption-related felony crimes in the last few years include two former state treasurers, a former deputy insurance superintendent and a former Senate president pro tem. Those currently caught up in controversies -- some involving criminal probes -- include the governor, the land commissioner, the former head of the state’s affordable housing system, the former secretary of state and the investment boards.
It’s overwhelming.
So here’s what Smith, a Deming Democrat and chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said at Tuesday’s hearing, according to the New Mexico Independent:
“As an elected official here, I am embarrassed to serve in New Mexico,” he said. “I thank God I am not up for election next time.”
The federal pay-to-play investigation that ended the governor’s bid to be commerce secretary and the investment controversies have earned New Mexico attention in the national media, and Smith also made note of that.
“There’s a real atmosphere of suspicion,” he said at Tuesday’s hearing, according to NMI. “Not only are we getting slammed here in New Mexico, but we are getting painted with a brush nationally. It’s not a pretty picture.”
Not pretty at all. But also not undeserved.
Labels: GRIPgate, Housing authority scandal, Investment scandal, Legislature, Metro Court scandal, State government
6 Comments:
I think that this corruption would wither away if we had more public financing of campaigns available.
I agree with Ellen, public financing would help scale back some of the corruption except when you look at the PRC race involving Jerome Block Jr. Public money did not in his case deter wrongdoing in an election. As a matter of fact he and his father are still under investigation. I think they have both been indicted. I hope my statement is valid . I believe it is. So in my opinion ,public financing is not the only answer
I think the corruption is way beyond doing things to get re-elected, something public funding might help control.
Many of these people are flat out crooks, doing favors in exchange for direct personal financial gain. No need to be subtle. Historically this is how things have been done, re-election was/is not tied to behaviour (only name and party), and getting caught was/is unlikely.
Senator John Arthur Smith is embarrassed because he has ethics and values.
Walk around the Capitol looking at the power-brokers. Senator Smith is not from my party but he looks you right in the eye when you talk to him and when you shake hands you still have your rings, watch and fingers.
More people like Smith is the answer.
More people like Smith would only make the business lobby more in control. Smith does only what business wants...listen to him in committee, no support for education, the environment or even small business. His concern shows only for the lobbyist than wine and dine EVERY night at the Bullring.
John A Smith, Tim Jennings, and Stu Engles are the best and most honest men in the Senate, Not one of them line thier pockets.
Another bright star, and honest man is newcomer Rep Dennis Kinthig from down south.
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