Create an independent ethics commission
NOW THAT THE Journal’s coverage of the trial and jail time served by former Secretary of State Dianna Duran has subsided, I hope the Legislature will not just move on and forget the tremendous damage that has been done to the public’s trust in elected officials. And I hope the governor will give the green light to ethics measures introduced into this year’s short session.
As an architect, Albuquerque businessperson and 43-year resident, I can see clearly how the state’s economic prospects decline every time a major scandal goes unaddressed, or yet another scorecard ranks us as corrupt.
The creation of an independent ethics commission, as suggested by Rep. Jim Dines, R-Albuquerque, in his proposed constitutional amendment — House Joint Resolution 5 — would ensure strict enforcement of ethics and campaign finance laws and guide public officials who, by in large, want to do the right thing. It would also give confidence to the public and to those who bring clean jobs to our state. It would send a message that the government here does not condone law-breakers or shady deals in government.
As economic developers know, image is important. New Mexico is one of only eight states that do not have an ethics commission. A commission is turned down (routinely) every year in spite of overwhelming support from the public. The latest poll, taken earlier this month, shows 85 percent of voters want immediate action on the matter. A constitutional amendment would give the voters a chance to weigh in at the voting booth, rather than waiting endlessly for legislators to police themselves — and members of the executive branch — more effectively.
We also need to make campaign finance reporting more transparent and accessible, so voters can see who is financing whom and compare the outcomes with the inputs.
The longer we wait to bring these common-sense reforms to the Legislature, the heavier the price everyday New Mexicans will pay for the lack of accountability and enforcement. And after another year of stagnant job growth and increased economic disparity we’ve paid enough already. HOWARD KAPLAN
Albuquerque