The general rule of thumb is that political appointees, like rats on a sinking ship, make way for the exits when their political free ride comes to an end (i.e. it comes time for their benefactor to leave office). This rule of thumb is particularly necessary when state government is saddled with a crippling deficit as is the Land of Enchantment.
However, I can’t say that I’m surprised that the Richardson Administration is attempting to leave office with same disregard for the public welfare which was evident during the entire time they were in office. Namely. I’m talking about their willingness to time and time again put public interest aside in favor of political payback jobs. But, even though I’m not surprised, I am nauseated by the gall of those who continue to put their self-interest before everyday New Mexicans:
Richardson on Sunday ordered a suspension of hiring by agencies under his control, but an internal memo circulated Monday says the order doesn’t apply in cases where agencies have completed hiring decisions and offered jobs. That loophole could allow more Richardson appointees to shift into classified jobs in the coming weeks.Cole’s column on Tuesday reported that at least seven gubernatorial appointees have been moved to classified positions since July.
But, there is a silver lining to this cloud. It gives us an immediate opportunity to see just what kind of executive we have in Governor-elect Susana Martinez. The answer is a no nonsense Governor, who appears ready to walk the talk:
Former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, the Martinez transition team chairwoman, told Richardson staff chief Brian Condit that any “exempt employees” moved into protected jobs after Nov. 3 without Martinez transition committee approval “will immediately be terminated upon the swearing in of Governor-elect Susana Martinez on Jan. 1, 2011.”