Martinez: Let's Get to Work

Governor Martinez

Governor Susana Martinez delivered a no nonsense “state of the state” address in a packed Roundhouse in Santa Fe this afternoon. Conspicuously, her speech was delivered shortly after huge drama in the House of Representatives ended with Ben Lujan retaining the speaker’s position. In her first major address since her inaugural, Martinez echoed many of the same philosophical themes that catapulted her out of the GOP primary last June and through the general election and Diane Denish in November. Martinez takes over the governor’s mansion in the Land of Enchantment as the state’s first female governor.

And Martinez wasted little time with niceties before chiding any who might be comfortable with an attitude or returning to business as usual in Santa Fe. She warned of those who will surely descend on the state capitol in the hours, days, and weeks ahead with ideas suggesting the state’s citizens are under-taxed. She promised these types will encounter vetoes should they be successful in the legislative branch. Martinez also discarded the notion that there is no waste left to be carved out of state government.

State Jet

In addressing the life of luxury including the two chefs employed by former governor Bill Richardson, and recently fired by Martinez, the governor drew attention to her husband Chuck Franco saying, “He makes a mean baloney sandwich.” No doubt there is a new sheriff in town in Santa Fe. Martinez promised to sell the symbol of her predecessor Bill Richardson, the state's luxury jet. Martinez closed her speech by saying “Let’s get to work.” In the House of Representatives it appeared to be another story.

Andy Nunez

Shortly before Governor Martinez arrived to begin her address, New Mexico Democrats in the House sent an unmistakable message. Essentially Democrats appeared to challenge conventional interpretations of the November election. In that chamber, it will be business as usual……or at least almost business as usual. Though Democrats will be minus eight seats that were lost to the GOP eleven weeks ago, they returned speaker Ben Lujan for yet another term. Representative Andy Nunez had recently characterized the prospect of reinstating Lujan as akin to returning Nancy Pelosi to power in Washingon. 

Martinez: Let's Get to Work