New Mexico state jet sold for $2.5M

From the Santa Fe New Mexican.com - A New Mexico state jet, once criticized by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez as the "ultimate symbol of waste and excess," is being sold for $2.5 million, a government official told The Associated Press. A state official familiar with sales negotiations said a retired couple from Anchorage, Alaska, is buying jet and they are expected to take ownership and delivery of the plane on Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging a formal announcement of the sale later in the day. The twin-engine business jet, a Cessna Citation Bravo, was purchased new in 2005 by Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson's administration for $5.5 million. Martinez promised during her campaign last year to ditch the jet to cut government costs. Richardson was a frequent flier on the jet, but Martinez never used it. The jet was sold through a broker, which will receive a commission of 2 percent of the purchase price — about $50,000. Since Martinez took office in January, the jet has remained grounded except for routine maintenance. Read more

New Mexico state jet sold for $2.5M