Martinez Cleans Up Another Richardson Mess

Susana Martinez

Governor Susana Martinez announced yesterday that her administration has reached a settlement with the Albuquerque Journal in a lawsuit filed by the paper against Bill Richardson that alleged violations of the state’s Inspection of Public Records Act (“IPRA”).

In February 2010, the Journal requested records relating to Governor Bill Richardson’s announcement in late 2009 that 59 exempt employees were being released due to the ongoing economic downturn. In June 2010, the Journal filed a lawsuit against the Office of Governor Richardson for failing to produce requested documents, failing to issue a proper denial of the records request or explain the basis for the denial, and failing to refer the records request to other state agencies that may have been in possession of responsive documents.

“I am pleased that we were able to reach a mutual agreement to resolve this lawsuit and avoid further expenditure of public funds,” said Governor Martinez. “State resources are better spent moving forward rather than defending a lawsuit under these circumstances.”

Martinez Cleans Up Another Richardson Mess