A New Job

I think it's great that the former Albuquerque first lady has landed a new job. After all, I would imagine that it is no simple feat to land a $58,000 per year classified position, complete with important "job protections under the State Personnel Act," all the while maintaining a real estate business. Now don't get me wrong. I have no doubt that she is immensely qualified to be a community service manager. But ever since I read that Albuquerque Journal article on Friday, there was one little thing nagging at me that I just couldn't place. I think it is in this paragraph:

[Department spokesman Matt] Dillman said CYFD recently created seven community service manager positions across the state, including two in Albuquerque. Three of the positions have been filled across New Mexico, Dillman said.

Oh, now I know what it is. It isn't one little thing. It is seven little things. Somehow adding these positions doesn't quite jive with my recollections from one of the Governor's statements almost exactly a year ago. Now what was that he said... Yes, here it is:

Richardson said in a written statement. "We will continue to cut the fat from state government, enabling us to pay for our top priorities, such as recruiting and retaining the best teachers and providing health care to the most vulnerable citizens."

Hey Governor, I've got news for you. For the same amount you just spent to add seven more spin doctors, you could have retained 14 of the best teachers.