The "Me First" Governor's Final Snub

If Governor Bill Richardson is indeed appointed Commerce Secretary, then the big question that remains is whether for once he will put New Mexico before his own self interests:

"If the governor is called to the Cabinet, I'm ready to step in and lead. And there will be a very smooth transition," the woman who could soon be the state's first female governor said in her first news conference since word broke that Gov. Bill Richardson could be the next U.S. commerce secretary.

"It's an exciting challenge, and I'm ready for it," [Lt. Governor Diane] Denish told reporters before touring a veterans integration center in Albuquerque.

Later Monday, Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos referred questions about the commerce job to aides to President-elect Barack Obama, but said Richardson and Denish have spoken in general terms during the past week about the potential for a transition.

"Gov. Richardson believes the lieutenant governor is prepared to be a very good governor," added Gallegos — though he said Richardson is looking forward to delivering his annual State of the State Address to lawmakers Jan. 20.

And, there it is. That final parting shot at the Lt. Governor, and more importantly all New Mexicans... "Richardson is looking forward to delivering his annual State of the State Address to lawmakers Jan. 20. "

Really?

January 20th is the day when all eyes will be turned toward Washington D.C. Regardless of which way you voted, there is no denying that the inauguration of our nation's first African-American President is a momentous occasion.

Equally important, albeit on a more local scale, is the fact that January 20th would be the first date in New Mexico's history that the State of the State Address would be given by a female Governor. Yet, Governor Richardson is actually considering giving his farewell address on that date. Why?

What could an outgoing Governor, who has been only an infrequent visitor to the state over the last two years, possibly have to say that is so important? His years in office have set the stage for what promises to be one of New Mexico's most difficult economic periods, and no self-aggrandizing parting words are going to alter that legacy.

The 2009 State of the State address is not going to be a time for looking back, but a time for facing the numerous hurdles ahead. The make-up of the Legislature in the Senate and the House has drastically changed - both on the Democratic and Republican sides. The budget outlook is looking bleaker everyday with oil and gas prices dropping precipitously from one moment to the next, and municipalities across the state are projecting budget shortfalls as a result of declining property and gross receipt tax revenues.

Yet, rather than giving New Mexicans a chance to hear what our new Governor plans to do about it, Governor Bill Richardson is planning to take the stage one more time. A man abandoning the ship as we head into the storm, and he wants to tell us how to navigate. If Richardson gives the 2009 State of the State, he will confirm what we've all known all along. It was never about us. It was always about him.

Governor Richardson's 2008 State of the State

Today, Governor Bill Richardson gave his 2008 State of the State (pdf), and true to form, he laid out an agenda that is much too expansive to be dealt with in the time allotted. Not too mention, that it's not appropriate for a session which is supposed to be focused on budget issues. What makes this worse than usual is that he just got back in to town after almost a one-year hiatus.

They say when you run in a Democratic Primary, you tend to run to the left because the base is far to the left. Well, based on the Governor's State of the State address, someone forgot to tell him to stop running to the left:

It begins with insurance reform.

Today there is a unified voice from business, labor and patients alike -- demanding solutions to the ever-rising cost of care and insurance premiums.

My plan requires that at least 85-percent of premiums must be spent directly on care.

Not on overhead.

Not on bureaucracy.

Not on profits.

Our public programs already require this--private insurers must do the same.

First off, let's deal with the obvious. I'm a member of numerous business organizations, and I can tell you that when it comes to the health care proposal the Governor has put forth, there is NO unified voice from business community.

And, what's this nonsense about limiting profitability of insurance providers? Someone please remind Governor Richardson that it's still legal in America to make a profit. In fact, it - the free enterprise system - is one of the cornerstones of our democracy.

Then, the Governor goes on to say, "Everyone must pay their fair share." Gee, when was the last time you looked at your tax bill and thought, I'm not paying my fair share. The state budget has grown astronomically since the administration took over, and the Governor has the nerve to say "everyone must pay their fair share." What's next? "...from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

After his Socialist Health Care agenda, the Governor proposes:

A new mandate calling on utilities to invest in energy efficiency programs. Programs that will be cheaper and cleaner than building new power plants.

Now, he's telling the utilities how to run their businesses. Who do you think is going to pay in the long run for this mandate? That's right, you and me. We're going to end up paying higher rates. Can you say, "Hidden taxes."

I could go on, but I'm just getting frustrated. Maybe I ought to invest in the campaign to draft Richardson as Vice-President, it's got to be cheaper for me than keeping him in the state.

Same Song, Different Year, Same Results

If nothing else, I guess you can say that Governor Bill Richardson is consistent. It seems like every year the Governor in his State of the State (.pdf) talks about all of the great accomplishments that have happened in New Mexico under his watch, and then sets an agenda to accomplish all of the things he has already taken credit for accomplishing.

I know it's confusing, but seriously, that's what happens every year. Don't believe me? Well, look how he started out his speech:

Over the last four years, I’ve laid out ambitious goals for New Mexico: Better schools, better jobs with higher wages, protection of our water and natural resources, more accessible health care, safer streets and communities, and a more fiscally responsible approach to government.

The legislature joined me, we acted—and acted boldly. We put progress above politics. We found common ground. Democrats and Republicans, community groups and churches, business and government—we came together--regardless of party, faith, or affiliation—and got things done.

Gee, what an image. Everyone gathered around the Roundhouse in one big circle, holding hands, smiling and singing "kumbaya" and they "got things done." Yes, siree Bob it's a beautiful thing. Brings a tear to my eye. In fact, it's such a lovely fantasy, that I kind of feel guilty about providing the links above.

Or for that matter pointing out the obvious....

If we accomplished all of those things, why are they back on the agenda this year? I know, it's a silly question, but I'd like to know. See, on page one of his ten page speech the Governor says, "[We] got things done." Then on page two, he says:

I believe we must expand the bounds of opportunity for every New Mexican.

Expanding opportunity means extending health care coverage, so the lives of our citizens are not are limited by poor health and no health care. [Oops, so much for that "more accessible health care" accomplishment.]

Expanded opportunity means protecting the needs of future generations for a clean environment and sustainable water supply. [Uh-oh, it looks like that "protection of our water and natural resources" didn't actually happen yet.]

It means widening our economic base—so our oil and gas economy, expands to renewable energy, film, tourism and high-tech—from our urban areas to our rural main streets. [Hmm, it seems that claim to "better jobs with higher wages" success was a bit premature.]

Most of all it means—an education system dedicated to learning, achievement, and success. So that every child gets a world-class education and enters the world of work prepared to succeed. [Darn it! Looks like "Better schools" hasn't happened yet either.]

So, let's see. I guess that leaves just "safer streets and communities" and "a more fiscally responsible approach to government" on that once grand and beautiful list of accomplishments.

Houston, we have a problem.

It seems that the streets actually aren't safer. Oh, and I'm having a hard time finding anyone who thinks that increasing a $3.9 billion budget to $5.7 billion in one term of office could be construed as a "fiscally responsible approach to government."

So, are you inspired? Yeah, me neither.