Corrections secretary runs into problem with Senate confirmation

It looks as though the Senate confirmation of Corrections Secretary-Designate Gregg Marcantel could be in trouble.

Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Linda Lopez, an Albuquerque Democrat, says she has “strong reservations” about Marcantel’s suitability for the cabinet position.

Lopez says when Marcantel answered a committee questionnaire, he  claimed to have no workplace misconduct claims against him. But  Lopez says a background check revealed he was suspended twice when he worked as a jail guard, and also was named in a civil lawsuit when he was a Bernalillo County sheriff’s detective. He was later dismissed from the lawsuit.

Lopez says Marcantel has been asked to appear Wednesday before an executive session of the Rules Committee to answer questions.

The committee recommends to the full Senate whether to confirm high-level state appointees. Gov. Susana Martinez named Marcantel to the corrections post in November, after Secretary Lupe Martinez resigned.