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Opinion editorials Handling of Pit Appeal Calls for a Time-Out |
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opinion editorialsThis editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by editorial page staff and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Journal Selections for Land Commissioner
Ray Powell — Democrat
New Mexico needs steady hands guiding its most important offices. The Office of Public Lands, which oversees regulation and use of the state's precious resources for the greater good of its children, is among them.
On the Democatic side, former Land Commissioner Ray Powell comes with unique credentials, including a good record of doing this important job.
To make the office more transparent, ethical and responsive, he would set up a task force to review the office's policies and practices and to make recommendations for improving accountability. He would put proposals for public land exchanges, long-term leases or land sales out for thorough public airings, pass long-term leases through local land use processes, set up joint planning agreements with other governments to determine best uses of state land, and work to establish public financing for election of the commissioner.
Powell's primary goals are reforming the office and restoring its credibility. Powell, who refused to sell White Peak when he was commissioner, would put all land sales out to bid. He says he would do trades only if they are in the best interests of the state and surrounding communities. He's against credits for developers' planning expenses. He favors working with the labs and academia to develop renewable energy sources that would complement oil and gas, which provides more than 90 percent of revenues to the land office. A botanist and veterinarian, Powell believes in protecting public lands while allowing appropriate uses.
His past service on the State Investment Council would be an asset as the council works to straighten out past investments scandals.
The Journal endorses Ray Powell for land commissioner in the Democratic primary.
Bob Cornelius — Republican
Bob Cornelius is a fresh face in the Republican Party and New Mexico politics.
Hailing from Tatum, Cornelius has been working his way up the party ranks, including serving as executive director of the Bernalillo County GOP and member of the state Central Committee.
He has worked to ensure full funding for New Mexico Lottery Scholarships and has volunteered for various nonprofits, especially those benefitting children. He is a former Public Regulation Commission staffer and currently is a partner in a group working to put together a biomass project in Clovis.
Cornelius wants to encourage alternative energy sources while expanding exploration in traditional sources such as the petroleum industry and reducing or eliminating some regulations, such as the pit rule. He believes allowing the private sector more latitude, encouraging economic development and expanding the energy sector will produce more jobs and revenue for the state.
He thinks the State Investment Council should invest more with local banks. He believes in land conservation, increased habitat management and sensible range practices.
Cornelius has taken a strong position on openness and transparency in government. On his to-do list is creating a searchable database of all lessees on the office's website and an advisory board to oversee land transfers and leasing policies.
The Journal endorses Bob Cornelius for land commissioner in the Republican primary.
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