Johnny F. Luévano Jr.

When I began writing these columns, it was mainly to propose policy ideas and to express my total bewilderment about the current political process in our state. Well, our current Legislature continues to not disappoint: The recently completed 30 day “budgetary” session was a complete budgetary failure on the part of our elected leaders.

I know it is easy to be the Monday morning quarterback and second guess the tireless efforts of our well-intentioned public leaders, but the bottom, non-progressive line is that we elect our representatives and senators to make timely decisions regardless of the obstacles or dire situation.

I strongly believe the true test of leadership character is revealed during the difficult times, and our current public leaders are demonstrating a record of leadership shortcomings. The constant finger pointing, political bickering and the “it is not my fault” excuses are wearing thin on all of us common folks. At what point do our elected leaders begin to take full responsibility of the collective legislative failure?

Another fundamental rule of leadership is to provide solutions to problems, so in keeping with “Ductus Exemplo” here is how I would fix this failure of legislative action: I would propose a bill that would de-authorize the use of per diem for all legislators that exceed the 30- or 60-day session. This would include the use of per diem for hotel stays or, at the very minimum, would require legislators to bunk up in pairs to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers for their lack of action.

The bill would also include a prorated “no pay due” for all elected members of the state executive branch for each day that is required for the special session. You might ask why I would penalize the executive branch for the failure of the legislative branch, and my answer is that non-progressive, no-excuse-making leadership starts at the top.

Of course, the passing of a bill of this nature is not an option on Wednesday’s special session, so I am calling out our public leaders to set the prudent financial example and voluntarily refuse the use of per diem during this special session. I am sure the local National Guard would be more than willing to set up some cots in a local school gym so our legislators can sleep tight while they iron out their budget differences. I can attest that these cots get quite cozy after a few months.

Leadership is a sacrifice and not a luxury. When a leader is not feeling the pains of accountable and responsible leadership, he or she is doing something wrong.

Where are the gubernatorial candidates?

Since we are on the subject of accountability and producing a budget, has anyone seen a budget proposal from any of the candidates for governor? The media and bloggers are quick to continuously highlight fundraising numbers and seem less concerned with actual substantive ideas on behalf of the candidates. It is no wonder we seem to be constantly disappointed when we finally elect our public representation because the media tends to focus on money and political popularity.

If you are candidate for governor, I challenge you to produce a budget that would solve this financial mess so the voters can have something substantive to evaluate come November. By the look of the candidate’s Web sites, it will take more than a paragraph or two, and some details would be beneficial.

I am not talking about a few talking points – I would like to see an entire budget proposal, and I am sure I am not alone in this request. Stop showing me the money or straw polls and start showing me some ideas.

Luévano, a registered independent, is a Marine Corps officer with 18 years of active-duty service and an Artesia native. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2001 with a bachelor’s in political science and economics and from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a master’s in public administration. The views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense. You can reach him at jfluevano@gmail.com.

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