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The pillars of good government: Transparency, accountability and ethics
Harry Montoya
There’s been much discussion lately at the local and national levels about transparency, accountability and ethics in government. Most of the conversations have centered on the fact that these three government pillars have been conspicuously absent in the actions of our elected officials and people in positions of authority at all levels in both the public and private sectors.
As an elected official – having served as a Pojoaque School Board member and now as a two-term Santa Fe County commissioner – I have been given the opportunity by the public to work on behalf of the people’s trust to make a difference in our communities by confronting challenges, collaboratively working on solutions and constantly striving to improve the quality of life of our residents while always mindful of the impact of our decisions on future generations.
For me, there is no other reason to even consider becoming an elected official if not for this purpose. Throughout my career in public office and as the CEO of an Española nonprofit, I have always believed that in order to effectively keep the public trust placed in me by the voters, transparency, accountability and strong ethics are the foundation of an honest, open government that complies with and delivers on the oaths of office we take as elected officials.
Now, as a candidate for state land commissioner, I applaud the actions of three legislators who have introduced legislation that strengthens these three pillars. House Bill 141, introduced by Rep. Nathan Cote, will require that the commissioner of public lands develop, operate and maintain a single Web site that is searchable and accessible to the public that hosts financial information relating to state trust lands.
Another bill, Senate Bill 110, introduced by Sen. Stephen Fischmann with a companion bill in the House introduced by Rep. Jeff Steinborn, will prohibit certain contributions and solicitations of contributions by persons contracting with the state land office. The adage that actions speak louder than words is truly personified by these legislators and every other elected official at the Roundhouse or the schoolhouse that who the necessary steps to find effective ways to ensure and maintain the public’s trust.
The controversial Whites Peak land exchange has generated much public interest and has rattled the pillars of good government. Earlier this week I introduced a resolution that was approved here in Santa Fe County that asks Commissioner Patrick Lyons to consult with the county commission before trading 3,607 acres of land south of Española as part of the exchange.
My commission district includes the acres in question and, in light of the controversy surrounding the exchange, I felt it was in the public trust to do so. Again, actions speak louder than words and I commend my colleagues on the commission for supporting my resolution, which seeks to restore the foundation on which the pillars of good government rest.
To quote President John F. Kennedy, “A government that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a government that is afraid of its people.” If we, as elected officials, do not take action to establish transparent, accountable and ethical standards and continue to let the house of government crumble on shaky pillars, then we are not living up to our oaths of office.
Then, truly, the government’s “fear of the people” that President Kennedy spoke of will continue to make unethical decisions that lack transparency, those in authority will be accountable to no one, and the public trust will continue to erode.
Montoya is a Santa Fe County commissioner from Pojoaque and a Democratic candidate for state land commissioner.
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How has Harry ever been negative? The only campaigns he has ever run were for the school board in Pojoaque (which he won several times with quite convincing numbers), county commission (unopposed the second time) and for congress (which the poor guy didn’t have a chance against the Ben Ray Lujan political machine).
Harry has never been a negative person. This goes to show how ill informed some of my fellow “analysts” on this blog can be.
Obviously there are several individuals that read this site that have a personal vendetta against him.
Go after the other “Politica” in this state that really play rough. The aforementioned is a good example. Harry doesn’t have the personal wealth like his fellow candidates for this position; why aren’t they being singled out? He is simply running because he enjoys public service and is good at it. Give us some proof so we can all see how he is “such a bad guy”
Harry will get negative he always does that the only way he knows how to run an election. Politica is right practice what you preach.
The question is, did Harry financially benefit from being the CEO of this non-profit? Non-profit does not mean free and no one gets paid for their work and gets bennies, etc. And if you think that anything connected to government funding in the heartland of La Politica is not connected to politics and influence, well I have a bridge in Brooklyn for you.
How can Mr. Montoya’s non profit “Hands Across Cultures” organization benefit from “lots of business?” Last time I checked these organizations are created and fostered for reasons of charity and goodwill. Any influence that Mr. Montoya’s political ties for such an organization would be a blessing, and certainly a breath of fresh air considering the current culture of corruption that plagues New Mexico politics.
Maybe more politicians should take Harry’s lead and maybe help a non-profit organization that gives back to our local communities rather than line their own pockets with donations from interest groups. Great article Harry. Your expertise and knowledge about education are exactly the qualities we need in our next land commissioner.
Harry Montoya can write what he’d like about ethics and transparency but he hasn’t practiced anything he’s preached. Dr. J picked is dead on about the connection of Montoya’s nonprofit receiving funding while he was a Santa Fe county commissioner. Transparent? Ethical? Yeah, right! Montoya is only writing about what sounds or good or what voters want to hear. He’s a joke!
I understand this Espanola nonprofit got lots of business, if not all, from county and local government while Harry was Commish. No connections I’m sure, and all is transparent, right?
Harry’s spot on with this commentary…it seems the first thing these politicos forget is the oath of office they’re supposed to uphold…he’s got my vote for land commish!
very well said, sir.