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Getting NM’s economy back on track requires both a plan and action
Susana Martinez
I have been heartened in the weeks since becoming the Republican gubernatorial nominee by the fact that a meaningful and substantive dialogue has begun to develop concerning the chief issues confronting our state – jobs and the economy.
My campaign, as well as that of my opponent – Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish – have rolled out and campaigned on economic plans for New Mexico. Come November, voters will make a determination regarding which one of the two visions best reflects their hopes and dreams for our beloved state.
As New Mexicans look at what I have put forward as an economic framework, they will appreciate the premium I have placed on making our state competitive, getting our finances in order and rooting out corruption, all with one very clear and measurable objective: getting New Mexicans back to work.
There are very real differences between the approach I have laid out to turn New Mexico’s economy around and Diane Denish’s. These differences will be the basis for the choice this fall.
The differences
Taxes is one of the clear dividing lines between myself and Diane Denish. At the core of my plan is a commitment to not raise taxes that hurt New Mexico families and burdens our small businesses. But my plan goes further and pledges to work to phase out job-killing taxes so that we can stimulate growth in our small business sector, entice investment to our state, and create a more competitive tax environment with our neighboring states. If businesses have more resources, the end result is growth and new job creation.
My opponent tries to make similar claims about taxes, but has established a clear record of supporting tax increases. Though Denish has been saying that she is against tax increases to solve the budget crisis, her own budget plan calls for the elimination of tax credits, which is the equivalent of raising taxes.
Another area where there is an absolutely crystal clear contrast is corruption. I believe waste, fraud and abuse results in millions of dollars in wasted resources and additional costs that are passed on to taxpayers. Diane Denish has been lieutenant governor of arguably one of the most corrupt administrations in New Mexico history and remained virtually silent on this topic.
On the issue of tort reform, New Mexico was just named a “judicial hellhole” by a national organization that monitors frivolous lawsuits. I believe we must end lawsuit abuse, so employers are not sued out of business, resulting in jobs being lost. Diane Denish has had little to say on the matter.
I have spoken repeatedly about removing taxes on state services. In fact, New Mexico taxes 158 business services. Only six other states tax more than 100. Our neighboring states do not tax services at all. One consequence is that many business-to-business transactions are taxed in New Mexico, a policy termed “pyramiding.” This practice increases overhead for New Mexico small businesses and puts them at a competitive disadvantage. While I have spoken out against these taxes that discourage job creation, my opponent is silent.
And while I have made a firm commitment to cut burdensome and job-killing regulations that hurt small businesses, Diane Denish has paid lip service to this with little more than a mention in her plan and comments. But the Richardson-Denish record speaks volumes about their regulatory views – help the politically connected and powerful and push radical environmental regulations that are killing our rural industries.
Fundamentally changing the way business is done
One example of a regulation I would work to change are the elements of the Pit Rule that drive up the cost of drilling for no valid scientific reason. This directive, which was not based on sound science to protect the environment, adds an estimated additional cost of $250,000 per well drilled in New Mexico, which results in less activity, fewer jobs and diminished revenue. We can protect our environment and provide a stable business environment, if we base our regulations on evidence and facts, rather than ideology. That’s what I’ll do as governor.
On the issue of energy taxes, I have been outspoken in my opposition to cap-and-trade legislation, or what some term cap-and-tax. And while Denish has expressed her reservations about the policy, it is difficult to take her words seriously as her administration spearheaded an effort to impose a regional cap-and-trade agreement as she stood on the sidelines.
And I believe government doesn’t create jobs, but can put in place an environment that encourages growth and development (i.e. hiring). Diane Denish believes just the opposite as she has been at the head of an administration that has grown government by 50 percent as its rules and regulations resulted in less competition and negative job growth in the private sector.
At the end of the day, the differences between my vision and approach and Denish’s define the choice facing New Mexicans. I believe in a bold approach that fundamentally changes the way business is done in the state from what has been done over the course of the last eight years. My opponent is nothing more than an extension of the tax-increasing, regulation-imposing and job-killing administration that has placed New Mexico on the brink of bankruptcy and cost us jobs.
Martinez is the Republican candidate for governor.
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It is time for Ms. Susana Martinez to stand up and debate this economy issue as well as other issues with Lt. Governor Diane Denish in a series of debates across the state – Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, Rio Rancho, Hobbs, Carlsbad, Truth or Consequences, Roswell, Deming, Ruidoso, etc. New Mexicans deserve to meet and hear the candidates on the issues. The candidates need to fight toe-to-toe to win the election.
TV ads are a waste of time on the real issues. It is like a walkout bout in boxing.
This is going to be a long term recession. What we really need is true job creation. We need more government spending on job training as well as help for community colleges to reverse the erosion of jobs skills among the long-term unemployed in New Mexico. Here is an excellent article on how the recession hits Hispanics the hardest.
http://alibi.com/index.php?story=32911&scn=news&submit_user_comment=y
The heck with giving more breaks to the oil and gas industry as promulgated by her buddies in New Mexico Turn Around group – Ms. Martinez has turned the problem upside down! As the article says: “employment and education problems feed each other!”
Excellent write up and position. However, regarding income taxes, does Susana Martinez have a position on the possibility of exempting military retirement pay from NM Personal Income Taxes?
Of the four states we share common borders, NM is the only one of to tax military retirement pay. For the past two legislatures, legislation has been proposed to make the exemption. Such exemption would attract more military retirees who have unique skills that are useful in the civilian economy. As it is now, military retirees preferentially pick the other four states.
This is going to be a long term recession. What we really need is true job creation.We need more government spending on job training as well as help for community colleges to reverse the erosion of jobs skills among the long-term unemployed in New Mexico. Here is an excellent on how the recession hits Hispanics the hardest.
http://alibi.com/index.php?story=32911&scn=news&submit_user_comment=y
The heck with giving more breaks to the oil and gas industry as promulgated by her buddies in New Mexico Turn Around – Ms. Martinez has turned the problem outside down!
This is going to be a long term recession. What we really need is true job creation. He need more government spending on job training as well as help for community colleges to reverse the erosion of jobs skills among the long-term unemployed in New Mexico. Here is an excellent on how the recession hits Hispanics the hardest.
http://alibi.com/index.php?story=32911&scn=news&submit_user_comment=y
The heck with giving more breaks to the oil and gas industry as promulgated by her buddies in New Mexico Turn Around – Ms. Martinez has turned the problem outside down!
Wait a minute … this is the same woman who purchased $60,000 worth of “office supplies” from a deputy while she was working as a DA in Las Cruces? Without any competitive bidding? And she’s going to place a “premium” on “rooting out corruption”?
Hilarious. Martinez would be a DISASTER for this state. This woman is more corrupt than Steve Pearce.
Ms. Martinez forgets both the private and public sectors need to be ethical, accountable and efficient. Drowning one of them in the bathtub while allowing the other to remain unfettered and unaccountable will lead to disaster. In Ms. Martinez’s case she wants to give control to the oil and gas industry i.e. elimination of the pit rule and regulations. We need a balanced program to protect the economy of New Mexico. This is a national recession that effects all states. So, Ms. Martinez, let’s not throw out the baby, the bath water and the bathtub to support your conservative ideology!
Susanna Martinez has no plan. Period. Susanna says she will eliminate taxes, the same old GOP line, but doesn’t say how she will replace the lost revenue. She says she will root out waste fraud and abuse, well just how much does she think this will grow the revenue base. Corruption? A revenue generator? Sounds to me like lip service. Susanna talks a good line then she shows her true colors when she uses Federal dollars to raise the salaries of her buddies in her office to the tune of $250,000 of which when the federal dollars run out or go away the state taxpayer is left with the tab of these huge salaries. I think we can expect the runaway tax cutting and spending from Susanna when she gets her hands on the State’s coffers.
Ms. Martinez’s views mirror the views of New Mexico Turn Around – an oil and gas industry sponsored group – led by Harvey Yates. Ending the pit rule would be a disaster for New Mexico. Her plan for the economy would be a knock out punch for the average New Mexican.
We hear you Susana, but instead of speaking in gross generalizations, please be more specific. The Pit Rule is the only specific item you called out and even that is being questioned as to its real impact. Denish is guilty as well when it comes to generalities, but this electorate and this blog’s readers deserve better.
I know the polls are close, but Susana definitely leads in the game of “hiding the ball”.
Excellent blog! Susana will be the best governor for this state.