Susana Martinez (left, courtesy photo) and Diane Denish (photo by Heath Haussamen)

Both candidates for governor say they would pick university regents based on qualifications and experience rather than politics, but neither is explicitly promising that she won’t try to exert direct control over regents by attempting to remove those who don’t vote her way on issues.

And neither gubernatorial candidate is endorsing Gov. Bill Richardson’s proposal to create a screening panel to recommend regent candidates to the governor.

The context: Richardson, early in his tenure, tried unsuccessfully to remove the New Mexico State University student regent after she disregarded his wishes on three key votes. He had required signed but undated resignation letters from his appointees, and he tried to use the student regent’s to force her off the board. The regent publicly stood up to Richardson and he backed down.

And now, Richardson is proposing the creation of screening committees at state universities to recommend candidates to the governor. The governor would still make the final decision.

With that in mind, here’s what I asked the gubernatorial candidates:

• What qualities would you look for in people you’re considering appointing to university boards of regents?
• Do you support the current governor’s proposal to create a committee to screen and recommend candidates for possible appointment to regents positions at the state’s universities?
• Also, the current governor tried to micromanage the state’s universities by attempting to remove regents who didn’t vote his way on individual policy issues. Would you attempt to exert direct control over universities in a similar way or allow regents the freedom to vote based on what they think is right?

Republican Susana Martinez didn’t answer the second question, and neither she nor Democrat Diane Denish directly responded to the third, though Martinez did say regents should “be focused on doing what’s right” and Denish said she wanted to ensure that “the academic missions of our universities are uncompromised by the political process.”

Here are the responses they did provide:

---

Advertisement

Susana Martinez

“As with any appointed position, I would ask my appointees to come to the administration free of personal agendas and ready to serve the people of New Mexico. The Richardson/Denish Administration has too often used the appointment process to reward big donors and political allies. We must ensure that we are appointing ethical and experienced people and that we are electing leaders whose purpose is serving the public.

“I will end the practice of handing out exempt positions as political favors, a practice that has been so prevalent under the Richardson/Denish Administration. Regents should be focused on doing what’s right for the institution and its students and faculty and have the experience and qualifications necessary to be effective. With the right regents in place, we will ensure that higher education thrives in New Mexico, and remains free of undue political influence.”

Diane Denish

“As governor, I will work to ensure that the academic missions of our universities are uncompromised by the political process.

“My philosophy with any appointments is to pick the most qualified, not the most connected. I would want any regent I appoint to have strong knowledge of the university and a connection to it. I would also want regents who are focused on the academic missions of the school. I believe the key to New Mexico’s future economic success is intimately tied to innovative academic programming and producing graduates who are prepared to lead New Mexico in the 21st century economy.

“Having served as a regent at New Mexico Tech, I understand that the role of regents should be focused on broad policy-making and not micro-managing the day-to-day operations of a university.

“There are several ideas about creating screening processes for regents. Though I welcome suggestions on potential regents from stakeholders at the universities, the ultimate appointment decision lies with the governor and it is a responsibility I take very seriously.

“The current governor’s proposal does not have any bearing on how a future governor will proceed with the selection of regents. As outlined, my guiding principles when selecting a regent would be qualifications and commitment to the institution’s academic mission.”