Saturday, December 13, 2008

N.M. Tech president to guide Denish's 'transition'

El Defensor Chieftain Reports

New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has put her faith in New Mexico Tech President Daniel H. López.

This week, Denish — who's preparing to assume the office of governor — named López and Brenda Brooks as co-chairmen of her Transition Advisory Leadership Team.

The team's primary purpose is to help the governor-to-be set priorities and to suggest potential changes in state government during Denish's transition into the state's top political post.

"The community, business and education leaders with me today will direct teams of citizens who will identify areas where we can achieve greater efficiency in state government, identify ways in which agencies can better integrate, rank priority issues, recommend what can be accomplished in the next two years," Denish said Wednesday, Dec. 10.

An integral cog in the new political machine is López.

"Dr. Dan López brings extensive knowledge of state government and finance issues," Denish said in a prepared release. "Dr. López' experience in administration, planning, finance and budgeting will be important to guiding work of this advisory team. As former Secretary of the Department of Finance, he understands state operations and budget."

Joining López as co-chairman of the volunteer transition team is Hobbs native, Brenda Brooks. Denish cited Brooks' history of successfully developing partnerships between private industry and government as one of her greatest assets.

López said he's thrilled to serve New Mexico during this important transition.

"I'm honored to serve the lieutenant governor in a capacity that could help to support a very smooth transition," López said in a Dec. 12 news release. "Our first responsibility is to gather information about how to continue the progress that has been made by the current governor to make sure we don't ignore any programs or initiatives that have shown positive outcomes."

The Tech president — a native of Puerto de Luna, N.M. — served former Gov. Toney Anaya as secretary of the Department of Labor and also as secretary of the state's DFA. He has served as president of the Socorro-based university for the past 15 years.

First up for the team, López said, is to develop position papers for the new governor's administration in legislation of executive emphasis to ensure a smooth transition.

"We'll bring in a wide range of ideas in a coherent manner for the new governor to hit the ground running," he said in the press release. "We'll get input from all across New Mexico."

To date, seven key advisers have been named to help during this critical time.

Trevor Loy of Albuquerque's Flywheel Ventures was tapped to lead the Government Efficiency and Finance Advisory Team.

Alex Romero, president of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, will lead an economic stability team.

Margie Huerta, president of the Doña Ana Community College, was named head of an education and work force team.

Matt Martinez, vice president of the National Hispanic Cultural Center board and former Las Vegas, N.M., mayor, will lead a healthy families and communities team.

Maria Griego-Raby, a member of the state Board of Finance, will lead Denish's safety and security team.

Joe Garcia, chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, will lead the energy and environment team.

Joe Maestas, Española's mayor, will guide the team responsible for transportation and infrastructure.

While questions of who will succeed Denish as lieutenant governor continue to swirl, she said she's reserving a decision until after she vacates her current office.

In related news, Denish yesterday (Friday) also named Socorro attorney Jerry Armijo as one of dozens of New Mexicans to serve on the transition advisory teams.

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