Governor hopeful sets sights on economy, education, safety

Freedom New Mexico

If elected governor, candidate Susana Martinez said she would focus on strengthening the economy, improving education and increasing the safety of citizens and would eliminate corruption.

Martinez, district attorney of Dona Ana County, was in Clovis Wednesday meeting with business people and elected officials about her campaign for governor.

“I think New Mexicans are desperate for another type of government, and I can provide it to them,” the Republican candidate said.

Overspending, corruption, big government and “poor leadership” are criticisms she had of the current New Mexico administration and Gov. Bill Richardson.

Fixing the economy and education starts with carefully analyzing where money is being spent and eliminating superfluous programs, she said.

“We find ourselves where we are because of the enormous spending in the last seven years,” she said.

Overregulation, licensing and taxation has also run businesses out of the state and created an environment that makes it difficult for new businesses to grow, she said.

“We have to reduce the size of government and become the creator of an environment that allows businesses to grow. You can’t be business friendly if the money goes back into the government,” she said.

With 24 years experience in prosecution, Martinez said her passion is strengthening laws that protect children and stronger emphasis on border security and holding illegal immigrants accountable for crimes they commit.

Citing a background and reputation for rooting out and confronting corruption, Martinez said it is time for more accountability and transparency in government.

“(New Mexicans) have to start to have faith that their government officials are working for them and not for themselves.”