From the May 18, 2010, Albuquerque Journal:

Journal Selections for Land Commissioner

Ray Powell — Democrat

New Mexico needs steady hands guiding its most important offices. The Office of Public Lands, which oversees regulation and use of the state’s precious resources for the greater good of its children, is among them.

On the Democatic side, former Land Commissioner Ray Powell comes with unique credentials, including a good record of doing this important job.

To make the office more transparent, ethical and responsive, he would set up a task force to review the office’s policies and practices and to make recommendations for improving accountability. He would put proposals for public land exchanges, long-term leases or land sales out for thorough public airings, pass long-term leases through local land use processes, set up joint planning agreements with other governments to determine best uses of state land, and work to establish public financing for election of the commissioner.

Powell’s primary goals are reforming the office and restoring its credibility. Powell, who refused to sell White Peak when he was commissioner, would put all land sales out to bid. He says he would do trades only if they are in the best interests of the state and surrounding communities. He’s against credits for developers’ planning expenses. He favors working with the labs and academia to develop renewable energy sources that would complement oil and gas, which provides more than 90 percent of revenues to the land office. A botanist and veterinarian, Powell believes in protecting public lands while allowing appropriate uses.

His past service on the State Investment Council would be an asset as the council works to straighten out past investments scandals.

The Journal endorses Ray Powell for land commissioner in the Democratic primary.