From the Santa Fe Reporter …

Commissioner of Public Lands

Outgoing Commissioner of Public Lands Patrick Lyons is term-limited from running again, leaving an open seat for the office that oversees 9 million acres of state trust land across New Mexico, as well as 13 million acres of mineral rights. Revenue from state trust lands benefits nearly two dozen public institutions, mostly public schools. The revenue the office generates is significant—more than $520 million in fiscal year ‘08 alone. The majority of that money—approximately 95 percent— comes from oil and gas production.

Democrats hope to retake the seat (Lyons currently is the only statewide-elected Republican in New Mexico) and all are emphasizing the need for New Mexico to diversify its revenue stream with an increased emphasis on alternative energies.

Public Regulation Commissioner Sandy Jones did not return several calls and emails seeking an interview in advance of this endorsement. Inaccessibility should be a strong strike against anyone seeking public service.

Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya convincingly cites his commitment to public education as a primary motivator in seeking this seat, as well as his experience creating land policy in Santa Fe County.

But SFR is ultimately more convinced by the candidacy of Ray Powell, a veterinarian who formerly held the office of land commissioner (1993-2002). Powell’s well-documented commitment toward conservation would serve New Mexico well in the coming years, particularly given the potential pressure to monetize public assets in the face of the state’s financial turmoil. As land commissioner, Powell was able to hold oil and gas companies accountable and recover money for the state. His work as director of the Four Corners States Region of The Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research Education and Conservation has given him a larger worldview about the important role public lands can play in society. If elected, Powell promises a fast review of current land office policies and an expanded emphasis on transparency. He also is committed to working with other local governments on land-use issues, and with the Legislature to create public financing for land commissioner elections.

Quotable: “Why can’t we be the Silicon Valley of the world in terms of restoration technologies?”