Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — Tuesday evening Bernalillo County Commissioners Steve Michael Quezada and Walt Benson issued the following statements concerning failed proposed amendments to the administrative resolution establishing a process for selection of a county manager:
“Tonight, I opposed Commission Chair Barbara Baca’s plan to expand the County Manager Search Committee by two members because it still unfairly disadvantages the constituents of Commission Districts 2 and 4” says Commissioner Walt Benson. “The most equitable approach would be for each commissioner to nominate one member to the committee.”
“I cannot support any alternative proposal or amendments that do not ensure that each commissioner appoints one member to the County Manager Search Committee,” says Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada. “Commissioner Baca’s proposal was inadequate and perpetuates the perception that the hiring process is biased, unequal, and rigged in favor of Commissioners Baca, Olivas, and Barboa.”
“We look forward to the conclusion of the New Mexico Department of Justice’s investigation into this issue. Only after receiving the Attorney General’s final decision can we genuinely proceed in a constructive direction,” say Commissioners Steven Michael Quezada and Walt Benson.