Kudos to Our Governor: The Honorable Susana Martinez

The Honorable Susana Martinez announced that she was cutting her cabinet salaries to a maximum of $125,000.00. This is an excellent idea, it places some checks and balances into the system to gain control of an out of control budget. Along with this announcement was the resignation of Rick Homans, one of “Big Bill Boys’” who was receiving a salary of $174,000.00.

Some are concerned about other State jobs that are unregulated to a certain point. A good example of this is the 89 school districts and universities throughout the State of New Mexico. Just here in the Metro area, the Eye took a look into this and you may be shock and appalled by what you see.

Let’s start with the University of New Mexico. The President of UNM, Dr. David Schmidly makes an astronomical salary along with perks and benefits. Listed below is what was a found:

“UNM keeps a salary book in Zimmerman library that lists the pay for all UNM employees. The book, lists only base salaries. Schmidly's pay is listed at $387,600.00. His total compensation package, however — which includes the $120,000 in deferred compensation plus housing and auto allowances — is $594,600.”
Source/Partial quotes: ABQJOURNAL NEWS/METRO

Next, let’s look at our other local school superintendents’ salaries:
“APS Superintendent Winston Brooks pulls in an impressive salary of $250,000 Source/Partial quotes: APS Website

“Rio Rancho’s Superintendent Sue Cleveland salary is listed at $151,880 in the latest contract given to the Observer. On top of her compensation, Cleveland will continue to receive $1,125 a month for travel expenses using her personal vehicles.” Source/Partial quotes: Rio Rancho Observer Christopher Ortiz, Observer staff writer

“Next is Los Lunas Superintendent Bernard Saiz. According the Valencia County Bulletin, Saiz receives a yearly salary of $135,000, and $20,000 in incentives based on "incentive goals" agreed upon by the board and Saiz. If attained, each goal is worth $5,000. The contract also includes a cell phone, laptop computer and use of a vehicle." Source/Partial Quotes: Melissa Hubbell News-Bulletin Staff Writer

Do you think we are getting our money’s worth out of these people? Are our schools and universities up to par? These questions leave many gravely concerned and some in disbelief.

The hope is for our Governor to find or have a way to regulate these ridiculous salaries across the board. The universities and school districts are riddled with huge salaries for jobs that do not necessitate that pay scale. The challenge is on for our Governor. The Governor has a lot of hard work ahead of her.