Martinez Runs Government Leaner

Susana Martinez

Santa Fe New Mexican - State-government hiring of exempt employees was brisk after newly elected state officials took office this year, but is slowing now that the new governor has been in office more than six months. Records from January through June show 180 exempt employees — who don't fall under the state personnel system's rules for hiring and firing — were put on the state payroll. In addition to Gov. Susana Martinez herself and her top appointees, these include exempt hires in agencies not under her control, such as the Secretary of State's Office and the Attorney General's Office. The number also includes people who were re-hired from previous government posts. When former Gov. Bill Richardson left office, he had about 300 exempt employees serving at his pleasure, not counting those who worked for other agencies. The scaling down of political appointees is part of Martinez's philosophy, said spokesman Scott Darnell. Martinez has pledged to reduce the number of exempts by at least 20 percent. Read full story here: News New Mexico