STATE News:
The State Ethics Commission announces that at the Commission’s October meeting, a proposed settlement between the State Ethics Commission and New Mexico State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg was approved by the Commission.
The settlement resolves an April 27 administrative complaint received by the State Ethics Commission, which alleged violations of the Governmental Conduct Act and the Campaign Reporting Act by Eichenberg.
Oct. 14, 2022, following an investigation into the allegations, the State Ethics Commission approved a settlement with Eichenberg, which stipulates that he violated Sections 10-16-3(A) and 10-16-3.1(C) of the Governmental Conduct Act by using the Seal of the Treasurer of the State of New Mexico on personal, political communications supporting the candidacy of Heather Benavidez.
Section 10-16-3(A) of the Governmental Conduct Act prohibits legislators, public officers, and public employees from using the powers and resources of public offices to pursue private interests. Section 10-16-3.1(C) prohibits public officers and employees from using government property for unauthorized purposes.
The settlement agreement further requires Eichenberg to comply with the Campaign Reporting Act by correctly reporting independent expenditures he made in support of the Benavidez Campaign.
“The Governmental Conduct Act prohibits public officials and employees from using property belonging to the state to support electioneering activities,” said the Commission’s special counsel, Caroline “KC” Manierre, who investigated the Complaint. “The State Ethics Commission received a complaint alleging that Mr. Eichenberg, a public official subject to the Governmental Conduct Act, used the Seal of the State Treasurer’s office in communications supporting a candidate seeking election as his successor in the State Treasurer’s office. The Commission’s investigation substantiated those allegations. As part of a settlement agreement and in lieu of a hearing, Mr. Eichenberg admitted to violating the Governmental Conduct Act and agreed to pay a $250 civil penalty, the maximum penalty for a violation of that Act.”
Related materials to this matter are available here.
The State Ethics Commission is a constitutionally independent state agency that promotes the integrity of state government through the interpretation, enforcement and improvement of New Mexico’s campaign finance, procurement, and governmental conduct laws. For more information about the State Ethics Commission visit www.sec.state.nm.us.
