State Auditor Hector Balderas Rallies Progressive Voters in Doña Ana County

State Auditor Hector Balderas

Contributing writer Stephen Jones checks in with another report from Southern New Mexico.

Championing a “culture of accountability,” State Auditor Hector Balderas was in Doña Ana County on Thursday to rally support for his reelection bid and to promote the New Mexico Democratic ticket. Balderas addressed a large local turnout at the August meeting of the Progressive Voters Alliance (PVA) held at the Munson Community Center in Las Cruces and a meet and greet event at in Mesilla. 

Balderas noted his success in overcoming official resistance and fighting public fraud on behalf of New Mexicans despite the traditional low profile of the Auditor’s office. “Citizens in New Mexico have grown tired of a lack of accountability from government agencies,” Baldera’s said.

Balderas has received high marks from reforms groups in New Mexico and nationally. As State Auditor, Hector Balderas uncovered a $3.4 million dollar embezzlement of public funds, the largest in state history, at Jemez Mountain Public Schools. He has fought resistance at the state and local levels to scrutiny of public expenditures.

Several local officials were also on hand at the PVA meeting including State Representatives Jeff Steinborn (NM-37), Joseph Cervantes (NM-52), Nate Cote (NM-53), State Senator Steve Fischmann (NM-37), Las Cruces City Councillor Nathan Small and Judge Manny Arrieta. Other candidates addressing the group included Bill McCamley, candidate for PRC, Jose “Joel” Cano, candidate for Magistrate Judge, and Billy Garrett, Democratic Nominee for Doña Ana County Commissioner.

Prior to the PVA meeting, State Auditor Balderas met with voters at a meet and greet event at Andele Restaurante at 1950 Calle del Norte, in Mesilla. Hector Balderas is serving his first term in statewide constitutional office, and is seeking reelection in the November General Election.

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