I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Dave Contarino says an allegation that he ordered other officials to make state investments in exchange for a little more than $15,000 in contributions to Gov. Bill Richardson’s 2008 presidential campaign is “a flat-out lie.”
Contarino is a former Richardson chief of staff and campaign manager.
The allegation was made public earlier today when Contarino’s name was unsealed as a defendant in a civil lawsuit related to the state’s losing $90 million in the investment deals with Vanderbilt Financial and affiliated companies. Frank Foy, the former chief investment officer for the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, is alleging in the lawsuit that Contarino instructed State Investment Officer Gary Bland and Bruce Malott, chairman of the educational board, to make the investments in exchange for the contributions.
“I never instructed Gary Bland or Bruce Malott to invest in anything,” Contarino said in a statement that was just released. “I wasn’t even chief of staff at the time of this investment. I played no role in this investment and have no recollection of ever meeting Mr. Foy or anyone involved with Vanderbilt Investments.”
Contarino said he was “not aware” of any contributions from people tied to Vanderbilt to the governor’s campaign, and said “this entire accusation is a total fairy tale concocted by Mr. Foy and his attorney.”
“This entire lawsuit — by a former employee — is irresponsible, and the claims are ridiculous and untrue,” Contarino said. “People are tired of political witch hunts. Enough is enough.”
