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.
The state has filled 371 classified positions and 41 exempt posts since the start of a hiring freeze, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
Kate Nash of the New Mexican writes that officials said that every hire required the approval of the state’s Department of Finance and Administration. Meanwhile, officials estimate the freeze will save nearly $10 million.
Exempt positions are filled by the governor. They are essentially political appointments. Classified positions, on the other hand, are filled by the usual hiring process governed by state personnel policies.
Here’s an excerpt from Nash’s story:
One classified job that is expected be filled is the state historian’s job. Estevan Rael-Gálvez recently announced he’s leaving the post to work at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Most of the recently filled classified jobs are related to public safety and health, a spokesman for Gov. Bill Richardson said.
Other recently filled exempt, or appointed, jobs include a new spokesman at the Department of Transportation. Mark Slimp replaced former spokesman S.U. Mahesh, who has moved to the Taxation and Revenue Department.
