Issue Position: Ethics Reform

Issue Position

Our state ethic's code needs a complete overall to root out corrupt elected officials who violate the public trust by abusing their positions. To ensure a democracy that works for the people, government officials should be accountable to voters in their districts, not to wealthy special interests who fund their campaigns. If we don't improve transparency in elections and mandate legislative accountability then we risk allowing powerful special interest to drown out the voices of everyday citizens.

-Establish an Independent Ethics Commission that hears complaints related to corruption, mismanagement of state funds, and potential ethics violations. This body should have the ability to engage in effective oversight and hold elected official accountable for violating the public trust;
-Revoke the pensions and health care benefits for public officials convicted of corruption and establish mandatory prison time;
-Improve transparency in elections and regulate money in politics. We must fix New Mexico's Campaign Reporting Act to ensure that the public knows exactly who is spending to influence elections and to ensure that citizen voices are heard.

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