Harry Montoya, Republican candidate for New Mexico state treasurer, wants the job to make sure the state’s funds are handled efficiently and ethically, he told the New Mexico Sun.
“My commitment is to ensure that your tax dollars to the state of New Mexico are legally spent, in accordance with our state's constitution,” the candidate said. “My pledge would be to ensure trust, accountability, transparency and the highest ethical standards for all state government spending, while making the best use of taxpayer funds.”
The treasury office oversees $15 billion in state funds, he said.
“My job is to ensure the safety, liquidity and yield of the state's investments,” Montoya said. “To that end, honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency are paramount. Additionally, we sit on many of the boards that impact every financial aspect of state government. I will ensure those funds are going to be safe and secure, as well as long-lasting for all of the retirees.”
If elected, he pledges to hold town hall meetings and “take the state treasurer's office to the people and their communities. Too many people do not know what the role is of the state treasurer, and it is important for them to know what we do and also report to them the investments that are being made and how they are performing for the taxpayer."
He would also oppose a state bank -- “in contrast to my opponent,” Montoya said.
He said a state bank would be an enormous aggregation of state power and hurt the consumers who benefit from competitive rates among private banks and credit unions.”
Montoya is a lifelong New Mexican and a recognized expert on substance abuse prevention, having worked with the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, as well as consulting with local and state governments across the U.S., according to Harry Montoya for State Treasurer.
He has an extensive record of public service in New Mexico, serving a school board member and county commissioner. In both roles he was selected to serve in leadership positions of the New Mexico School Board Association and National Association of Counties. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and lives with his wife, Doris, in the Name Valley.
According to Ballotpedia, Montoya will face off against Democrat Laura Montoya on Tuesday.