City Council President Dan Lewis issued a statement on May 29, 2024, addressing recent developments involving the New Mexico State Ethics Commission (NMSEC). According to Lewis, he received a letter from the NMSEC director on April 3, 2024, requesting information regarding anonymous allegations that he violated the Governmental Conduct Act by accepting a position as Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico.
"These anonymous allegations were unsubstantiated after a thorough investigation," said Lewis. "I accepted this position after any official actions of the City Council. The Commission made no adverse finding that I violated any rules and assessed no penalty."
Lewis emphasized his full cooperation with the NMSEC during their inquiry. "The agreement reflects my commitment to continue adhering to all ethical requirements that apply to my position as a City Councilor, as I have always done," he stated.
Addressing his actions related to the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board, Lewis explained his motivations. "My actions as a City Councilor relating to the Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board were entirely because I believe they were the appropriate actions to protect my constituents and the people of Albuquerque from what I believe was a renegade Board that was attempting to harm our community," he asserted. He clarified that his decisions were not influenced by any offers or incentives from the Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico.
"The bills that I sponsored relating to the Air Quality Board were supported by a super majority of the Albuquerque City Council, including an override of Tim Keller's ill-conceived veto," Lewis noted.
He also expressed concern about how anonymous complaints are handled by NMSEC. "While I respect the State Ethics Commission and its work, I am concerned that anonymous complaints can be used as political weapons against elected officials who serve in a non-partisan municipal office," said Lewis. He called for review by both the Attorney General and State Legislature regarding NMSEC's process for considering such complaints.
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