Bill Richardson’s Issues ‘Warning’ For His Own Political Appointees Following Resignation Shake-up

A day after New Mexico Governor-elect Susana Martinez (R) announced she’ll be cleaning house in Santa Fe, outgoing Governor Bill Richardson (D) has a message for some of his political appointees.

Martinez on Friday asked for resignation letters from so-called exempt workers unless they’re asked to stay on.

Richardson’s administration is warning his political appointees that offering a letter of resignation to incoming Gov. Susana Martinez “without a specific request or demand” for it could jeopardize their health and unemployment benefits.

Transition team leader Heather Wilson says exempt workers who want a permanent job in the new administration should submit a resume.

She says any appointees asked to stay on will have to be vetted.

In a recent interview with ABC-7, Martinez said with a projected state budget shortfall of $500 million she’s determined to trim what she deems to be excess in Santa Fe.

“You know, 400 state employees have been given raises recently and you have exempt positions moved into classified positions in order to protect their jobs; there’s an awful lot of games being played,” she said.

Richardson also asked for the resignations of exempt workers in his predecessor’s administration when he took office in 2003.

Martinez will be sworn into office on New Year’s Day.