New Mexico governor spends social fund mainly on food, drink

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez spent $58,268 last year from an unaudited fund for social obligations, mostly on food and drinks.

In response to a public records request, the state Department of Finance and Administration on Thursday provided a summary of spending for 2017 from the so-called contingency fund.

Martinez this month signed legislation to provide greater scrutiny of expenditures from the governor’s fund – after she leaves office at the end of the year. The second-term Republican cannot run another consecutive term.

Food and drinks accounted for $33,381 in spending, while miscellaneous spending on dignitary visits and gestures of gratitude or condolences accounted for $14,527.

Martinez has defended her handling of the fund, noting that her office publishes quarterly account summaries and spent less than Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.

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3/30/2018 12:23:59 AM (GMT -6:00)