Posted on 02/01/2011 7:35:43 AM PST by CedarDave
About two weeks before he left office, Gov. Bill Richardson's staff handed over his office's records to the State Records Center and Archives. But there was one condition.
Richardson agreed to turn over his records under the condition that for the next eight years, only four people would have access or be able to grant access to the documents Richardson himself; his chief of staff, Brian Condit; general counsel Justin Miller; and scheduler Janis Hartley.
Richardson's action is allowed under a state law passed in 1967, Records Center Director Sandra Jaramillo said ...
Attempts to reach Richardson and his spokeswomen were not successful Monday night.
Already, a public-information request by a television news reporter has been denied because of the request.
The KOB reporter isn't the only one who has been turned down for Richardson records this year.
Scott Darnell, spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez, said in an e-mail Monday, "We've attempted to get particular information and been denied as well." Asked what recourse the administration has to obtain those records, Darnell replied, "It doesn't appear that we have any at this point."
Before Jan. 1, most of the records would have been considered public documents, which under the state Inspection of Public Records Act, anyone could ask to see.
(Excerpt) Read more at santafenewmexican.com ...
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The statute of limitations does not cover fraud.
If we peons didn’t work for HIM, then I’d have a problem with this ...
Hey ... wait a minute....
Actually, it does, both federally and in the states. Each state is different, and the feds have dozens of varying types of fraud charges, each with their own SOL.
However, the feds (and some states), are masters at the RICO charge, which can "reach back" beyond the SOL expiration date, to build a foundation for the RICO case. So, while you can't be prosecuted for the specific fraud if the SOL has passed, that incident can still be rolled into the the larger RICO indictment.
Also, how does this square with the Alaskan e-mail dump from Gov. Palin's time in Juneau that's scheduled for later this year?
You would be surprised. Federal grand jury public corruption investigations are SWEEPING. If the feds have a solid foundation for a case, they'll be looking at his 3rd grade report cards.
Honestly though, can you imagine if a Republican governor had done this? Its surprising that a law like this exists, given the sunshine laws that have been passed in most states the last 30-years.
What state law giveth, state law can taketh away.
New Mexico is now in a better place!
Gov. Susana Martinez orders Arizona-style immigration reform
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2666688/posts?page=31
Access??! I don't need no friggin access grant. I can take as many documents as I can stuff in my pants.
How is it that public records can be sealed for other than for matters of national defense matters??
I have no doubt that Susana would go after him. If it weren’t for this law, Gary King would be the only friend he has to cover for him.
Ok, outside of an active police investigation or a national guard issue,,, why does a state EVER warrant the use of such secrecy? They don’t exactly have nuclear missiles.
Richardson was the one who said, in Spanish, that Obama was an immigrant, was he not?
I’m just saying.
In the early days of seeking the Dem nomination for president, Richardson referred to Barry as “an immigrant”, as I recall.
I think the law needs updating and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it comes under scrutiny in the next 60 day legislative session. However, Susana's got a lot on her plate right now.
What is the statue of limitations on RICO offenses,
....bribery, conspiracy to defraud.... etc... etc... etc..
etc... etc... etc... etc...
Hmmmmmmm....
Ah, transparency...I hope NM’s citizens show the appropriate outrage.
Colonel, USAFR
This is New Mexico, the worlds 3rd largest nuclear power based on what's stored here.;)
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