E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com)
Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.
Monday, August 11, 2025Forty Years At The Roundhouse; State Budget Guru David Abbey Recalls Them In New Book As He Rates The Past And Looks To The Future Abbey, who took a degree in economics and is the son of a political science professor, recounts how after youthful adventures his state government career began in 1983 as a lowly state revenue estimator. He then smoothly advanced through the ranks, taking on the role of executive director of the LFC in 1997. There he developed a legendary reputation as a budget authority of the first order and as an unapologetic "fiscal conservative." As might be expected from a budget maven Abbey's book takes a practical approach, placing in chronological order the many grand budget battles he engaged in--now mostly forgotten but still gripping for those attuned to state politics. His height of power as well as his fall from it came during his association with Dem Senator John Arthur Smith, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. With Abbey's encouragement "Dr. No" ruled on budget matters with an iron fist and a conservatism that rankled progressive Democrats. They finally took him down in the 2020 primary election and with him some of the tight-fisted policies that were his and Abbey's hallmark.
But Abbey, whose distinguished gray mane made him stand out like a firefly at the Roundhouse, expresses dismay in gubernatorial leadership of all sorts and places much blame on it for the state's bottom of the barrel rankings: New Mexico performed poorly over the last 40 years. The practices and activities of executive leaders and some legislators have been at fault. Governors Anaya, Johnson and Martinez stood out for an "unwillingness to compromise." Johnson and Martinez and some legislative leaders stand out for "failure to communicate," not even a pretense of talking sometime. The terms of Anaya and Richardson stand out for misuse of public funds and power at the highest level, also known as corruption. The $10 billion Medicaid managed care procurement under Lujan Grisham drew the attention of the Ethics Commission. During their administrations Anaya, Johnson and Martinez were often characterized by non-stop bickering, chaos, turbulence, feuding and power struggles. Some of the governors seem vindictive and petty. Bruce King was notable for his easygoing efforts to build consensus but also perhaps for a lack of strategic vision. Johnson, Richardson, Martinez and Lujan Grisham seemed preoccupied during their second terms. . .with a national agenda and their ambition. . . Many New Mexicans thought they were bored and disinterested. Abbey rates Republican Gov. Garey Carruthers as the best of the lot during his career. "I rate him the highest in modern history. Don't underestimate the value of positive energy and leadership."  The LFC was founded in the 1950's when lawmakers wanted their own budget to consider not just that of the governor. It was and is an unusual way of clipping the executive's wings and was powered by a conservative DNA that Abbey inherited. While the state was growing it served quite well, but the drastic social decline of recent years called for a major pivot that never came. To this day the state has been unable to face-up to how dire conditions have become for so many. THE FUTURE For Abbey, 73, New Mexico's woes begin and end with education. "Education trumps everything. New Mexico has been mired at the bottom of reading and math proficiency for decades." He writes. He cites "leadership instability" at the Public Education Department with the state appearing "to have lost focus" on how reform should be structured. He says he has been on the "extended learning bandwagon" for years but the state has lost momentum, noting the recent opposition to lengthening the 180 day school year. He also says a breakdown in stricter teacher evaluation standards has held back progress. He touts full-day kindergarten as a stand out accomplishment. On the economy, Abbey calls for lowering the state's gross receipts tax as well as more personal income tax cuts. He does not champion a full-time legislature but does believe an increase in pay for legislators "might enhance their independence." Abbey's book is a thoughtful and thorough account of his years brushing elbows with the notable legislators of the time, giving him not only a bird's eye view of the action but helping to shape the policies and destiny of the state. While that prompts a tear or two from him over the end results, his steady hand and even temperament aided in keeping conditions financially stable. That gives us yet another chance to make things right. This is the Home of New Mexico Politics. |
  Links
Archives
|