Matthew McQueen, candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands/Courtesy photo

BY REP. CHRISTINE CHANDLER
District 43
Los Alamos, Sandoval & Santa Fe Counties

I write to express my unequivocal endorsement of Matthew McQueen as the Democratic nominee for Commissioner of Public Lands.  

The New Mexico Constitution assigns to the office the important responsibility of providing a strong and reliable revenue stream to support our public schools, hospitals and other public institutions.  It currently relies heavily on the mineral extraction sector, while at the same time striving to diversify its economic base to meet its constitutional obligations.  The revenue generated is in excess of two billion dollars annually.  

The Commissioner is also a steward of our public lands and must ensure their long-term sustainablity for generations to come.  The job is an important one that requires a broad knowledge base, good judgment, and the strength to negotiate hard with well-funded corporate interests. He has the strongest environmental credentials of anyone in the House.

Matthew is completing his sixth term in the State Legislature.  During that time, he has shown himself to be a serious person who studies the issues and offers balanced policy solutions.  

Matthew is a person of integrity who has what it takes to lead the public lands office.  Please join me in voting for Matthew McQueen, Commissioner of Public Lands, in the Democratic primary.