In March of 2020, New Mexico Governor Michelle Grisham made headlines when she implemented a strict lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the state ranked 39th out of 50 in terms of coronavirus cases. However, behind closed doors, Governor Grisham’s actions were not aligned with the restrictions she imposed on her constituents.
Spending Taxpayer Dollars on Luxuries
According to a report published by the Santa Fe New Mexican, Governor Grisham’s office spent nearly $13,500 from a taxpayer-supported expense fund over a six-month period in 2020. The expenses included purchases of groceries, dry cleaning, and even alcohol. In September, the governor spent over $200 on five bottles of tequila, two bottles of vodka, two bottles of Merlot, and single bottles of whiskey and gin. These purchases were made while the governor was simultaneously urging the public to avoid mixing households to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The report also revealed that Governor Grisham hosted in-person staff meetings at the governor’s mansion, further contradicting her own guidelines. Approximately half of the $13,500 spent went towards providing food for the governor’s Cabinet members and staffers during these meetings. The revelations of these expenditures have sparked outrage among state Republicans and citizens alike.
Republican Outrage and Criticism
State House Minority Whip Rod Montoya expressed his disappointment with Governor Grisham’s use of discretionary funds, stating, “I didn’t realize the governor was so underpaid that she has to use discretionary money for things that she should be paying for herself.” He further highlighted the discrepancy between the governor’s spending habits and the per diem allowances provided to legislators.
New Mexico House Minority Leader Jim Townsend echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars should not be spent on luxury items. He remarked, “In a time when people are hurting all over the state, using their tax dollars to buy Wagyu beef has got to be a little bit disenchanting to many people.” Townsend suggested that these actions reflect a larger problem of the governor’s inability to connect with the concerns of the citizens she represents.
Governor Grisham’s Response and Defense
In a virtual news conference, Governor Grisham addressed the controversy surrounding her spending habits. She sought to assure New Mexicans that she takes their hardships seriously. The governor, however, denied personally making the purchases in question. Instead, she attributed them to a member of her staff, whom she referred to as a “rock star.”
Regarding the $200 alcohol purchase, Grisham’s spokesperson, Tripp Stelnicki, explained that it was intended for a holiday party that was ultimately canceled. Stelnicki claimed that the bottles of alcohol remained unopened. Despite these explanations, the fact remains that the governor’s expenditures violated a state law enacted in 2019, which aimed to set limits on the use of discretionary funds.
Political Consequences and Public Perception
Governor Grisham’s controversies extend beyond her spending habits. Her strict COVID restrictions have drawn criticism from businesses, and she has faced challenges connecting with the concerns of everyday New Mexicans. These controversies have raised questions about her leadership and ability to effectively represent her constituents.
Constitutional Rights and Second Amendment Controversy
Adding to the controversy, Governor Grisham recently declared gun violence a public health emergency. In response to several tragic shootings, she temporarily suspended open and concealed carry laws in Bernalillo County, which directly infringes on law-abiding citizens’ constitutional right to bear arms. This move has sparked outrage among gun rights activists and has been deemed unconstitutional.
Sheriff John Allen from Bernalillo County announced that he will not comply with the governor’s order, citing reservations about the temporary ban and its challenge to the foundation of the Constitution. The sheriff’s refusal to enforce the order highlights the divide between the governor’s actions and the rights of the people she is elected to serve.