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Demesia Padilla, Republican

Demesia Padilla

The Job of State Treasurer

Keeps, receives and disburses state money and authorizes state agency deposit accounts; oversees the short-term investment fund for local governments and tribes. Four-year term. Pays $85,000. Post held by Doug Brown, appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson after Robert Vigil stepped down in 2005.

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Candidate for state treasurer

Name: Demesia Padilla, Republican

Age: 46

Campaign Web site address: www.padillafortreasurer.org

Occupation: Certified public accountant

Family: Married; three children, one grandchild

Education: Bachelor's, Anderson Schools of Management

Please list the experience you think would make you a good state treasurer.

I will make an excellent state treasurer because I have 20-plus years of helping my clients with their financial matters, and developing strategies to help their business grow. I also understand the importance of accountability to my clients and the importance of independence each time I issue a set of financial statements.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain.

No.

What's the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Enchiladas

Last book you read:

"Deception Point" by Dan Brown

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?

My biggest mistake was becoming a teenage mom, but I learned from two supportive parents that it was a set back and with the right attitude, determination, vision and hard work I could still accomplish all my goals and raise a fine man in the process.

Do you believe the state had a chance to stop alleged corruption in the Treasurer's Office before the federal government did?

Yes.

If so, where along the way could the alleged wrongdoing have been stopped?

The Legislative Finance Committee needed to follow up when concerns were being raised.

What changes in state law could further strengthen the integrity of the office and what specific reforms would you support?

You cannot legislate character and morality. Integrity is a value we learn as young children.

If elected, what will you do to help the public understand what the Treasurer's Office does?

I will have an open door policy with complete transparency recognizing that New Mexicans are my boss. I will also improve the information provided on the Web site.

What is the most important financial policy matter facing the state?

The most important financial policy matter facing the state is to properly enforce the existing policies, regulations and laws that exist.

What are your priorities if elected?

Review the current status of the office and start tackling the problem areas.

What major state investment policy changes would you make if any?

I would like to see additional investing in New Mexico businesses.

Does the Treasurer's Office have enough oversight? If not, what specific steps would you take to improve it?

All individuals involved need to understand the importance of accountability, independence and the responsibilities of being a public servant, and when they forget their responsibilities, voters need to replace them.

Critique the job Doug Brown has done as treasurer since Gov. Bill Richardson appointed him to the post a year ago.

I believe that Gov. Bill Richardson was wise to replace Robert Vigil with an individual that had a strong financial background.