Jan 15, 2009: State Treasurer Invites Media to Learn Day-to-Day Activities of the State’s Banker

State Treasurer James B. Lewis invited all New Mexico media to visit the State Treasurer’s Office, meet with key personnel and hear about the day-to-day activities of the state’s banker at a “Media Day Open House” on January 15, 2009.

To kick off the open house, Treasurer Lewis highlighted what he envisioned for the office while he was a candidate for state treasurer, and compared that vision to what has been done to restore honesty and integrity to the office two years into his four-year term. Treasurer Lewis presented a list of completed initiatives focused on improving accountability and transparency in the office, particularly in the areas of cash management and investing.

Treasurer Lewis said his first priorities when he took office were to comprehensively review the business practices of the State Treasurer’s Office and to hire competent, qualified staff. “You cannot implement a vision without valuable human resources, and I value the State Treasurer’s Office staff,” Treasurer Lewis said.

Deputy State Treasurer Mark F. Valdes and division directors explained the responsibilities of the office and detailed how staff implements the mission of the state’s banker to provide the most proficient, efficient and productive banking services to all internal and external customers. The open house also included a demonstration of the electronic trading platform used by the Investment Division.

When asked by a reporter to summarize his perspective on preventative measures and ethics reforms, Treasurer Lewis reiterated the importance of accountability, checks and balances, due diligence, and fiduciary responsibility.

“I am very serious about being a public official and I just have the utmost respect for the position I am in,” said Treasurer Lewis. “I am honored – as anyone else should be honored – that the trust is entrusted to me by the citizens of this state. That is why I am for election rather than appointment because you take that away from the electorate.”

More information about State Treasurer’s Office, including the annual report for fiscal year 2007, is available at www.stonm.org.