STATE News:

RIO RANCHO – Rep. Catherine Cullen (R- Rio Rancho) is calling for transparency and accountability following reports that Sandoval County Assessor Linda Gallegos is collecting two taxpayer-funded government salaries while continuing to serve in elected office.

A recent investigative report raised serious concerns about whether Sandoval County taxpayers are receiving the full-time leadership and attention they elected their assessor to provide.

“Public office is a public trust,” Rep. Catherine Cullen said. “New Mexicans are working harder than ever to support their families, and they expect elected officials to be fully committed to the jobs they were elected to do, not collecting multiple taxpayer-funded salaries while delegating the responsibilities of public office.”

Cullen said taxpayers deserve answers regarding how the assessor’s duties are being fulfilled, how much compensation is being received from both positions, and whether county residents are receiving the level of service they deserve.

“This is ultimately about accountability,” Cullen continued. “Sandoval County residents deserve to know whether their elected assessor is fully carrying out the responsibilities of the office. If that commitment cannot be made, then serious conversations about stepping aside should take place.”

Rep. Cullen is calling for full public transparency regarding outside employment arrangements, compensation, scheduling, and any delegation of official assessor duties connected to the position.