Bill Richardson in Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009

On Government Reform: Instituted all-paper ballots for all N.M. elections

For our democracy to function, our elections must be fair, our officials must be held accountable, & our citizens must have faith in our government. In 2002, electronic voting machines lost thousands of votes. Untold numbers of New Mexican citizens were disenfranchised by the click of a button. Concerned citizens, the disabled community, and the legislature teamed up with Gov. Richardson to move New Mexico to an all-paper ballot voting system. From now on, every New Mexican voter will put pen to paper. Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, billrichardson2006.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Immigration: Declared state of emergency on Mexican border

In Aug. 2005, Gov. Richardson declared a state of emergency on the New Mexico-Mexico border to ensure that law enforcement officers received the resources they need. He made $1.75 million in state funds immediately available to assist efforts in policing the border. New Mexico then agreed to allow the National Guard to deploy to the border. New Mexico is still waiting on the Federal government to fulfill their commitment to send 265 Border Patrol agents to the New Mexico-Mexico border. Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, billrichardson2006.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Immigration: Path to legalization if illegals pay taxes & learn English

Gov. Richardson believes we can strengthen our borders and still deal fairly with those who want nothing but the American dream. The only realistic solution is to create a path to legalization for immigrants who are paying taxes, learning English, and contributing to our society. He also believes that the US must engage Mexico and build up its border economy to make a better life possible for Mexicans in Mexico. Also, a plan to crack down on employers who knowingly violate the law is imperative. Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, billrichardson2006.com, “Issues” Nov 7, 2006

On Education: No vouchers: they abandon public schools

I will tell you, right up front, that I am opposed to vouchers. To me, they represent flight and abandonment of our public schools. I believe private school vouchers would drain precious resources from the children who need it most. This is precisely the wrong step to take right now. Providing vouchers, draining our schools of funds, takes our focus off the task. It says, “We give up.” And I’m not ready to give up - I’m ready to get to work. Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site RichardsonForGovernor.com, “Educate” Oct 15, 2002

On Tax Reform: Reduce income tax; create Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Phase in a reduction of the state’s personal income tax.
Reform our tax code so we don’t rely on punitive and regressive taxes on items - such as groceries - that hit the people the hardest
Create a “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” similar to the federal system which will hold our state tax department accountable for unreasonable positions it takes against taxpayers.

Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site RichardsonForGovernor.com, “Taxes” Oct 15, 2002

The above quotations are from Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009. Click here for other excerpts from Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009. Click here for other excerpts by Bill Richardson. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018