Allen Weh Chats Briefly With The Mountain Mail

By Mike Sievers
SOCORRO – Republican businessman Allen Weh, a potential candidate for governor in 2010 and former state GOP chairman, stopped by the Mountain Mail office on Thursday, July 16, to introduce himself and talk about a few issues with editor Mike Sievers and reporter John Larson.
Weh has not made his candidacy official, but has formed an exploratory committee. He said if elected governor, his top priority would be creating more transparency in state government, from the top down.
Weh, who lives in Bernalillo County, said he identifies with people who feel that Albuquerque gets too much attention from the state government. His business is based in Albuquerque, but he said he lives in another town in the county.
“I have spent a lot of time outside of Albuquerque,” Weh said. “If 65 percent of the people live outside of Albuquerque, 65 percent of the resources are going outside of Albuquerque if I’m governor.”
Weh said he is aware that law enforcement resources are stretched thin, especially in rural areas like Socorro and Catron counties. He said he would make it a priority to expand the state police force.
“There’s not enough law enforcement, and I’m going to fix that,” he said.
On education, Weh said he supports merit pay, which he said is not a bad idea, as long as it comes with the ability for school districts to fire bad teachers while rewarding good ones.
On the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or federal stimulus, Weh said there are lots of things that “absolutely need doing,” like repairing and widening roads.
“That’s the best place to work, infrastructure,” he said.
When asked about the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, which has caused some controversy in Socorro County, Weh said he would look into the issue.
Weh also came to Socorro County for the Magdalena Old Timers Reunion, where he said he shook lots of hands and walked the parade route.
Also on the Republican side, state Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones of Albuquerque has formed an exploratory committee, while Brigadier Gen. Greg Zanetti has withdrawn his candidacy. Susana Martinez, district attorney in Dona Ana County, confirmed she is running in an interview with Heath Haussamen on Wednesday, according to Haussamen’s popular political blog.
“She’s a classy lady, and I have utmost respect for Susana Martinez and what she’s accomplished as a district attorney,” Weh said.
However, he said given the challenges the next governor will face in Santa Fe, he believes he is better suited for the job.
Weh is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and he is currently CEO of CSI Aviation Services Inc. in Albuquerque. Click here to see the Allen Weh for Governor 2010 Web site.

Allen Weh Chats Briefly With The Mountain Mail