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Senate panel advances Martin Suazo for reappointment to New Mexico Finance Authority
Summary
The Senate Rules Committee voted to move Martin Suazo’s reappointment to the New Mexico Finance Authority to the full Senate after a nomination hearing that highlighted his work on workforce housing and board oversight.
Martin Suazo, a small-business owner and longtime state board member, was advanced by the Senate Rules Committee on a reappointment to the New Mexico Finance Authority after a nomination hearing Wednesday.
During the committee appearance, Senator Joseph Campos, who introduced Suazo, described him as “well seasoned” and said Suazo “attends the meetings” and is “very responsible in the duties” he performs for the authority. Suazo described the role as “an honor for me actually to serve, in any committee at state level.”
The hearing focused on the Finance Authority’s recent policy work on housing and other local infrastructure priorities. Suazo highlighted workforce housing as a key accomplishment, saying the authority helped “create a fund that will allow for people that have a job…to secure a residence and become a part of that community.” He also told senators he is exploring ways the authority can address gaps in long-term care, noting personal experience with his mother’s care costs.
Marquita Russell, chief executive officer of the New Mexico Finance Authority, urged confirmation and described Suazo’s board service in detail. “He chairs our finance and disclosure committee, which oversees and vets all public disclosure documents related to tax exempt transactions,” Russell said. She noted Suazo’s participation on the authority’s audit and executive committees and said he attends regularly.
Committee members asked about past audits, the authority’s outreach to small business borrowers and priorities for future work. Suazo said the authority has improved its audit opinions under current leadership and that staff help applicants identify appropriate funds, from water loans to charter school and microbusiness programs.
Senator Jane Stefanik moved Suazo’s reappointment. The committee took a roll-call vote and, with yes votes in favor and two members excused, approved sending Suazo’s nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.
Suazo will next appear before the full Senate for a confirmation vote. No formal opposition was recorded at the committee hearing.
