April 8, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 350, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would permit a municipal official or employee to serve as a Municipal Housing Authority Commissioner. I believe this could potentially weaken the public image and credibility of these boards due to real or perceived conflicts of interest. These changes effectively weaken the independence of Municipal Housing Authority Boards thereby making them less effective.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor