Thursday, November 09, 2023Oil Boys Have One Of Their Own Seeking To Replace Retiring Senator Ingle But Will Guv Go Along? Plus: In Praise Of Ingle's 39 Years; "Humble And Approachable"
Big oil has a chance to pick up a big prize now that Republican Stuart Ingle has retired from his Eastside state senate seat after 39 years. Already, Roswell area GOP state Rep. Greg Nibert, an oil industry attorney, is seeking a promotion to the upper chamber and letting it be known to all five county commissions in the sprawling district. Each of those commissions--Roosevelt, Lea, Chaves, DeBaca and Curry--will recommend a replacement for Ingle, one of whom will be appointed by the Governor to fill out the rest of Ingle's term. But will MLG be a fly in the oil ointment? The Governor has not had bad relations with the giant oil industry but she continues to get pressure from well-financed environmentalists who want to rein it in because of climate change. That may have been a factor when SE GOP state Senator Gay Kernan resigned her seat in July. Lea County GOP state Rep. Larry Scott, an oilman, was recommended for the appointment by the Lea County Commission but Eddy County commissioners gave their nod to former county commissioner, rancher and businessman Steve McCutcheon. MLG in turn chose him and he will now face Scott in a GOP primary next June as they battle for a four year term. Back to the Eastside, the question is will someone other than Nibert get the appointment and perhaps cause another GOP senate primary since Nibert says he will seek the seat whether appointed or not. So far, Nibert is the only name to surface for the appointment but there's plenty of time for others to make their bids. UPDATE: A number of other candidates in addition to Nibert have now filed letters with the Curry County Commission seeking the Senate District 27 appointment.They are rancher Pat Boone; entrepreneur Larry Marker; Air Force veteran John Pietsch; Tate Turnbough, administrator of a psychiatric clinic in Portales and Travis Glenn, president of Glenn's Water Well Service; Nibert has been with the oil and gas department of the Hinkle Shanor Law Firm in Roswell since 1983 and a partner in the firm since 1988. Upon retirement, Ingle, a rancher, was praised by the oil industry for "his unwavering support." The oil boys would like to keep it that way with his replacement but whether it will be with one of their very own remains an open question. INGLE EXITS
I’ve had the honor of knowing Senator Stuart Ingle for over two decades dating from my time serving as Student Body President at Eastern New Mexico University. For someone with Stuart’s stature, he remained humble and approachable throughout his service in the State Senate. The people of his district knew they could reach out to him with their needs and concerns, and trust that he would find a way to solve their problems. Much of the success of Eastern New Mexico University can be attributed to his work on the state budgets and his capital outlay appropriations. He was a champion of rural New Mexico, advocating for the agriculture and dairy industries. The fact that southeastern New Mexico leads the country in oil and natural gas production is a testimony to his work behind the scenes to keep the liberal leadership in Santa Fe from trying to kill it. Because he served so many years as Minority Leader in the State Senate, he’s probably known more for his ability to work across political party lines to make good bills better and for helping kill the bad bills. His leadership, statesmanship, and institutional knowledge of the way things work in Santa Fe will be sorely missed. New Mexico, and especially Southeastern New Mexico, owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Stuart Ingle for his four decades of service. The void he leaves will be felt for many years to come. Well said, Bob. And congratulations to Senator Ingle on his lengthy service to New Mexico. It will be long-remembered. E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2023 |
|
