For Sale: New Mexico governor’s executive jet
(Reuters) – New Mexico officials said Friday they are seeking aviation brokers to sell the state’s private jet, which the new Republican governor has called a symbol of waste and excess.
Republican Governor Susana Martinez vowed during her campaign to get rid of the executive jet, purchased by her Democratic predecessor, and referred to it in her state of the state address.
“At a time when New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet, their governor should not be leading a life of privilege,” Martinez said in January. “We will get rid of that ultimate symbol of waste and excess; we will sell the state’s luxury jet.”
Martinez spokesman Scott Darnell said on Friday: “As she promised during her campaign, she has grounded the jet and put it up for sale.”
The plane has been listed for sale on her website, but state General Services Secretary Ed Burckle said on Friday that New Mexico was seeking brokers to make the governor’s wish a reality.
“Selling the state jet is a priority for Governor Martinez,” Burckle said. “We feel that utilizing a broker will get us the best price, and will help us reach the right market.”
Former Governor Bill Richardson bought the Cessna Citation Bravo in 2005 for $5.5 million and Burckle said he is listing it at $3.3 million. The eight-passenger craft has beige leather interior and a top speed of more than 450 miles per hour.
The jet is one of three aircraft that was used by the state to ferry government officials around and outside New Mexico. Richardson was often criticized for the jet, particularly as the economic crisis hit. He said the plane would allow officials faster and safer travel — it replaced an aging turboprop plane — and he eventually limited its use.
The jet has cost taxpayers $684,911 since 2006, according to a February report by KRQE News 13, a CBS affiliate.
Sale of the jet would save New Mexico up to $400,000 in annual operating and maintenance fees, Burckle said, adding that he is also accepting offers for a second plane, a 1976 Beechcraft King Air.
Martinez is not the first governor to publicly criticize her state’s jet. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin famously put a state jet for sale on eBay, though that aircraft sold through a broker.
Martinez will not suffer from a lack of aircraft. Earlier this week, she used the state’s 2006 King Air turboprop to tour an area in southwestern New Mexico recently ravaged by wildfire, Burckle said.
(Editing by Corrie MacLaggan and Greg McCune)