ALBUQUERQUE - Gov.-elect Susana Martinez introduced her nominee to lead the New Mexico Economic Development Department on Friday.

It should be a familiar face to Albuquerque-area residents.

Businessman Jon Barela has been in the news a lot since last spring. He was the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat but lost in the November general election to incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich.

"I've been told many, many times when one door closes, another one opens. This has been a real blessing," Barela said, thanking Martinez for the opportunity.

Barela said he hopes to create a business-friendly environment across New Mexico. He said the state should eliminate regulatory barriers that make it hard for small businesses to grow and pledge to evaluate incentive programs to make sure each is worth the return.

"We need to make sure we get the biggest bang for the buck," he said.

Martinez said with the state facing up to a $400 million budget shortfall, it's critical to boost the state economy without raising taxes. She called for tax and regulatory reforms to make New Mexico more attractive to out-of-state businesses.

"Government doesn't create jobs. You've heard me say that over and over," she said. "What government does is create a positive environment for the private sector to create jobs."

Barela, who was born in Las Cruces, has a diverse business background. He worked as government and community relations manager at Intel Corp.'s plant

Advertisement
in Rio Rancho - the largest private employer in New Mexico - and more recently ran a startup technology venture.

"Jon has long and diverse experience working to create jobs," Martinez said.

Barela said he has ideas about what might work in New Mexico but before speaking out he plans to evaluate the department, then speak with lawmakers and business leaders to gather suggestions.

Barela said residents have the best answers about what will work best in their communities, especially in rural areas. He said he'll review incentives set up under Gov. Bill Richardson's administration, including the state's film credit program.

"I will take a look, make recommendations to the governor-elect and follow her instructions," Barela said.

Barela said he'll urge cooperation among state agencies, adopting a broad approach to attract companies or help small businesses. For example, he said his department will coordinate with Workforce Solutions on job-training programs or with the Transportation Department on infrastructure projects.

"Let's work together in a manner that brings all people together, that doesn't work in a partisan manner," Barela said.