The race for state land commissioner pits a veteran against a newcomer, both counting on voters' thirst for change. Specifically, a change to transparency.

Democrat Ray Powell of Albuquerque, 60, had the job from 1993 to 2003. Republican Matt Rush of Portales, 36, is new to politics.

Current Land Commissioner Republican Patrick Lyons can’t run for re-election because of term limits.

The Land Office manages New Mexico's trust lands, 13 million mineral acres and 9 million surface acres. Revenues from leasing — for drilling, farming, ranching, mining, and business and community development — go primarily to public schools and higher education.

Lyons has had run-ins with the attorney general over the legality of land swaps and of business arrangements with developers.

Both candidates say the office has long been needing a return to transparency and accountability and hope to bring the office up to current technology to help attain that openness.

“It is our money and everyone has a right to know where it comes from and where it is being invested,” Rush said.

Powell said he intends to establish a task force to review the land office’s polices in his first 90 days if elected.

“To enhance transparency and accountability of the Land Office, the task force will be charged to provide recommendations to the Land Commissioner, legislature, and other interested parties,” Powell said.

Powell said as land commissioner he would make decisions only after involving the public.

The candidates also plan to expand alternative energy on the acres they would control.

Powell said he looks forward to the jobs alternative energies will create for New Mexicans.

Job creation is part of both candidates platforms. Rush said better utilization of the state’s trust lands will bring jobs back to New Mexico.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Candidates were asked the same questions in short interviews with Freedom New Mexico:

Matt Rush

What has Commissioner Lyons done over the last eight years that you’d like to continue and what do you think hasn’t been explored yet?

The Land office for the state of New Mexico is the only office of state government in the nation that has operated on a flat budget for eight years and ends with nine fewer employees than when they started. We must continue that fiscal responsibility.

Two areas to explore are:

1. 95 percent of the money that comes into the offices comes from the oil and gas industry. We must look to diversify our income stream by looking to alternative energies, additional mining opportunities and using our state trust lands to bring jobs back to our communities.

2. The agricultural industries and the oil and gas industries are the largest two industries in the state. We must educate the general public on the importance of our industries and how they impact the lives of every citizen of the state.

What is your definition of open government for the Commissioner of Public Lands?

Every citizen has a right to know what is transpiring in the land office. Parts of this office have yet to be computerized. By bringing the office into this century with new technology, we can keep all records and business in the office available and accessible to the public. It is our money and everyone has a right to know where is comes from and where it is being invested.

What is your vision for the Commissioner of Public Lands?

As Land Commissioner my vision for the office is twofold:

1. It is my responsibility to use our state trust lands to generate as much revenue as possible for the school children of our state.

2. I must be the chief steward of our state lands to ensure that they will be a source of revenue and pride for generations to come. As a farmer and a rancher I know that balance first hand.

I personally understand how to take care of our lands while depending upon them to provide an appropriate income stream. This is a unique and vital attribute that I bring to the office.

What are your specific goals for this term if you become Commissioner of Public Lands?

During my first term as commissioner, I must work to find business that could utilize our state trust lands to bring jobs back to our state.

Another goal is to start an educational and promotional program to inform children and citizens of the importance of the industries that impact our state. As a board member of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture we started a program to take accurate agricultural books into classrooms all across the country. If we can do that on a national level we can do it right here at home.

People need to understand where their food, fiber and fuel come from and how most of those are made right here in our own back yard.

What are your plans, if any, to expand alternative energy in New Mexico?

Alternative energy can and should be a vital part of our mission. Wind and solar projects are already expanding all across our state. As a member of the New Mexico Plan for Biofuels Development Committee I know the first hand the importance and opportunity to grow our alternative energy industries. We can do even more to expand our alternative energy possibilities.

Who are the major contributors to your campaign and how much have you raised?

Our support has come from Democrats, Republicans, independents, farmers, ranchers, oil and gas producers, business people, teachers, retirees and friends. As a newcomer to the political process, running against someone who has been in politics his entire life, I am excited that so many people have chosen to support me over such a well known person.

Ray Powell

What has Commissioner Lyons done over the last eight years that you’d like to continue and what do you think hasn’t been explored yet?

I am running for New Mexico State Land Commissioner to return transparency and accountability to this important office. The Land Commissioner can sell, trade, or lease the land without the approval of anyone else. Who we elect Land Commissioner has a huge impact on our state.

The State Land Office generates $500 million dollars a year to support our public schools universities and hospitals. This is money that our taxpayers do not have to pay in additional taxes.

What is your definition of open government for the Commissioner of Public Lands?

Within 90 days of assuming office, I will establish a task force to review Land Office policies, procedures, statutes, and the constitutional mandate of the New Mexico State Land Office.

To enhance transparency and accountability of the Land Office, the task force will be charged to provide recommendations to the Land Commissioner, legislature, and other interested parties.

Immediately upon taking office, I will initiate the public rule-making process to institute the following initiatives:

• Ensure that any proposal for a land exchange, long-term lease or sale be discussed in a widely announced public meeting(s) held in all counties where land would be exchanged.

• Ensure that any long-term leases of state land must go through a local land approval process directed by the appropriate city or county agency.

• Initiate joint planning agreements with every municipality and county where there is state land to determine the most appropriate uses of that land.

• Establish a website that is free, user-friendly, searchable and accessible to the public that provides financial information relating to state trust lands for the purpose of governmental transparency and accountability.

• Work with the legislature and other interested parties to establish public financing for elections of the Commissioner of Public Lands.

• Re-institute a formal and accountable conflict of interest process for all employees at the State Land Office.

What is your vision for the Commissioner of Public Lands?

As a candidate for State Land Commissioner, I bring a record of ethical leadership. I have worked to create thousands of new jobs for New Mexicans. I have a track record of generating more money for our schools and a proven commitment to healing and protecting our state lands. I’m eager to return to the State Land Office where there’s much to be done!

What are your specific goals for this term if you become Commissioner of Public Lands?

• Work to create good jobs, particularly to build a new energy economy.

• Generate more money to improve our children’s schools

• Provide ethical and honest government

• Protect and responsibly manage our public lands

What are your plans, if any, to expand alternative energy in New Mexico?

I am an advocate for renewable energy jobs and I am committed to ensuring that we optimize renewable energy and the technologies associated with them. Using New Mexico’s trust lands we can foster public-private partnerships that protect natural resources and create good jobs.

In my previous tenure as Land Commissioner, I worked with utilities to establish the first wind farms in eastern New Mexico. I also worked with private businesses, local governments, and community groups throughout New Mexico to create affordable housing projects, business parks, and new jobs.

Who are the major contributors to your campaign and how much have you raised?

The vast majority of the contributors to my campaign are working people in New Mexico. My next financial report will be posted in full on the New Mexico Secretary of State's website on Monday, October 11th. It will contain a list of all of my contributors and the amounts that they have given. I am not owned by any special interest group.