By Jim Scarantino

In Bill Richardson’s movie, the New Mexico Governor’s mansion is where millionaire movie stars get married.  There’s no place on the set for the citizens of New Mexico who own the mansion and pay the light bills.
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart held their nuptials on June 15, 2010, in a location People magazine described as “the grounds of Gov. Bill Richardson’s hilltop mansion.”

But the property doesn’t belong to Bill Richardson.  It belongs to the people of New Mexico.  The 7,949 square foot abode is located in Santa Fe at 1 Mansion Drive.  It’s not exactly situated on a hilltop, though it does have a good view of the Sangre de Christo and Jemez Mountains.  This is the official residence of the Governor during his time in office.  Like those Governors before him, Richardson will be moving out when his term ends this year.

Governor’s Mansion Not Available For Weddings For New Mexicans

The story about the movie stars tying the knot in the Governor’s mansion got the attention of Jean K. of Albuquerque.  She is the mother of six children.  She asked that her full name not be used in this story.  One of her daughters was looking for a place to hold her wedding ceremony.  Maybe the Governor’s mansion was available.  Maybe Jean K. could use the space on the same terms for which it was made available to the movie stars:  free of charge.  There was no way she could ever afford a site as impressive as the Governor’s mansion for this most special day for daughter.  If people who aren’t even New Mexicans could use the space, why not her daughter?

So she called the Governor’s office to inquire about the availability and terms for using the New Mexico Governor’s Mansion for her daughter’s wedding.  That was a week ago.  The Governor’s office has not returned her call.

So we made a call to the General Services Department, the state agency that cuts the lawn, paints the woodwork, and fixes the plumbing in the Governor’s mansion.  They put us through to the woman who directly oversees management of the property.

Can regular New Mexicans use the Mansion for their weddings?  No.  It is not available.

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