Matherly, Marquardt demand Griffin resign from Otero County Commission

On Jan. 19, Otero County Commission Chairman Gerald Matherly and Otero County Commissioner Vickie Marquardt issued a statement demanding Otero County Vice Chairman Couy Griffin resign his office as District 2 Otero County Commissioner.

"Couy Griffin from his first day as an Otero County Commissioner has devoted himself to promoting his Cowboys for Trump organization rather than being a county commissioner. who serves the citizens of Otero County who elected him," the statement reads.

"There have been an endless series of incidents with Commissioner Griffin that have led to investigations by the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and the State Auditor," the statement reads.

The statement follow's Griffin's arrest in Washington, D.C. where he is charged with crimes related to the storming of the Capitol building on Jan. 6 which left five dead and dozens injured.

In his time as Otero County Commissioner Griffin has been banishment from the Mescalero Apache Reservation and criticized for statements urging violence and which some labeled as racist. Last year the County came under fire from the New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colon for reimbursements of travel vouchers to Griffin.

"(Griffin) has repeatedly insulted other public officials," the statement continues. "He has refused to comply with state campaign finance laws. His actions have consumed an enormous amount of time of county staff, who must deal with the drama he instigates at the expense of attending to public business."

More:New Mexico Attorney General urges Griffin to resign

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas also called for Griffin to resign this week, saying he would pursue legal means to remove him from office if he did not leave the Commission voluntarily.

"That process will take time," the statement from Marquardt  and Matherly read.

"The people of Otero County deserve and end to this circus now. We call upon Commissioner Griffin to resign his office now. If he does not, we will support the recall effort and the removal proceedings of the Attorney General."

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter.