McCamley says he left cabinet post out of 'safety' concerns

LAS CRUCES - Former New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley said on social media May 20 that violence against the department and threats against him were why he chose to step down from his post in April.

The former cabinet secretary's online remarks came a day after it was reported the Workforce Solutions department, responsible for running the state's unemployment insurance system, had likely overpaid unemployment insurance benefits by an estimated $250 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numerous employers have reported being overcharged on their unemployment insurance premiums, and are working with DWS on appeals.

The state Legislature passed a law protecting employers from increases due to COVID-19 disruptions in the workforce but some employers saw large increases in their premiums anyway. The New Mexico Business Coalition has reported the issue to the State Auditor's office seeking an investigation independently of DWS.

"I tried to leave the job quietly, but as my name has been used in the media since for various reasons I felt it was important to be public about the reason for my departure," McCamley said in posts to Twitter and Facebook Thursday. 

McCamley, a longtime state lawmaker from Las Cruces before serving in the state cabinet, said he left his position "for no other reason than the safety of myself and my family," citing threats he and DWS received while he was secretary and violent acts such as people breaking windows at DWS offices and trying to fight security guards. He said it became truly palpable during the pandemic as unemployment claims surged.

He also cited a vehicle fire at the Las Cruces DWS office, and McCamley said letters were sent both to his home address and his mother's.

Searchlight New Mexico previously reported the New Mexico State Police had said an "improvised incendiary device" may have been utilized to start the fire. State police refused to release any records about the incident to the Sun-News without a formal public records request.

"In March I received a call from one of our local offices that a gentleman blamed me for his wife's unemployment issues and was asking 'where I lived and when I was at home,'" McCamley wrote. "He had a history of instability and an intimate knowledge of automatic weapons."

McCamley said he received a non-threatening letter at his home address in April from an unemployment claimant, but that "it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that it was only a matter of time before my home address and other personal information was shared on social media, getting into the hands of people who do wish violence."

He said he informed the governor of his decision to resign the following Monday. Days later, he wrote, his mother got a letter, which "strengthened" his decision.

"I am also choosing to leave New Mexico for these reasons, and this is not easy as I have invested my entire adult life in public service to my friends and neighbors here," McCamley wrote.

A graduate of Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, McCamley went on to earn degrees in government from New Mexico State University and Harvard University before embarking on a career in public service. He served as a state House member representing the Las Cruces-based 33rd District from 2012 until 2019. He relinquished his seat to run for state auditor, but did not prevail in the Democratic primary. Prior to serving in the Legislature, McCamley had been a Doña Ana County Commissioner and executive director of the New Mexico Rural Development Council.

McCamley said instances of violence or attempted violence against government officials across the country in the past year is all too common. In his post, he referenced the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and her family being given police protection due to death threats.

"Criticism of public officials is and should be a part of public discourse in a democracy," the former secretary wrote. "However, after all of this, I would also implore the media and public to think strongly about their tone as these issues of great importance are discussed."

McCamley wasn't able to be reached.

Michael McDevitt is a city and county government reporter for the Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter.