SANTA FE – New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales issued the following statement regarding the immediate resignation of Mescalero Apache Tribe President Arthur “Butch” Blazer due to health reasons:

“Along with many people across New Mexico, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected resignation of President Blazer.  I know President Blazer well, and he is a friend of mine.  I want to thank him for his many years of strong public service and leadership for his people, and for our State, especially during the past two years as the executive of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.  His record of service and accomplishment embodies the best traditions of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.  President Blazer’s most recent work spearheading the successful effort to include provisions to benefit Native Americans in the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill will help all of Indian Country.  We owe him our sincere gratitude.  I wish him a quick and full recovery to good health.”