The identities of applicants for top jobs in New Mexico local governments could be kept secret under legislation being supported by an advocacy group for cities.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the New Mexico Municipal League is endorsing a proposal to allow names and applications of applicants to be withheld from the public at the applicants' request.
League Executive Director Bill Fulginiti says publicly releasing the names of applicants for city manager and other top posts means some people are reluctant to apply because they don't want to lose their current jobs.
A group that advocates for government transparency opposes the idea. President-elect Greg Williams of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government says the public has a right to know who applies for jobs funded with public money.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.