Opinion ID: 1441686
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the distinction between a vacancy in office and the expiration of a term

Text: (15) The conflict in this case turns upon whether the terms of Denish and Kelly have actually expired and, if they have, what process is involved in appointing their replacements. Governor Johnson has conceded that his initial attempts to install Horn and Taylor were improper. He acknowledges for purposes of this proceeding only, that his appointments to the positions on the Board of Regents of [New Mexico Tech] occupied by [Denish and Kelly] were premature, and that Petitioners may serve until their successors are chosen at the next legislative session. However, the Governor equivocates on this concession by taking no position regarding whether the expiration of a regent's term generally creates a vacancy for purposes of the governor's interim appointment authority under Article XX, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution. (16) We will discuss these matters in detail because the parties have expressed confusion about the extent of the Governor's powers when a term is vacated as opposed to when a term has expired. A vacancy occurs when an appointee leaves office before the completion of his or her constitutional or statutory term. A term expires when the appointee has served to the legally specified termination date. (17) Very little has been written in New Mexico about the specific issues raised by this case. Courts in other jurisdictions have addressed the powers of the executive when terms of office have expired or been vacated. However, those cases shed little light on the matter before us because the ultimate decision usually is founded upon laws that are peculiar in their wording and of little application in other jurisdictions. Andersen v. Sundlun, 625 A.2d 213, 215 (R.I.1993). (18) We distinguish between term and tenure. The term is the fixed period of time the appointee is authorized to serve in office. It is a period that is established by law and specified by the executive in his or her letters of appointment. The tenure is the time the appointee actually serves in office. Depending upon the circumstances the tenure can be shorter or longer than the term. State ex rel. Racicot v. District Court, 243 Mont. 379, 794 P.2d 1180, 1184 (1990).