As late as the November 2012 General Election, only 4 months ago, State Representative Marcario Saldate and State Senator Steve Farley told the Southern Arizona voters that they wanted to represent them. It now appears as if the legislators are reconsidering their decisions and are seeking higher ground.
Both are seeking appointments to federal agencies that would require them to resign their elected offices according to a report in the Yellow Sheet. Senator Farley told the Yellow Sheet reporter yesterday that he has applied for a job with the US Dept of Transportation. He told the Yellow Sheet that several people encouraged him to throw his hat in the ring, and that he has since submitted a résumé and other information to the agency.
Farley has been focused on public transit and even with sequestration looming, there is plenty of room in the federal transportation budget for trolleys. The Yellow Sheet noted comments from one democrat source that Farley is hoping to get a job that would allow him to work on creating and expanding public transit systems: “And why wouldn’t he? He’s perfect for Transportation. It’s what he loves.”
As the appointment process would take several months, Farley has time to finish out this legislative session before moving on.
Saldate is up for a federal appointment as either the deputy director of the Bureau of Land Management or the deputy director of the National Parks Service according to the Yellow Sheet. Saldate camp insiders told the yellow Sheet that the Obama administration contacted him on Thursday and asked him to submit paperwork for the posts. “He seems like he really wants to do it. He’s just kind of playing the game right now.”
Saldate confirmed the move to the Yellow Sheet and completed the paperwork for an appointment this week.