NM Public Regulation Commissioner Admits to Drug Addiction – But Won’t Resign
Drug addiction and drug abuse scandals among politicians are not uncommon. What is uncommon is the politician who boldly agrees that he has a drug addiction – but adamantly holds his position and refuses to resign.
A public regulation commissioner in New Mexico, Jerome Block Jr. freely admits to fighting a problem with prescription drug abuse and addiction. When other elected officials called for his resignation in light of this revelation, he staunchly refused to comply.
At a news conference, Block stated: “I’ve been battling an addiction with a prescription pills medication and it’s something that’s been rough. I’m getting treatment for it. It’s a daily battle.
“The battle I am facing is a battle a lot of New Mexicans are facing right now. Addiction doesn’t spare anybody. Unfortunately, I am caught up and seeking help and doing better.”
Though he was asked by a number of people, Block would not disclose his prescription drug of choice, his dosage, the length of his addiction, or any medical records that indicated his issues with addiction or prescription drug abuse. Though he did say he had gone to therapy for help with the issue, he declined to mention whether or not he had attended drug rehab or intended to get further addiction treatment assistance.
It’s a bold move for Block, not only because of the discrimination that often accompanies drug abuse, addiction, and recovery but because he is also still fighting felony charges in a two-year old case alleging abuse of his state-issued gas card. He’s also been mentioned as a person of interest in a case involving a stolen vehicle.
Jason Marks is also a public regulation commissioner and he is lobbying hard for Block to walk away from his position: “The commission doesn’t get to choose who serves with us. We can’t force him out of his seat. The legislature can impeach him or it can be the results of him going through the criminal process and being convicted of a felony.
“I hope that Commissioner Block will continue to think about this, and think about what is best for his constituents, what’s best for the commission and for the state of New Mexico. And I think the answer to that is that he resigns. But if it’s his choice to stay, then District 3 needs a representative and I will work with him.”
