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Albuquerque Journal: Weh Candid and Commanding

1/6/2010

Weh Candid and Commanding

By Sean Olson

Journal Staff Writer

   Allen Weh is known for his blunt, sometimes harsh, assessments of state issues while he served as state Republican Party chairman.

   It’s that tough-talking style from a retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel that Weh said is the medicine New Mexico needs to clean up its finances and restore public faith in the state’s ethics.

   “I would put myself as a common-sense, no-nonsense pragmatist,” Weh said.

   Weh spent two tours in Vietnam, returned to active duty during the Persian Gulf War, served in Somalia and recently helped organize the new Iraqi army in 2003 and 2004, among other assignments.

   He’s received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts and five Air Medals in the course of his career.

   Weh also managed to raise three children, get a master’s degree in arts and operate his own airplane charter business in Albuquerque, CSI Aviation Services. He has four grandchildren.

   Weh, 67, said New Mexico could benefit from his experiences if voters place him in the Governor’s Office in 2010.

   “I’ve been on the earth a few more years than most people, and I consider that years of experience and years of wisdom,” Weh said.

   Although running the state wouldn’t be easy, Weh said, he is no stranger to making decisions that other people wouldn’t be able to stomach — such as the life-and-death decisions he made while commanding Marines.

   “That’s an executive role; it involves decision-making. I have spent my whole life making decisions, and I’ve made some tough ones,” Weh said.

   Weh is considered on the right end of the political spectrum for his conservative stances on finance, government and social issues — all of which he commented on during his tenure as the state GOP chairman.

   Weh has been active in Republican politics for some time, including serving as the state GOP chairman from June 2004 until early this year.

   But the campaign also has some new twists for Weh, who is used to the respect he commanded as a military leader and successful businessman.

   “For the first time in my life, I’ve had my word questioned,” Weh said. “For the first time in my life, I’ve had my integrity questioned because I am now a politician.”

   Weh said that once people get used to his candid, sometimes in-your-face style, they will come to appreciate a politician in whom they can always find honesty.

   “I’m good for my word. My word is my bond,” Weh said.

   He started his business, an international air charter and leasing company, in 1979. Weh said he is frugal and efficient with his business spending, part of the reason his business has flourished even during tough economic times. He said he is proud to have not had to lay off any of his employees during the national recession.

   “We could run ... (my) business for 18 months without the cash register ever opening,” Weh said. “And I did that on purpose. That’s how I would run government.”

   Weh said he would continue his business approach as a “hard-nosed CEO that can turn things around” if elected governor.