Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

NM GOP Launches Revised; Updated Website

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 6, 2020

Courtesy/RPNM

GOP News:

Website changes showcase new features, more content and user-friendly navigation

The Republican Party of New Mexico website has had a complete overhaul, click here. The website now offers significantly more content, important information and vital tools to guide readers through anything they might need entering the 2020 election season.

The new website is comprehensive, educational, user-friendly and will provide you with all kinds of exciting information and resources. The website will be helpful in many ways and will keep

SF Commissioner Anna Hansen Files For Re-Election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 6, 2020

From the Anna Hansen Re-election Campaign:

SANTA FE — After passing more than 35 progressive resolutions to solve critical issues within her district and countless protections for New Mexico land, water and air, Santa Fe County Commissioner Anna Hansen has decided she’s not even close to being done serving the residents of Santa Fe County.

Hansen announced Thursday and filed paperwork for her re-election campaign to seek a second term as Santa Fe County Commissioner for District 2, which includes the Village of Agua Fria, Las Campanas, housing developments along 599

NM Makes Strides Toward Complete, Accurate Census

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 5, 2020

STATE News:

SANTA FE — All 33 New Mexico counties and 23 Native American communities have established committees to educate people about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census and to address misconceptions about what census data will be collected and how it will be used.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the Complete Count committees are further evidence of New Mexico’s commitment to a complete and accurate population count this year.

“Providing partners with the resources they need to educate neighbors, family and friends about the importance, ease, and

GOP Hosts Candidate Forum At UNM-LA Thursday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 5, 2020

GOP News:

The Republican Party of Los Alamos (RPLA) meets Thursday, Jan. 9 in Room 505 at UNM-LA. A light supper will be provided.

The public is invited at 6 p.m. to attend a candidate forum, which includes candidates for the 3rd Congressional District Audra Brown, Alexis Johnson and Karen Bedonie.

Following a break for refreshments, all registered Republicans are invited to attend the RPLA monthly Central Committee business meeting.

For information, email leadership@losalamosgop.com.

Legislative Preview: Martinez, Chandler, Wallin Jan. 8

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 5, 2020

LWV News:

The community is invited to the 2020 Legislative Preview 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Fuller Lodge.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women, the event will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by refreshments and conversation.

Los Alamos legislators—Rep. Christine Chandler, Sen. Richard Martinez and Sen. Roberto Gonzales (recently appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to replace the late Carlos Cisneros)—will share their views on the upcoming session.

In addition, Voices for Children Deputy Director

New Mexico State Land Office’s Steve Vierck Selected One Of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 3, 2020

Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Resources Steve Vierck with Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard at the Land Commission Office in Santa Fe. Courtesy photo

NMSLO News:

SANTA FE — Steve Vierck of the New Mexico State Land Office has been selected by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s top 50 economic developers.

This selection comes days after Vierck was appointed by Commissioner Garcia Richard to fill the role of assistant commissioner of commercial resources.

Vierck had been serving in an appointed capacity as director of special

State Ethics Commission Begins Jurisdiction

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 3, 2020

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — With the beginning of the New Year, the State Ethics Commission commences jurisdiction for administrative complaints alleging violations of New Mexico’s governmental conduct and disclosure laws.

The Commission has jurisdiction to investigate and adjudicate complaints filed by any person with the Commission against public officials and employees of the legislative and executive branches of state government and state instrumentalities; candidates and other participants in state elections; lobbyists and their employers; and governmental

NMDWS UI Tax & Claims System Now Available 24/7

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 2, 2020

NMDWS:

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) Unemployment Insurance online services, which provide a fast, convenient, and secure way for claimants and employers to access information, apply for benefits, and manage accounts, are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, apart from scheduled monthly maintenance.

Previous operations allowed access six days a week, 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.,Sunday through Friday, limiting the timeframe employers, third party agents and claimants could access the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims Read More

Chandler: 2019 – The Year We Began To Turn New Mexico Around

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 2, 2020

By Rep. Christine Chandler

House Dist. 43

Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Sandoval counties

As my first year as your New Mexico State Representative ends, I welcome this opportunity to review the year’s accomplishments, activities and on-going challenges.

The 2019 legislative session was noteworthy for its exceptional productivity and results. After a decade of inertia, the legislature with a cadre of new representatives and our new Governor committed to positive change.

A focused and strategic legislative effort achieved much: a public education moonshot marked

AG Balderas To Convene Faith Leaders To Discuss Violence Against Religious Communities, Anti-Domestic Terrorism, Hate Crime Initiatives

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 1, 2020

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

ALBUQUERQUE – Attorney General Hector Balderas sent a letter Tuesday to faith leaders in all religious communities in New Mexico, urging them to come together with the Office of the Attorney General to discuss hate motivated violence against religious communities.

The call to action comes in the wake of multiple violent incidents across the United States that targeted people based on their faith and in their places of worship.

“There is no place for violence in New Mexico, let alone violence perpetrated against Read More

Former LANL Director Siegfried Hecker To Speak At Annual Alice And Lawry Mann Lecture Saturday, Jan. 11

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 1, 2020

Former Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Siegfried Hecker

HISTORICAL SOCIETY News:

Dr. Siegfried Hecker will return to Los Alamos to present this year’s annual Alice and Lawry Mann Lecture Saturday, Jan. 11.

The talk is open to the public and will start at 7 p.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1967 18th St.

Titled, “North Korea and Iran: Looking back and looking ahead,” the talk will assess the current issues in two of the world’s major hotspots.

Hecker said that “the signs are ominous for what will happen in North Korea and in Iran in 2020 and beyond.” He also will “look Read More

New Mexico Minimum Wage Increase Begins Jan. 1

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 31, 2019

NMDWS News:

Jan. 1, 2020, the New Mexico Minimum Wage will increase to $9 an hour. This increase is in accordance with an amendment to the New Mexico Minimum Wage Act signed into law April 1, 2019 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020:

State minimum wage: $9 per hour; and
State tipped minimum wage: $2.35 per hour.

Attached you will find the updated Minimum Wage poster that employers are required to display in a place where employees can easily see it.

Minimum wage is the lowest wage that an employer is legally required to pay to workers. NMDWS enforces the state and federal minimum Read More

Governor Orders 12-Week Paid Parental Leave For State Employees Effective Jan. 1

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 31, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

From the Office of the Governor:

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order Tuesday directing the State Personnel Office to establish a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all state employees under her purview, advancing her efforts to provide a family-friendly workplace in New Mexico state government.

It is the first time New Mexico state government has provided paid family leave.

“Ensuring that families have time to bond with and care for their children is incredibly important,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “That

Goodmacher: Solving The Teacher Shortage Requires We First Recognize It … As A Crisis

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 31, 2019

By CHARLES GOODMACHER

Education Consultant

Albuquerque

Editor’s note: This is an Opinion Editorial submitted by Charles Goodmacher, an independent education consultant working with both the NEA-New Mexico and the Transform Education New Mexico Coalition.

Jonny is a fourth grader in a small, rural school in New Mexico. His teacher, Mr. R., lacks any form of teacher’s license. It’s common for “Long Term Substitutes” to teach for an entire year or more in this school. Jonny’s is one of the classes reported in a statewide report that shows 644 teacher vacancies.

Daniella

Secretary Of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver Releases Draft Rule And Announces Public Input Process

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 31, 2019

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver

STATE News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver released a draft rule today concerning the creation of a uniform system of randomizing candidate names running for the same office to determine the order that they will appear on the ballot, and announces a public hearing to gather community input. This rule repeals and replaces the current 1.10.7 NMAC.

The purpose of the public hearing is to allow members of the public an in-person opportunity to submit data, testimony, and arguments on the proposed rule

Governor Names Roberto Gonzales To Senate Seat

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 30, 2019

Newly appointed Sen. Roberto ‘Bobby’ Gonzales

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Friday named Rep. Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales of Ranchos de Taos to fill the Senate District 6 seat long occupied by the late Sen. Carlos Cisneros.

District 6 is comprised of Los Alamos. Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos counties.

Sen. Gonzales was nominated to fill the remainder of Sen. Cisneros’ term, which runs through 2020, by both Rio Arriba and Taos counties, the latter of which makes up the majority of Senate District 6. Cisneros had represented the district since 1985.

NNSA Issues Partial Withdrawal Of November 2019 Floodplain Assessment For NM 4/East Jemez; TA-72

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 30, 2019

NNSA News:

The Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s Los Alamos Field Office (NA-LA) has issued a partial withdrawal of the November 2019 Floodplain Assessment for the New Mexico State Route 4 and East Jemez Road Intersection and Floodplain Statement of Findings Technical Area-72 Shooting Range Facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos New Mexico(Floodplain Assessment).

The New Mexico State Route 4 and East Jemez Road intersection Floodplain Assessment analysis is withdrawn. This project has not yet received the funding

GOP Seeks Participants For Elections 101 Seminar

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 30, 2019

GOP News:

There is a very important election that culminates Nov. 3, 2020, and New Mexico’s future depends on a fair election.

The Republican Party of New Mexico is calling on members to participate Jan. 4, 2020 in a training for volunteers called, Elections 101 Seminar: To Help Keep New Mexico Elections Fair.

Most New Mexicans are aware that there is an election season just ahead that is vital to the GOP future. There are more than 530 polling locations plus 33 county clerk offices that need staff and trained volunteers. Rough count, needed are 1,200 trained election watchers, poll Read More

Sen. Martinez Steps Down From Leadership Roles

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 29, 2019

Sen. Richard Martinez

SENATE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE – In a letter to New Mexico Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, Sen. Richard Martinez (D–Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Santa Fe) resigned Friday from his positions as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Courts, Corrections & Justice Interim Committee.

In the letter, Sen. Martinez stated “After extensive thought and consideration and given my recent DWI conviction, I have decided to resign my position as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Read More

DOE Issues Final Rule On Fee For Long-Term Management And Storage Of Elemental Mercury

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 28, 2019

DOE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA), as amended, assigned the Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility for the long-term management and storage of elemental mercury. DOE has undertaken efforts to establish a facility for long-term management and storage of elemental mercury.

With respect to the facility, a DOE Record of Decision published in the Federal Register Dec. 6, designated Waste Control Specialists, LLC in Andrews County, Texas (WCS), as a DOE facility for the long-term management and storage of elemental mercury.

DOE has entered

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