Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Kenneth Starr To Lecture At UNM School Of Law

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 28, 2018

Kenneth Starr

UNM News:

Kenneth Winston Starr, J.D., will present, “Investigating the President, Now and Then: Living in a Constitutional Quagmire” at The University of New Mexico School of Law on Wednesday, Jan. 23.

Starr will present his lecture as a Distinguished John Field Simms, Sr. Memorial Lecturer.

The event — which was postponed in October and now rescheduled — includes a book signing beginning at 4:45 p.m., followed at 5:30 p.m. by the lecture. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be completed on the UNM Read More

Governor-Elect Announces Three New Appointments

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham

From the Office of Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham:

SANTA FE – New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham announced additional appointments today in Albuquerque.

“Every single day we have the opportunity to build our new leadership is a great day for New Mexico,” Lujan Grisham said. “These three individuals have had incredibly distinguished careers, and I’m honored they are willing to dedicate this part of their lives to establishing a whole new dynamic.”

The governor-elect announced the following appointments:

William Scott

Councilors Chandler, Pongratz And Reiss Say Goodbye

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

At the final meeting of the year, Council Chair David Izraelevitz presents an engraved plaque to outgoing Council Vice Chair Christine Chandler who has been elected to serve Dist. 43 in the state legislature. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Councilor Morris Pongratz, left, receives an engraved plaque from Council Chair David Izraelevitz. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Council Chair David Izraelevitz, left, presents outgoing Councilor Rick Reiss with an engraved plaque. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos

County Council Passes State Legislative Agenda

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

Council Vice Chair and Dist. 43 Rep.-Elect Christine Chandler

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County’s 2019 state legislative agenda was approved during the Dec. 18 regular meeting.

Council passed the agenda 5-0, Council Vice Chair Christine Chandler abstained.

County Manager Harry Burgess highlighted some of the items on the state legislative agenda:

Efforts towards maintaining the tax revenues from the managing entities that operate the national laboratories in New Mexico so that state and regional revenues

RSF: First Anniversary Of Blogger Wu Gan Conviction

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

Chinese blogger Wu Gan sentenced to eight years in prison for criticizing corruption within the Communist Party’s ranks. Courtesy photo

RSF News:

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the international community not to forget Wu Gan, a Chinese blogger who was sentenced to eight years in prison exactly a year ago for criticizing corruption within the Communist Party’s ranks.

Wu received the eight-year jail sentence on a charge of “subverting state power” from a court in the northern city of Tianjin Dec. 26, 2017, after 952 days in preventive detention. Banned from receiving

Head To Head: Got Hope?

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

By BONNIE J. GORDON

Los Alamos Daily Post

bjgordon@ladailypost.com

Nov. 4, 2008, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was elected president of the United States over U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Obama was the first African American to be elected president. He was born to an American mother and a Kenyan father in Hawaii.

Although he would graduate from Harvard Law School, Obama had a background in community organizing in Chicago. He became a state senator in 1996 and earned a reputation for working well with Republicans as well as his own party. In 2004, he moved on to the U.S. Senate.

In 2008, Obama Read More

AG And Incoming-Auditor Announce Partisan Investigation After OSA Requests Routine Documents

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 27, 2018

NMSA News:

SANTA FE ― Career staff auditors in the New Mexico State Auditor’s office recently requested routine procurement documents from the Office of the Attorney General after a tip was phoned into the OSA’s fraud hotline.

The response from the AG’s office was to “announce” a frivolous partisan investigation through the news media.

The office of the State Auditor opened a case in October after a tip through the OSA’s fraud hotline. Auditors, as a matter of routine, requested documents from the Attorney General’s office at the time and to date, the AG’s office has

Governor-Elect Makes More Cabinet Appointments

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 26, 2018

Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham

From the Office of Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham:

SANTA FE — Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham announced additional cabinet appointments Wednesday in Albuquerque.

“I’m thrilled to once again present a collection of extraordinarily talented individuals,” Lujan Grisham said. “Each nominee today makes a substantive addition to what is already a strong group of nominees, and collectively they serve as a reminder of the diverse talent in our communities.”

The governor-elect announced the following appointments: Read More

Auditor-elect Colón To Launch Investigation Of Wayne Johnson’s Misconduct; Demands He Immediately Stop Any Use Of State Auditor’s Office

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 26, 2018

Auditor-elect Brian Colón

From the Office of Auditor-elect Brian Colón:

SANTA FE — Amid an active criminal investigation into New Mexico State Auditor Wayne Johnson, Auditor-elect Brian Colón announced today that immediately after he is sworn in he will launch an investigation and internal review of all misconduct and abuse of power by Johnson.

New Mexico State Auditor Wayne Johnson

Colón issued the following statement regarding the active criminal investigation into Johnson and more allegations of abuse of power and corruption:

“The integrity of the Read More

New Oversight Report Shines Spotlight On Sexual Assault, Harassment In Key Industries

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 26, 2018

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a new report on the scourge of workplace harassment, entitled, “‘…So I Tolerated It:’ How Workplaces Are Responding to Harassment and the Clear Need for Federal Action.”

The report is a result of a nearly-yearlong examination, initiated by Sen. Murray after so many brave women and men came forward and shared their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

DNC Announces Framework For 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary Debates

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 26, 2018

DNC News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Since his campaign for chair of the Democratic National Committee, DNC Chair Tom Perez has promised to conduct a presidential primary process that is transparent, fair, inclusive, and puts the party in the best possible position to take back the White House in 2020.

Perez has followed through on this promise by passing historic reforms that have expanded the use of primaries, made caucuses more accessible, reduced the influence of superdelegates, and increased transparency of the DNC’s budget and operations. He is continuing this effort with his

Governor Appoints Gregory Fulfer To State Senate

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 25, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Susana Martinez has appointed Gregory Fulfur of Jal to the New Mexico State Senate, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Carroll Leavell.

Fulfur, an alumnus of New Mexico State University, served on the New Mexico Economic Development Commission and serves on the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board. He also served 10 years on the Lea County Board of Commissioners.

Fulfer is a founding member and vice-chairman of America’s Counties for Energy Independence. He is a rancher and business

Bandelier National Monument Closes To All Visitors

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 24, 2018

BANDELIER News:

During the federal government shutdown, Bandelier National Monument is closed to all visitors. Also, during the federal government shutdown, the Bandelier website will not be updated and may not reflect current conditions.

Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Some parks are closed completely. Some visitor services may be available when provided by concessioners or other entities.

For most parks, there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities

Udall, Heinrich Vote To Reform Broken Criminal Justice System, Improve Public Safety

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 24, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined the Senate in voting 87-12 to pass the bipartisan First Step Act, an important step in reforming America’s federal prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save taxpayer dollars, and promote safe communities.

The legislation uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence. It also reduces some sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important

RSF: 2018 Round-Up Of Deadly Attacks And Abuses Against Journalists – Figures Up In All Categories

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 24, 2018

RSF News:

A total of 80 journalists were killed this year, 348 are currently in prison, and 60 are being held hostage, according to the annual worldwide round-up of deadly violence and abusive treatment of journalists released today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which shows an unprecedented level of hostility towards media personnel.

The RSF round-up figures have risen in all categories. Murders, imprisonment, hostage-taking and enforced disappearances have all increased. Journalists have never before been subjected to as much violence and abusive treatment

Marg Elliston Announces Campaign For Re-Election As Democratic Party Of New Mexico Chair

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 24, 2018

State Chair Marg Elliston

NMDP News:

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Marg Elliston has announced her candidacy for re-election as party chair:

“We need to make New Mexico a place where our kids and grandkids can thrive. That means building a New Mexico where everyone can work hard and make a livable wage, that provides world-class affordable education, pre-K through degree, protects our environment and public lands, and builds a sustainable energy grid.

“The Democratic Party of New Mexico is ready for that challenge and so am I. That’s why I’ve decided to run

Valles Caldera Closed During Government Shutdown

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 23, 2018

All access to Valles Caldera National Preserve is closed due to the government shutdown. Courtesy/VCNP

VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – Due to the lapse of federal appropriations and the subsequent shutdown of the federal government, all access to Valles Caldera National Preserve is closed for the safety and protection of visitors and park resources.

Many other national park sites across the country will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Many other national park sites across the country will remain as accessible as possible while still Read More

Interior Secretary Secures Historic Interagency Memorandum Of Agreement Between 12 Agencies

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 23, 2018

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke

DOI News:

WASHINGTON, D.― U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced Friday the completion of a historic interagency memorandum of agreement (MOA) between 12 federal agencies for expanded participation by federal agencies in the 477-Demonstration Project (“477-initiative”).

The MOA is a key requirement identified in amendments provided under the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017, Public Law 115-93, as signed by President Donald Trump Dec. 18, 2017. The 477-initiative Read More

Heinrich: Nominees To U.S. Service Academies

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 22, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has announced his nominees to the United States Service Academies including Javier McTeigue and Neil Wilkerson of Los Alamos.

A nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy–the Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Being nominated is a significant honor. The application process is rigorous, and only the most qualified and meritorious candidates

Gosar Forest Management Policies Signed Into Law

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 21, 2018

Courtesy photo

U.S. Rep. Paul A. Gosar

FIRE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) has issued the following statement after two of his important active forest management policies were signed into law by President Donald J. Trump:

“Following one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in our nation’s history, it is critical that we do everything in our power to provide the Forest Service and public land management agencies with the tools they need to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and protect our communities,” Gosar

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