CHC Follows Up With Commerce Secretary On 2020 Census Concerns
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 28, 2018
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Twenty-one Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), led by Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46) and CHC Civil Rights Task Force Chair Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), sent a letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross outlining their concerns with proposed changes to the 2020 census.
The inclusion of a citizenship question, as well as, unresolved issues from the 2010 Census jeopardizing the accuracy of the 2020 Census, potentially taking billions of dollars in federal funds and accurate congressional representation from communities across the country.
Read More Santa Fe New Mexican Endorses Pete Sheehey For House Seat
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 28, 2018
Pete Sheehey Candidate for House Dist. 43
POLITICAL News:
The Santa Fe New Mexican has endorsed Pete Sheehey for the New Mexico House of Representatives, District 43 Democratic Primary Election:
“Pete Sheehey brings the analytical mind of a scientist to the Legislature — in fact, we have endorsed him for this job before, back in 2010. He supported Bernie Sanders in 2016 and currently serves on the Los Alamos County Council. He also has shown the ability to bring diverse viewpoints together on the council, with its Democratic and Republican split. The winner of the Democratic primary has a GOP Read More
Governor Announces Record Levels Of Energy Diversification In New Mexico
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 28, 2018
Gov. Susana MartinezSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― Gov. Susana Martinez has announced, for the first time ever, in the first two months of 2018 renewable energy accounted for over 30 percent of the state’s electricity generation.
This diversification of New Mexico’s energy sector can be attributed to the Governor’s “all of the above” energy policy plan which was unveiled in 2015 – New Mexico’s first energy policy in nearly 25 years.
“This balanced and diverse mix of energy generation is proof our ‘all of the above’ approach to harnessing
Read More Letter To The Editor: Disagree On Compactness Of Voting Districts Issue
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 27, 2018
By TERRY GOLDMANLos Alamos
I generally agree with John Bartlit. On the issue of compactness of voting districts, I acknowledge that I have also advocated that in the past. However, I now must disagree. (link)
I have realized that compactness can lead to similar results as does gerrymandering. There is unequivocal measure of how democratic a voting system is: It is the agreement between the number of representatives of each party and the relative fraction of votes cast for each party.
For example, if 45 percent of voters in a state
Rep. Lujan Grisham Votes To Pass Defense Policy Bill
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 27, 2018
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan GrishamCONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) voted Thursday to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes four of her amendments that are important to the large national laboratory and military presence in New Mexico.
“I am pleased to have voted for a bipartisan defense authorization bill that supports our men and women in uniform and the national laboratories and military bases in New Mexico that are vital to our national security and are an important economic driver for the
Read More Senate Passes Udall, Tester, Hoeven, Isakson Bill To Combat Native American Veteran Homelessness
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 26, 2018
U.S. SENATE News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joined Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.), in applauding the passage of their bipartisan legislation to combat homelessness among veterans in Indian Country.
The senators’ Tribal HUD-VASH Act will formally authorize a joint tribal veterans housing initiative between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, which provides
Read More Lujan Grisham Announces Plan To Reform MVD
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 26, 2018
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan GrishamCONGRESSIONAL News:
ALBUQUERQUE ― Thursday, Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham released her MVD Reform policy, a comprehensive plan to renovate and simplify the MVD experience and driver’s license issuing process.
Under the current system, many New Mexicans are wrongfully denied identification documents vital to employment, housing, and education.
“New Mexico needs a governor who will advocate for our families and make government more user-friendly, not make life harder and force people
Read More Motion For Summary Judgment Continued In Los Alamos County Sheriff’s IPRA Suit Against AG
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 26, 2018
By MAIRE O’NEILLLos Alamos Daily Post
maire@ladailypost.com
First Judicial District Judge David K. Thomson has continued a motion for summary judgment until needed discovery is complete in a suit filed by Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero against Attorney General Hector Balderas and his records custodian Patricia Salazar.
Lucero’s attorney Blair Dunn had filed a request for a presentment hearing in the case following the May 15 hearing because, as correspondence between Dunn and Balderas’s staff included in the Court record indicates, there was some disagreement as to what Judge Read More
Voters Cast 907 Ballots During Early Voting So Far
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 26, 2018
Presiding Judge Linda Fox this afternoon in Council Chambers where early voting continues 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday and resumes 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, June 2 in the Municipal Building and the White Rock Town Hall on Longview Drive and Rover Boulevard. Early voting ends at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 2. Polls open for Primary Election Day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 at the Municipal Building, Betty Ehart Senior Center, Los Alamos Golf Course Community Building and the White Rock Town Hall. The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office reports that as of 4:50 Read More
District Judge Consolidates Recall Petition Cases Against Three Los Alamos County Councilors
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
By MAIRE O’NEILLLos Alamos Daily Post
maire@ladailypost.com
First Judicial District Judge David K. Thomson has ordered three cases filed by Los Alamos resident Greg White against Los Alamos County Councilors Susan O’Leary, Antonio Maggiore and Rick Reiss to be consolidated.
In an order filed May 23, Judge Thomson also asked for opinions from the New Mexico Secretary of State, Los Alamos County Clerk and Attorney General Hector Balderas as to whether a state Constitutional provision barring a recall election after May 1 in a year in which a person holding elected office has their term expire
Letter To The Editor: Sheehey A True Public Servant
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
By MIGUEL M. CHAVEZFormer Santa Fe County Commissioner
Former Santa Fe City Councilor
Los Alamos County Councilor Pete Sheehey, candidate for Dictrict 43 State Representative, and I served together on the Board of Directors of the North Central Regional Transit District (N.C.R.T.D) from 2014 to 2016, when I was a Santa Fe County Commissioner.
We also served as chair and vice chair of N.C.R.T.D’s Board of Finance and Environmental Sustainability subcommittees. Throughout our work, l was impressed with Pete’s commitment to the best interest of the entire Region.
Read More Letter To The Editor: I Recommend Christine Chandler
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
By SHEILA BROWNSanta Fe
I highly recommend Christine Chandler for District 43, New Mexico State House. I have known Christine for more than 30 years as a colleague, supervisor and friend. She is a person of energy, intelligence and integrity. In all the time I have known her, she has devoted herself to public service and to volunteering in the community.
As we all know, New Mexico has a serious problem with its education system. This impacts not only the lives and futures of the children themselves, but the ability of our state economy to thrive in a highly competitive atmosphere. Christine
Read More Tales Of Our Times: See How System Designers Would Design A Voting System
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
Tales of Our TimesBy JOHN BARTLIT
New Mexico Citizens
for Clean Air & Water
New Mexico Citizens
for Clean Air & Water
See How System Designers Would Design A Voting System
We know the risk when a fox guards the henhouse. So foxes learn. They lull the chickens with clucking words of, “Elect me to guard you.”
Voting is the binding force of democracy and voting systems are its means. “Voting systems” here are the provisions that allow voters to vote and where they vote. These functions attract foxes.
Voting systems these days have two major ills: parties invest guile in voter IDs and in gerrymandering. To “solve” these
Read More Rep. Lujan Grisham Passes Three Economic Development Amendments In NDAA
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Courtesy photoCONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) delivered remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives to urge passage of three amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will re-energize domestic manufacturing, create high-paying jobs, and increase economic development in New Mexico.
They will be included in the final NDAA package that will be voted on tomorrow. The House is expected to pass the package with strong bipartisan support.
The
Read More Martin Heinrich Receives Solar Champion Award
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich receives the Solar Champion Award, May 23, from the SEIA. Courtesy photoU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) was presented the Solar Champion Award by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) for his unwavering efforts to ensure that the federal government continues policies and programs that allow the solar industry to grow in New Mexico and across the United States.
“I am honored to receive the SEIA Solar Champion award. Solar power presents a major opportunity to create jobs and investment
Read More Johnson Announces Criminal Justice System Audit
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 25, 2018
State Auditor Wayne JohnsonSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― State Auditor Wayne Johnson Wednesday announced that he has initiated a special audit of seven different entities within the 2nd Judicial District that form the core of our criminal justice system.
Johnson’s objective is to identify problems that cause the system to fail New Mexicans and place our families at risk of violent crime.
Johnson says his office will take an auditor’s approach to crime in Albuquerque and to the many different systems that we collectively call our justice system.
“We want to find what
Read More AG Balderas To Congress: Create Stiffer Penalties For Irresponsible Drug Manufacturers
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 24, 2018
Attorney General Hector BalderasAG News:
ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas along with a bipartisan coalition of 39 state and territory attorneys general called on congressional leaders to promptly pass measures to help hold opioid manufacturers accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic and stem diversion.
“Congress must act to join our fight against the opioid crisis in New Mexico by creating tougher penalties for irresponsible drug manufacturers,” Balderas said. “My office is combating the epidemic in New Mexico through our aggressive litigation,
Read More Secretary Zinke Proposes Expansion Of Hunting And Fishing Opportunities At 30 Of America’s National Wildlife Refuges
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 24, 2018
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan ZinkeDOI News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Continuing his efforts to increase access to public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Monday announced a proposal to open more than 248,000 acres to new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 30 national wildlife refuges.
Opportunities include places like Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois and Wisconsin, and deer hunting in Philadelphia at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge being proposed for the first time. The proposal also outlines expanded hunting and
Read More Congressional Hispanic Caucus Requests Meeting With U.S. Small Business Administrator
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 24, 2018
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez requested a meeting with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon to discuss ways of working together to increase support for and create marketplace opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus remains deeply concerned about the SBA’s efforts to provide Hispanic-owned businesses with
Read More Rep. Lujan Grisham On Dodd-Frank Rollback Bill
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 24, 2018
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan GrishamCONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) issued the following statement after voting against S. 2155, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, that would deregulate large financial institutions and dismantle important consumer protections enacted as part of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act:
“I strongly support targeted efforts to strengthen our smaller, community banks and credit unions and reverse the destabilizing consolidation
Read More 
