Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Regional Coalition Discusses Path Forward

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 6, 2018

Los Alamos County Councilor Chris Chandler addresses the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities board this morning in Espanola. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

By MAIRE O’NEILL

Los Alamos Daily Post

maire@ladailypost.com

Questions as to the legality of the agenda for Monday morning’s Regional Coalition of LANL Communities board meeting in Espanola resulted in the board being unable to take any action on issues which have plagued Coalition in recent weeks.

One question raised by Los Alamos County Councilor Chris Chandler, secretary of the Coalition Read More

How Can We Reshape American Politics: No Labels Director Speaks March 12

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 5, 2018

Francisco Figueroa/Courtesy photo

VLA News:

Voices of Los Alamos will host a special meeting with speaker Francisco Figueroa, No Labels NM State Director, who will discuss how we can reshape American politics.

The talk is 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. March 12, at the Unitarian Church, 1738 N. Sage Loop, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The public is welcome to attend.

Founded in 2010, No Labels (www.nolabels.org) is a bi-partisan citizens’ movement that believes in creating a stabilizing force within Congress that brings our country together despite differences

Heinrich, Flake, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill To Ban Bump Stock Devices

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 5, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Thursday U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced a bill to prohibit the sale of bump stock devices and other mechanisms which allow semi-automatic firearms to materially increase their rate of fire and effectively operate as fully automatic weapons.

A bump stock was used by the shooter during the Oct. 1, 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting which resulted in the deaths of 59 people, including the gunman.

“There’s no possible defense for anyone owning

HDA Statement On Review Of Annual Production Quotas For Opioids

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 5, 2018

HDA President and CEO John M. Gray

HDA News:

ARLINGTON, VA — HDA (Healthcare Distribution Alliance) President and CEO John M. Gray released the following statement in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent memo regarding opioid production quotas:

“We welcome Attorney General Sessions’ call to evaluate potential changes to the annual production quotas for opioids. This critical step reflects the growing recognition of the federal government’s role in addressing this public health crisis.

“During the

Governor Enacts Small Business Tax Relief

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 5, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez signed legislation Thursday to provide as much as $3 million or more in tax relief for New Mexico families and small businesses.

“Since taking office, helping New Mexico families and small businesses keep more of their hard-earned money has always been one of my top priorities,” Martinez said. “While I am disappointed legislative leaders once again failed to deliver on their promises to tackle the comprehensive tax reform our state needs to continue competing for jobs and investment, this legislation

Democratic Party Of Los Alamos County Delegates Elected At 2018 County Pre-Primary Convention

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

Scene from the 2018 Democratic Party of Los Alamos County Pre-primary Convention Sunday, Feb. 25 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

More than 80 local Democrats signed in and participated in the Los Alamos Democratic Party 2018 Pre-primary Convention. Courtesy photo

Democrats pack Fuller Lodge Feb. 25 for the 2018 Los Alamos County Pre-primary Convention. Photo by James Robinson

By CAROL A. CLARK

Los Alamos Daily Post

caclark@ladailypost.com

More than 80 local Democrats signed in and participated in the Los Alamos Democratic Party 2018 Pre-primary

Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Establish Tuition-Free Community College

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Thursday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the America’s College Promise Act, which would provide two years of free community college and create an affordable pathway to a four-year college degree for low-income students.

“There’s no question that in order to continue to grow our economy, we must have a well-educated and well-trained workforce,” Heinrich said. “The America’s College Promise Act is a smart investment in our workforce that

NM Delegation Welcomes Interior Department Decision To Cancel Oil And Gas Lease Sale In Chaco Region

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

News from the Offices of U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to news Friday that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will cancel a planned oil and gas lease sale in the Greater Chaco region.

More than 450 protests were filed over the planned March 8 sale, and after hearing from the delegation and many other New Mexicans, Zinke has agreed to halt the sale and return to a joint planning process Read More

County Council Holds Closed Session Tuesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Council will hold a closed session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 6.

The purpose of the session is to discuss pending litigation.

The session is in the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

Agenda:

1. OPENING/ROLL CALL A. 10468-18 Discussion Regarding Pending Litigation – Closed Pursuant to NMSA 1978, 10-15-1 (H)(7). Presenters: County Council – Closed Session
2. BUSINESS
3. ADJOURNMENT

Individuals with a disability who are in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend Read More

Governor Signs Bill to Ensure More Efficiency In School Budgets And Support At-Risk Students

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez

POLITICAL News:

SANTA FE – Last night, a bill to ensure more efficiency in school budgets was signed by Gov. Susana Martinez.

House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. George Dodge (D-Santa Rosa), amends the Public School Finance Act to allocate funds more equitably among schools.

“We need to ensure that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their background or their zip code,” Rep. George Dodge said. “This bill gives more funding to schools with higher numbers of at-risk students, and to schools with more experienced staff. Making sure the budget Read More

House Passes Biggs/Luján Legislation To Ensure Tribal Communities Have Full Access To AMBER Alert System

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 4, 2018

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, bipartisan legislation that was cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ).

The bill provides funding and other support for expanding the AMBER Alert system to provide full access for those on Tribal lands. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

U.S. Rep. Biggs and Luján, along with Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Maricopa County Attorney

Randall Ryti Announces Candidacy For County Council

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

Randall Ryti has announced his candidacy for a seat on the Los Alamos County Council. Ryti shown here in front of the Los Alamos Nature Center served on the Pajarito Environmental Education Center Board from 2002 to 2008 and as its president from 2005 to 2008. Courtesy photo

BY RANDALL RYTI

Los Alamos

I moved to Los Alamos in 1992 to start a small business with three other scientists. After my wife Wendy arrived in 1993, our children attended middle school and high school. We stayed because Los Alamos has offered so many opportunities.

Almost within days of arriving in town I learned about the Read More

Labor Management Relations Board Meets Tuesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

COUNTY News:

Labor Management Relations Board meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6 in Room 110 in the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda:

I. Call to Order
II. Public Comment
III. Approval of Minutes From Dec. 5, 2017 Meeting
IV. Reports A. Chair’s Report B. HR Manager’s Report
V. Business Scheduling Conference (Regarding PPC2018-00)
VI. Preview of Upcoming Agenda Items
VII. Adjournment

Individuals with a disability who are in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary Read More

County Council Calls Special Session To Address Allegations Of Improprieties Related To Regional Coalition Issues At 6 P.M. Monday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

Los Alamos County Council members from left, Chair David Izraelevitz, Vice Chair Christine Chandler, James Chrobocinski, Rick Reiss, Pete Sheehey, Susan O’Leary and Antonio Maggiore. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Council is holding a Special Session at 6 p.m. Monday for discussion and possible action relating to allegations of improperieties involving Regional Coalition of LANL Communities travel expenditures and related issues, including the Los Alamos County’s role in reviewing and disclosing such issues.

This is the only item on the agenda for this Read More

Council Approves Rezoning Oppenheimer Commercial Property Lots To Mix Use Residential And Office Space

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

Ryan Markey of Los Alamos Professional Investment Partnership speaks Tuesday night to Los Alamos County Council about the plan to transform lots at 555 and 557 Oppenheimer Dr. from office space to a mix of residential and office space. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

The commercial property at 555 and 557 Oppenheimer Drive is in the process of getting a whole new look. Los Alamos County Council approved an ordinance to rezone the two lots from professional office to mixed use during its regular meeting

County Council/BPU Hold Joint Meeting Tuesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council and Board of Public Utilities will host a joint meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, in Council Chambers located at Municipal Building located at 1000 Central Ave.

Agenda:

1. OPENING/ROLL CALL

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. STATEMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION March 6, 2018 Closed Session Motion

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

5. COUNTY COUNCIL – JOINT SPECIAL SESSION WITH THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

6. BUSINESS

A. Joint Board of Public Utilities & Council Meeting – Discussion on the Carbon Free Power Project Presenters: Steve Cummins,

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce Sees Bright Future For LANL

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce speaks confidently about the future of LANL during an interview this afternoon with Publisher Carol A. Clark at the Los Alamos Daily Post World Headquarters in downtown Los Alamos. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK

Los Alamos Daily Post

caclark@ladailypost.com

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce visited the Los Alamos Daily Post today and spoke about the importance of keeping plutonium pit production at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

“I am supportive of keeping pit production here and will fight for that,” Pearce said. “I think the

RCLC Executive Director Andrea Romero Addresses Allegations About Travel Expenses And Reimbursements

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 3, 2018

By ANDREA ROMERO

Executive Director

Regional Coalition of LANL Communities

Founded in 2011, the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities (RCLC) comprises nine cities, counties, and Pueblos surrounding the Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).

Since I was hired as executive director in 2015, we have worked together to ensure that LANL is responsive to the issues and concerns of our northern New Mexico communities.

RCLC has been the sole organization to go to the U.S. Congress and request increases for cleanup of nuclear waste at LANL. These Read More

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján Cosponsors Legislation To Preserve A Free And Open Internet

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 2, 2018

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) announced that he cosponsored legislation introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) to preserve a free and open Internet and overturn the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) recent action to repeal existing net neutrality protections.

“A free and open Internet is essential to a free and open society, which is why we must protect net neutrality,” Luján said. “The Internet has revolutionized the way we do business, promoted entrepreneurship and innovation,

Udall, Heinrich Cosponsor SAFE Lending Act To Protect Consumers From Predatory Practices In Online Payday Lending

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 2, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich cosponsored the Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act to crack down on some of the worst abuses of the payday lending industry, particularly in online payday lending, and protect consumers from deceptive and predatory practices that strip wealth from working families.

Under the Trump Administration’s leadership, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which previously was set to institute national rules related to payday loans, has suddenly reversed course

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