Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Public Meeting Targets Code Enforcement Concerns

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 30, 2017

During an interview about their upcoming meeting on code concerns, from left, Helen Milenski, Heather Ortega and her son Isaac Ortega, 8, Friday afternoon at the Los Alamos Daily Post on Central Ave. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK

Los Alamos Daily Post

caclark@ladailypost.com

Spurred by her concern with code enforcement issues surfacing around town, local resident Heather Ortega intends to form a PAC called “Los Alamos County Citizens In Action”.

She and resident Helen Milenski are hosting a community meeting on the subject, 6-8 p.m. Monday in the White

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Demands Answers From EPA’s Scott Pruitt On ‘Privacy Booth,’ Chartered Flights

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 30, 2017

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, ranking member on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget, demanded answers from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt about his potentially excessive spending of taxpayer money.

Media reports indicate that the EPA is devoting $25,000 in taxpayer money to build a “privacy booth for the administrator,” despite EPA already having a fully functioning Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility

Council Proclaims October Drug Free Month

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 29, 2017

Councilor Chris Chandler presents Police Chief Dino Sgambellone with a proclamation at the County Council meeting Tuesday declaring October Drug Free Month. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council proclaimed October as a Drug Free Month during its regular meeting Tuesday night in Council Chambers. A proclamation was presented to Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone.

Proclamation:

WHEREAS: It is the goal of all organizations who deal with the prevention of drug abuse to motivate people to more active participation in programs Read More

VIDEO: Udall on Senate Floor … ACA Repeal Would Devastate Health Care For Indian Country

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 29, 2017

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, denounced the devastating impact Senate Republicans’ efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would have on Indian Country.

In remarks Sept. 26 on the Senate floor, Udall said repeal of the ACA and Medicaid expansion would be disastrous for Indian Country and violate the government’s trust and treaty obligation to ensure Native Americans receive quality health care. He and Senate Indian Affairs Committee

NMTA Honors State Rep. Bobby Gonzales

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

NMTA President Anthony Mortillaro presents Rep. Bobby Gonzalez with a model bus as Gonzales is honored by the NMTA for his untiring efforts to champion public transportation in the State of New Mexico. Courtesy photo

NMTA News:

The New Mexico Transit Association (NMTA), has honored New Mexico State Rep. Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales for his untiring efforts to champion public transportation, at its quarterly meeting Sept. 21 in Taos.

Upon presenting the award to Gonzales, who chairs the New Mexico House of Representatives Transportation, Public Works and Capital

Udall On Human Trafficking In Indian Country

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, highlighted the urgent need for additional resources and support, including law enforcement and training – but also mental health care and substance abuse treatment – to help address human trafficking in Indian Country.

Udall made his comments Wednesday during an oversight hearing titled, “The GAO Reports on Human Trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Natives in the United States,” which was held to discuss implementation

Commentary: Science Education Is Essential To New Mexico’s Future

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

By U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich

As senators who proudly represent the world-class scientists at New Mexico’s national laboratories, research universities, military installations and high-tech businesses, we call on policymakers to use science as a guiding light.

Our capacity to seize opportunities and face the many challenges ahead rests heavily on our ability to make decisions driven by scientific data. And our state’s economic future depends on ensuring that the next generation has the knowledge and skills – especially in science and math – to qualify for

State Auditor Tim Keller’s Report On New Mexico’s ‘Swiss Cheese’ Tax Code Featured In Bloomberg BNA

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

State Auditor Tim Keller

OSA News:

SANTA FE ― The national news outlet Bloomberg BNA featured an article about State Auditor Tim Keller’s report shining a light on New Mexico’s “Swiss Cheese” tax code.

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) tallied more than $1 billion in tax breaks that the state gave with little reporting to determine return on investment.

The full OSA report is available here: https://www.saonm.org/media/news_pdf/9-1517_OSA_Report_on_Tax_Choices.pdf

BPU, Council Weigh Finance Options For Replacing White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

At left, DPU Deputy Manager Jack Richardson and DPU Manager Tim Glasco present finance options available for replacement of the White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Sept. 21 BPU and Council joint meeting in Council Chambers. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

BY KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

The wastewater treatment plant in White Rock needs to be replaced and a discussion on how to finance the project was held during the Los Alamos County Council and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) joint work session Read More

Udall, Heinrich Call For Extension Of DACA Renewal Deadline In Wake Of Storms

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 28, 2017

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― In the wake of three massive storms that have disrupted the day-to-day lives of millions of people, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a group of 36 senators calling on the Trump administration to extend the crucial Oct. 5 deadline for Dreamers to renew their DACA status.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), tens of thousands of DACA recipients live in areas impacted by the storms.

“In the last month, several major hurricanes made landfall in the Unites

Net Neutrality Supporters Descend On DC To Meet With Lawmakers, Oppose FCC Plan To Gut Title II

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

FFTF News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― More than 60 Internet users traveling from as far away as Alaska, California, Kansas, and Utah are participating in a unique advocacy effort this Wednesday, Sept. 27, descending on the U.S. capitol not for a rally but to meet directly with their Senators and Representatives in support of Title II net neutrality protections.

The participants, recruited through an online campaign spread through email and social media include small business owners, students, IT professionals, startup founders, single parents, and people

Heinrich: Preliminary CBO Score Of Graham-Cassidy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement Sept. 25 after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a preliminary score of Graham-Cassidy.

Although not able to provide point estimates on health insurance coverage and premium increases at this time, the CBO concluded that millions fewer people will have insurance that covers high-cost medical events and Medicaid will be cut by $1 trillion over

Los Alamos County Clerk Registers New Voters

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

Los Alamos County Clerk Office staff members take part in National Voter Registration Day Tuesday in the lobby at the Municipal Building. The event was part of a massive 50-state effort to register thousands of voters. In addition to being at the Municipal Building, clerk staff went to Starbucks and Los Alamos High School. Here Office Specialist Jordan Duran, Deputy Clerk Victoria Martinez, seated, Election Manager Gloria Maestas and County Clerk Naomi Maestas stand ready to register new voters. As of noon Tuesday, Clerk Maestas reported that 10 people had registered to vote. If people missed Read More

Udall, Heinrich, Pearce, Luján Announce Federal Funds For Economic Development Projects In New Mexico

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sept. 25, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce and Ben Ray Luján announced federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce for economic development projects at the Village of Questa and New Mexico State University.

The Village of Questa will receive $1.2 million in matching funds to expand the Business Park and improve the roadways, drainage system, water and sanitary sewer, signage, parking, roadway lighting,

Keller Joins Survivor Advocates To Provide Rape Kit Backlog Update To Legislative Committee

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

State Auditor Tim Keller

OSA News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Sept. 21, State Auditor Tim Keller and Sarita Nair, Chief Government Accountability Officer of the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) joined sexual assault survivor advocates to provide an update to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee about the backlog of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits, commonly known as “rape kits.”

The OSA presented along with representatives from the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Valencia Shelter Services, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs,

Udall Joins In Introducing Bill To Expand Access To Affordable, Quality Child Care For New Mexico Families

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 27, 2017

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sept. 14, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall joined a number of Democrats in introducing major legislation to ensure working families throughout New Mexico and across the country have access to affordable, high-quality child care.

The Child Care for Working Families Act is a comprehensive early learning and child care bill to ensure working families can afford high-quality child care and preschool programs.

The Child Care for Working Families Act would create a partnership

Governor Announces Nearly $27 Million Of Road Improvements From WIPP Settlement

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 26, 2017

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday nearly $27 million of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) route road improvements between Carlsbad and Vaughn, as part of the state’s 2014 settlement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

“When we first learned of the fire and radiation leak in 2014, we moved quickly to hold the federal government accountable, and I’m pleased that we’ll be able to use these funds to further strengthen the safety of WIPP and the surrounding communities,” Governor Martinez said. “I look forward to seeing these projects completed, and I know they will help Read More

Letter To The Editor: Note On Trump’s UNGA Address

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 26, 2017

By DR. T. DOUGLAS REILLY

Los Alamos

Tuesday I read a transcript of and Guardian article on President Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly with sadness and disbelief. The book title, Cry the Beloved Country, comes to mind; also the quote of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, “there never was a good war, or a bad peace…”

“When will we ever learn, when will we ever learn?”

“the dead have seen the end of war” (Plato)

I wish to add President John Quincy Adams definition of a leader:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and

AG: Grand Jury Indicts Eli Kronenanker

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 26, 2017

Eli Kronenanker/Courtesy photo

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas announced Sept. 21 that Eli Kronenanker was indicted by a grand jury in the 2013 alleged rape and kidnapping of a Rio Rancho teen.

The Bernalillo County Grand Jury indicted Kronenanker on four counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration, one count of Kidnapping, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, one count of Intimidation of a Witness, and one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children.

“I will continue to target individuals who sexually assault, threaten, and abuse

New Mexico Delegation Encourages Boeing To Conduct Phantom Express Development Contract At SPA, WSMR

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on September 26, 2017

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham have encouraged Boeing to conduct the Phantom Express development contract at Spaceport America (SPA) with support of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

“New Mexico offers a number of strategic advantages for Boeing’s spaceplane contract, and I’m confident that a partnership with Spaceport America and White Sands Missile Range will lead to the successful completion of this program. These sites have

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