Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Los Alamos Arms Control Group Considers Support Of Iran Policy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 31, 2015

LACACIS News:

The Los Alamos Committee on Arms Control and International (LACACIS) is considering the adoption of a statement of support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany, and the European Union.

The LACACIS draft policy statement can be read by visiting www.lacacis.org and clicking on Policy Statements.

The position will be discussed and voted on at a meeting at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, at the United Church Christian

Common Cause Statement On SOS Charges

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 31, 2015

Common Cause New Mexico’s Executive Director Viki Harrison

CCNM News:

Common Cause New Mexico’s Executive Director Viki Harrison released the following statement Sunday regarding the Secretary of State situation:

“Like the rest of the state, Common Cause New Mexico was shocked to hear of the criminal complaints filed against our Secretary of State, Dianna Duran, by the Attorney General.

“As Secretary of State, Dianna Duran is the elected official in New Mexico in charge of many important functions, including the implementation of campaign finance laws; ethics enforcement for candidates Read More

Charges Filed Against Secretary Of State Dianna Duran

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 30, 2015

Secretary of State Dianna Duran

Staff Report

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas charged Secretary of State Dianna Duran Friday in District Court with 64 counts including embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, violations of the Campaign Practice Act, tampering with public records, conspiracy and violation of a Governmental Conduct Act.

The investigation into Duran’s alleged misuse of campaign funds and withdrawal of money at casinos around the state began following a tip.

Gov. Susana Martinez said in a statement to the media, “I have spoken to the Attorney General about Read More

Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Statement On Thursday’s Game Commission Decisions

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 29, 2015

SIERRA CLUB News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Game Commission voted Thursday to approve trapping for cougars on state trust land and private land throughout New Mexico.

The commission also voted to increase bear-hunting quotas. Both decisions came without sufficient scientific evidence and in the face of overwhelming public opposition.

More than 1,000 New Mexicans sent written comments and several hundred people came to Thursday’s meeting to ask the Commission not to adopt New Mexico Game and Fish’s proposals, which may put bear populations in danger and would Read More

Udall Welcomes Committee On Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing On Gold King Mine Disaster

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 29, 2015

Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Tom Udall welcomed an announcement by Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming,chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), that the committee will hold an oversight hearing to examine the harmful impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gold King Mine spill on Indian Country.

Udall and fellow committee member Sen. John McCain of Arizona, wrote a letter earlier this month to Barrasso and SCIA Vice Chairman Jon Tester of Montana requesting the hearing.

The hearing, titled “EPA’s Gold King Mine Disaster: Read More

NM Business Latest Honored For Installing Solar System

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 28, 2015

Wayne Sonchar owner of B.T.U. Building Materials, Inc., right, accepts a certificate of completion from USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner for the installation of a solar power array on his business . Courtesy photo

USDA News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Tuesday, August 25, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner presented Wayne Sonchar the owner of B.T.U. Materials, Inc. in Las Vegas, New Mexico a certificate of completion to dedicate the solar power system recently installed at the business.

While making his remarks during the event

Program Members Help Park, Learn Skills At Bandelier

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 27, 2015

Members of the Bandelier Preservation Corps working on the Ancestral Pueblo walls at Tyuonyi Pueblo in Frijoles Canyon, Bandelier National Mnument. Courtesy/NPS

Members of the Bandelier Conservation Corps and the Bandelier Preservation Corps, with visiting U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. Courtesy/NPS

Bandelier News:

This summer, two programs at Bandelier National Monument, the Bandelier Conservation Corps and the Bandelier Preservation Corps, provided local young people the opportunity to learn skills and help improve and maintain the park.

Funding came

New Mexico Judiciary Endorses Bail Reform Constitutional Amendment

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 27, 2015

SUPREME COURT News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― The New Mexico Judiciary will ask the Legislature to let voters decide whether to approve reforms to the bail system for the release of criminal defendants awaiting trial.

The proposed amendment to the New Mexico Constitution will allow judges the lawful option of denying pretrial release on bail to defendants who are too dangerous or unreasonable flight risks. The proposal also will guarantee that no person entitled to pretrial release is held in jail simply because they are financially unable to afford a money bond.

Game Commission Votes 7-0 For Cougar Trapping

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 27, 2015

New Mexico Game Commission votes to endorse the NMDGF recommendations to drastically expand trapping, snaring and killing cougar across New Mexico. Courtesy/APNM

APNM News:

SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Game Commission voted to endorse the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish’s (NMDGF) extreme recommendations to drastically expand trapping, snaring, and killing across New Mexico as part of revisions to the 2016 Bear & Cougar Rule.

By a unanimous vote, the Game Commission endorsed the NMDGF proposals to:

allow cougar trapping using leg-hold traps and snares on state trust

Luján Celebrates Women’s Equality Day

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 27, 2015

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

SANTA FE ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement Wednesday highlighting Women’s Equality Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote.

“Today we celebrate a monumental day for equality and justice in our nation’s history. Ninety-five years ago, to the tireless work of a group of dedicated advocates, the 19th Amendment was adopted, ensuring the right to vote for

San Ildefonso Pueblo Responds To Santa Fe County Commission Vote

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 27, 2015

SI PUEBLO News:

SANTA FE ― San Ildefonso Pueblo officials are both disappointed and frustrated by Tuesday’s (Aug. 25) action by the Santa Fe County Commission to tie negotiations over road disputes on Pueblo land to the Aamodt water settlement.

“For two years, we have been working in good-faith to find a fair resolution to both of these with Santa Fe County. It is disheartening that after all we’ve put into this, including hours of face-to-face meetings, they chose to blindside us by suddenly tying the two together,” Gov. James Mountain

Heinrich Celebrates National Park Service Anniversary

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 26, 2015

Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, released the following statement on the 99th anniversary of the National Park Service Aug. 25.

“Our national parks not only celebrate some of the most beautiful natural places in our country, they are also part of the fabric of our democracy. For nearly 100 years, the National Park Service has managed the treasured places that our families go to year after year to relax, explore, and learn about our Read More

Los Alamos County Sheriff Attends NMSA Conference

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 26, 2015

Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero, left, with National Sheriffs Association President Sheriff Danny Glick in Ruidoso. Courtesy photo

LACSO News:

Last week Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero attended the New Mexico Sheriffs Association Conference in Ruidoso.

Members had several meetings concerning upcoming legislation, advanced training and issues regarding the Office of the Sheriff. There were VIP’s in attendance including the National Sheriffs Association President Sheriff Danny Glick, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas and a surprise appearance by Gov. Susana Read More

Ray McGovern On Putin, Russia & Ukraine Aug. 28

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 26, 2015

Ray McGovern

CIR News:

The Santa Fe Council on International Relations presents the lecture by Ray McGovern, ‘Nyet Means Nyet’ – A Redline on Ukraine, 5-7 p.m., Friday at The Forum, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, 1600 St. Michael’s Dr. in Sana Fe.

McGovern came from his native Bronx to Washington in the early 1960s as an Army infantry/intelligence officer and then served as a CIA analyst for 27 years, from the administration of John F. Kennedy to that of George H. W. Bush. His duties included chairing National Intelligence Estimates and preparing the President’s

Heinrich Makes Tickets Available To New Mexicans To Watch Simulcast Of Pope Francis Address To Congress

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 26, 2015

Pope Francis during the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II April 27, 2014. Couresy/wikipedia.com

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. is encouraging New Mexicans interested in attending the outdoor simulcast of Pope Francis addressing a Joint Session of Congress Thursday, Sept. 24, to contact his Washington, D.C. office for tickets.

Pope Francis will be the first Pope to address a joint meeting of Congress. Heinrich will be allotted 200 tickets for the simulcast on the West Front grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

“This will be a very special moment Read More

Udall, Heinrich Press Senate Leadership To Begin Bipartisan Budget Negotiations

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 25, 2015

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate Democratic Caucus to urge Senate Republican leadership to schedule bipartisan budget negotiations immediately to prevent another budget crisis when the current fiscal year ends this fall.

The call was made in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) signed by all 46 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

In the letter, Udall and Heinrich stressed their deep concern that, with less than two months left in the fiscal year, Leader

Governor Orders Immediate School Personnel Background Check Policy & District Compliance Review For All 89 School Districts

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 25, 2015

Gov. Susana Martinez

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez is ordering compliance investigators with the State Public Education Department and individuals from the Department of Public Safety to conduct an immediate review of background check policies for each school district in the state and undertake a thorough compliance review to ensure school districts are requiring personnel to receive timely criminal background checks.

“Jason Martinez should have never been hired at Albuquerque Public Schools; he has no business being around children. APS dropped the ball, and it’s completely unacceptable,” Read More

Cost Of Nukes

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 25, 2015

Nuclear power plant cost-effectiveness measure – interactive tool roots discussions about the cost of nuclear energy in hard evidence. Courtesy/commons.wikimedia.com

HSNW News:

Despite the ever-changing landscape of energy economics, subject to the influence of new technologies and geopolitics, a new tool promises to root discussions about the cost of nuclear energy in hard evidence rather than speculation.

Over the last two years, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has developed the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Cost Calculator, an online interface that provides a nuanced look at Read More

Luján And DeGette Call For Oversight Hearing On Spill

Submitted by Chris Clark on August 25, 2015

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Representatives Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico and Diana DeGette of Colorado have called for an oversight hearing on the Gold King Mine spill that released 3 million gallons of wastewater into the Animas and San Juan Rivers.

Both members serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. DeGette is Ranking Member on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

The lawmakers sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy requesting

New Mexico Voters Statewide Strongly Oppose Proposals To Increase Cougar Trapping

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on August 25, 2015

Jetta, a dog belonging to Los Alamos-based search & rescue operators was the victim of a leg hold trap in 2014 on a well-traversed Los Alamos County trail. It took four people to pry the trap open. Courtesy photo

Animal Protection of New Mexico News:

A new statewide survey reveals by more than a three-to-one margin, New Mexico voters oppose killing contests and unregulated cougar trapping on state trust lands even as agencies claim these activities could increase state revenues, with strong majorities in every demographic group and political affiliation.

The survey also found that

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