Seven Candidates Speak at Kiwanis Forum
County Council Democratic candidates from left, Michael Redondo and Ed Birnbaum, House Dist. 43 GOP candidates Geoff Rodgers and Vincent Chiravalle and County Council Democratic candidates Andrea Cunningham, Susan O’Leary and David Izraelevits. Photo by Don Casperson/Kiwanis
All seven of the candidates running in contested local races in the June 3 Primary Election spoke at Kiwanis May 13. In a lively 30-minute sharing of views, each candidate had three minutes to introduce himself, explain why he was running, and say Read More
League of Women Voters Primary Candidate’s Forum Spotlights Contested Races
A large crowd turns out for the LWVLA Primary Candidate’s Forum May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
From left, Democratic County Council candidates Edward R. Birnbaum, Michael D. Redondo, David Izraelevitz, Andrea Susan Cunningham and Mary Susan O’Leary who is answering a question from the audience. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
House Dist. 43 candidate Geoff Rodgers addresses the audience. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
House Dist. 43 candidate Vincent Chiravalle speaks to the crowd. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Staff Read More
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki Has Resigned
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki
NATIONAL News:
In the midst of growing outcry over reported failings in the VA system, especially the prevalence of wait lists for veterans needing medical care, today VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned.
Shinseki headed the VA, which operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities. Stories have been emerging of veterans waiting fo months, some since 2012 for appointments, with some of those Read More
Heinrich Calls for VA Secretary Shinseki To Resign
Sen. Martin HeinrichU.S. Senate News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. issued the following statement Thursday calling for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down as head of the VA after a preliminary report released by the agency’s office of inspector general. The report found that at least 1,700 veterans waiting for health care services at the Phoenix VA medical facility were not included on the facility’s wait list, and patients there waited an average of 115 days for their first appointments.
The interim report also found Read More
Committee to Elect Jaret McDonald Los Alamos County Sheriff Launches Campaign Website
Jaret McDonald at his White Rock home is running unopposed on the Republican ticket in Tuesday’s Primary Election. He is challenging Democrat incumbent Marco Lucero in the general election Nov. 4. Photo by Don Taylor
POLITICAL News:
The committee to elect Jaret McDonald as Los Alamos County Sheriff has officially launched his campaign website.
“I believe that I can create and will direct the sheriff’s office in such a way that we can save the taxpayers some money and help educate the residents,” McDonald said. “I will work to eliminate any duplication of effort Read More
Udall Calls on VA Secretary Shinseki to Resign
U.S. SENATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE – Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., issued the following statement today calling for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down:
“Independent investigators at the VA are now confirming what I have been saying for weeks: that the problems at the VA are systemic and rooted in a culture that has rewarded cover-ups and cheating to the point of risking the health of our veterans. What I have heard from New Mexico veterans and read in the OIG report is a betrayal of the heroes who fought for our freedom. It’s clear to me that Secretary Shinseki must step down to Read More
June 3 Primary Election Polling Places Set
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover announced this morning that the County has received approval to move one of three voting convenience center locations that will be used for Tuesday’s primary election.
Three voting centers will be open on Tuesday:
- Municipal Building (Room 110);
- White Rock Fire Station #3; and
- Duane W. Smith Auditorium at Los Alamos High School.
The auditorium is the change in location – voting was originally set to occur at the new Golf Course Community Building; however, its delayed opening prompted the Clerk to request the change from the State of New Mexico Read More
Republican Whip Rep. Nate Gentry Endorses Geoff Rodgers for State House
Nate Gentry
POLITICAL News:
ALBUQUERQUE – Republican Whip Rep. Nate Gentry, R-30, today endorsed Geoff Rodgers for New Mexico House of Representatives, District 43.
“I am pleased that we were successful in recruiting such a quality candidate for this seat. Geoff has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a true conservative with a long track record of getting results for the people of House District 43. I have no doubt that Geoff will be a great addition to the New Mexico House,” Gentry said.
Geoff Rodgers
Gentry is currently the Republican Whip in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Read More
Duane Smith Auditorium to Replace Golf Course as 3rd Polling Place for Primary Election June 3
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover, left, with Deputy Clerk Sheryl Nichols briefs Council this evening on the fact that the required state certification to use the Los Alamos Golf Course as a polling place for the June 3 Primary Election has not been received so she contacted Los Alamos Superintendent of Schools Gene Schmidt who has made Duane Smith Auditorium available as a replacement polling site. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Dede Feldman Shares Insights on State Government at Authors Speak Talk
Dede Feldman speaks at Mesa Public Library. Photo by Kirsten LaskeyA former senator who served in New Mexico’s legislature from 1997 to 2012, Dede Feldman got an up close view of New Mexico politics.
There were the citizens who worked hard to usher in change to the state and the resistors who pushed against the reform efforts. Feldman listened to the legislators who complained that their constituents had nothing, while other lawmakers came from districts that had more than their fair share of money and resources.
Feldman observed that her colleagues’ Read More
Council Candidate Birnbaum Meets With Residents
Morrie and Cheryl Pongratz, standing, held a reception at their home Sunday to give residents of the 2500 Central community an opportunity to meet with Ed Birnbaum, center, and find out more about his run for County Council. They discussed a variety of issues that impact County residents, how Birnbaum would approach resolving problems as a councilor, and his views of the future. The gathering also presented an opportunity for him to hear their concerns. Check out Birnbaum‘s website at www.ed4lacouncil.com for more information about his background and views. Courtesy photo Read More
Letter to the Editor: Leave Lawful Gun Owners and Sportsman Alone
By VINCENT CHIRAVALLECriminals don’t play by the rules. New regulations on law abiding gun owners are not going to deter violent gun crimes. There are already numerous restrictions on the sale, use and possession of firearms and ammunition. I oppose new regulations, including background checks at gun shows.
Instead we need to focus on measures that will improve physical security at our public schools and we need to support tough, mandatory sentences for gun crimes. Law enforcement organizations have long recognized the positive role of civilian Read More
Governor Orders Flags Half-Staff Sunrise to Noon Memorial Day
STATE News:
SANTA FE—Gov. Susana Martinez issued an executive order for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon Monday, May 26, in honor of the men and women who served America and died while protecting its freedoms.
The full text of the Governor’s executive order:
EXECUTIVE ORDER 2014-008
ORDERING FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF ON MEMORIAL DAY
WHEREAS, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who served our country and died while protecting our freedoms;
WHEREAS, we must also remember and recognize members of the U.S. military here and abroad who help make Read More
Heinrich Issues Statement In Honor Of Memorial Day
Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day:
“Memorial Day is more than just a holiday weekend. It’s a time where communities throughout New Mexico and across the country come together and pay tribute to the men and women who selflessly gave their lives to preserve the freedom and liberty we enjoy today.
“Our country’s history is made up of stories of our brave service members volunteering to defend our country at home and abroad. They’ve served with Read More
Letter to the Editor: Bowman Endorses Andrea Cunningham for Council
By NONA B. BOWMANDear Democrat Friends,
My friend Andrea Cunningham is running in the primary for election to the Los Alamos County Council and I am happy to endorse her.
She has persisted for a long time in improving shopping opportunities in Los Alamos for everybody but especially for our younger families, and to make Los Alamos a great place to live in all other ways. She has recognized the possibility of keeping our schools among the best by working every angle of improving the funding, including the benefit to the schools through development of the Read More
New Mexico’s Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Officially A National Monument
Retired U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and community leaders from New Mexico joined the president and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell for Wednesday’s signing ceremony at the Department of Interior. Courtesy/Sen. Udall’s Office
The Organ-Mountains. Photo by Mike Groves
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—New Mexicans celebrated Wednesday the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Proclamation that was signed by President Barack Obama.
Retired U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Read More
Damon Martinez New U.S. Attorney for New Mexico
Damon P. Martinez
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in voting unanimously to confirm Damon P. Martinez to be U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico.
Martinez has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2001 and as acting U.S. Attorney since March 2014. He is highly experienced in cases concerning national security and anti-terrorism, immigration and narcotics. The senators recommended Martinez for the position of U.S. Attorney in an April 26, 2013, letter to President Obama.
“Damon Martinez has already stepped up Read More
Memorial Day Weekend Marks Beginning of Shuttle Bus Service, Summer Activities at Bandelier
Cavate dwelling in Frijoles Canyon. Courtesy/NPS
BANDELIER News:
Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer activities at Bandelier National Monument, and the return of free shuttle bus service from the White Rock Visitor Center area to the Park.
“The shuttles are a partnership between Atomic City Transit, Los Alamos County, and Bandelier,” Superintendent Jason Lott said. “Since the Las Conchas Fire in 2011 and resulting floods, our parking has been very limited. The flood last September made it impossible to get cars to the parking area across the creek, so Read More
Luján Statement on Reports of Mismanagement at VA Medical Centers
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today on reports of mismanagement at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.
Luján recently sent a letter to Secretary Shinseki expressing concerns with these reports and excessive wait times for veterans in New Mexico seeking health care services from the VA. Click here to read the letter.
“When we as a nation ask brave Americans to serve and protect our country, we make a promise that when they answer the call of duty we will Read More
Tis a Sign of the Season!
Citizens running for local and state offices make their candidacy visable through political signs along Trinity Drive. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com
Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com
ELECTION News:
Alternate (Early Voting) is underway in Los Alamos County at the following locations:
Townsite:
Monday, May 19 through Saturday, May 24
Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30
8 am to 6 pm
LAC Municipal Building – 1st floor, Boards & Commission Room #110
Special Notice: Early Voting ends Saturday, May 31, 10am to 6pm at the LAC Municipal Building
White Rock:
Monday, May 19 Read More
