Opinion

Equitable Disclosure Legislation: A Win-Win For New Mexico’s Economy And Business Community

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By NATHAN BROOKS
Albuquerque

New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment to redefine property tax assessments for commercial real estate with fairness and transparency. A groundbreaking new legislative proposal, developed in collaboration between the County Assessors Affiliate and the business community ensures that businesses can plan with confidence while the state secures reliable property tax revenues.

This legislation offers a balanced approach to one of the most critical issues facing commercial property owners today: the unpredictability of property tax increases. By introducing Read More

Ringside Seat: Former Senator Turns Down Regent Seat

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By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican

Bathed in scandal and soaked by greed, Western New Mexico University lost its chance to land an excellent administrator.

Former state Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, D-Silver City, told me she turned down an offer from the governor to be a regent of WNMU. Litigation regarding irresponsible spending by the previous board shaped her decision.

“After a lot of thought about the reality of being on the board of regents, I declined. The attorney general said new board members will be the ones who most likely will be sued ‘in their capacity,’ so I’m sure it will be a Read More

Op-Ed: Calling On Elected Officials To Honor Oath

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By CELINA STEWART
CEO
League of Women Voters of the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in response to actions taken by the new administration and the impact on voters.

“In the first 17 days of the Trump administration, we’ve witnessed nothing short of the weaponization of government against Americans. The callousness of the most recent actions, including the terrorizing of the immigrant community, shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of the American people. We’ve seen the weakening Read More

McQuiston: Hidden Costs Of High-Tech Features In Cars

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

New cars are packed with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. From advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to massive touchscreen displays, today’s vehicles feel more like computers on wheels. But while these features add luxury and innovation, they also come with a hefty hidden cost—one that most buyers don’t fully consider until it’s too late.

The Price Tag of High-Tech Features

Car manufacturers are quick to advertise the benefits of their latest tech, but they

Read More

Op-Ed: Be A Warrior For Democracy!

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By GEORGE CHANDLER
Los Alamos

On Saturday Feb. 22 at noon, Chair Andrea Determan will convene the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County at the Unitarian Church on North Sage Loop. First the three wards (North Townsite, South Townsite, and White Rock) will meet to elect ward officers and members of the Central Committee. Then the new Central Committee will meet to elect County officers (Chair, vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer) and at-large members of the State Central Committee. Takes usually about two – three hours. You can attend, vote, and run for any of the positions if you are a registered Read More

Commentary: Rube And New Mexico Residents Should Be Confused By This Bad Bill

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By BILL CHURCH
The Santa Fe New Mexican

The dynamics of a legislative body — especially one trying to find its identity — are similar to the junior year of high school. The 11th grade is cited as critical for social emotional learning, which is a fancy way of describing the art of playing well with others.

There are lawmakers who get noticed for their personal skills, work ethic and public service. Others who are more focused on getting attention. And others who are ignored.

Just like high school.

Who knows which cool-kids clique Rep. Kathleen Cates, a Democrat, wants to hang with at the Roundhouse, Read More

Op-Ed: New Mexico Legislature Should Focus On Current Needs, Not Building Permanent Funds

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By CARTER SWANSON
Policy Analyst
Rio Grande Foundation

More and more New Mexico chooses to stockpile money in permanent funds, rather than spend. The total value of these funds is currently a mind-blowing $58 billion. This means that the New Mexico State Investment Council has one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world (according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute).

There are only two states, Texas and Alaska, that have larger funds. It is speculated that in the coming decades, revenue from these permanent funds will surpass revenue from oil and gas.

On its face this sounds like Read More

Disappointing Conditions On Display At Smith’s Marketplace

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Conditions found in an aisle around 11 a.m. on a recent Monday at Smith’s Marketplace. Photo by Ann McLaughlin

Conditions found in an aisle around 11 a.m. on a recent Monday at Smith’s Marketplace. Photo by Ann McLaughlin

Conditions found in an aisle around 11 a.m. on a recent Monday at Smith’s Marketplace. Photo by Ann McLaughlin

By ANN MCLAUGHLIN
Los Alamos

When it opened ten years ago, Smith’s Marketplace was a huge, almost glittering, improvement over its predecessors. There were understandable problems during the pandemic, but conditions in the store have not improved. In some ways they Read More

Salute To Rep. Christine Chandler For Developing And Sponsoring HB11 – Paid Family Medical Leave Act

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By BILL WADT
Los Alamos

We are so fortunate to have Christine Chandler represent us in the NM House. Her combination of compassionate, incisive thinking with extensive legal knowledge and experience as a County Councilor and State Representative makes her an ideal chair of the House Judiciary Committee as they consider legislation to improve public safety. 

Chris looks at the big picture and long-term consequences of legislation. Research has repeatedly shown that investment in early childhood and enabling positive social-emotional relationships between primary caregivers and children Read More

Solar Is Vital To Decarbonization – So Why Stifle Its Growth?

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By NICHOLAS THOMPSON
Los Alamos

Recently the rule which governs rooftop solar (E-5) was updated. There were two significant changes that drastically impact the value a homeowner or business can get from installing solar. This, in conjunction with arbitrary limits on the amount of solar allowed to be installed, will hamper residential solar deployment in Los Alamos at a time when we need as much clean energy as we can get.

Starting from the basics, solar systems generate energy during the day when it’s sunny. At night, they don’t do anything. But most people use energy throughout the day and night, Read More