Politics

Suit Seeks To Bar Rocky Flats Public Trails, Visitor Site

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EPA News:
 
Groups from communities near the former Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant today sued the U.S. government for failing to comply with federal environmental laws in planning to build public trails and a visitor center at the former plutonium facility.
 
Filed in U.S. District Court in Denver, the litigation charges that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the site’s current manager, has not completed a required analysis of environmental risks and policy options.
 
Plaintiffs include the Rocky Mountain Peace & Justice Center, Candelas Glows, Rocky Flats
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Budget Crisis Causes Need For Special Session

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By Rep. STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD
Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval Rio Arriba

Last week I was approached by a constituent who was wondering about the upcoming special legislative session. She had been trying to follow the developments since the close of the regular session and had many questions:

“Had a budget deal been made public?” she wondered. The governor had mentioned tax reform. “Would that be part of the negotiations?” “How could citizens who wanted to weigh in, do so?” She had all of these questions and more.

And these are all good questions and thoughts. Unfortunately, none of which have Read More

Letter To The Editor: Thank You Los Alamos County Council

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By JAMES ROBINSON
Los Alamos

On Tuesday, I got the privilege to once again participate in the selection of a new member for the Board of Public Utilities.

Although I was not selected I wanted to personally thank Chair Izraelevitz, Vice-Chair O’Leary, Councilor Chrobocinski, Councilor Sheehey, Councilor Reiss, Councilor Chandler, and Councilor Maggiore for their kind words and tough questions.

I especially like to thank Vice Chair O’Leary and Councilor Chrobocinski for voicing their support for my nomination during the first round of voting. I have worked with both these councilors Read More

Udall, Heinrich Urge Department Of Interior To Lift Sudden Suspension Of Public Land Advisory Groups

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U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a coalition of Western Democratic senators in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to lift its sudden suspension of long-standing local committees and advisory boards that provide essential community input on public land management.
 
In response to reports that the Department of the Interior postponed all meetings for public resource advisory councils and committees (RACs) until September, the senators wrote to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke asking
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State Auditor Tim Keller Releases Forensic Audit Of Bernalillo Public Schools

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STATE News:
 
SANTA FE ― New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller has released a forensic audit of Bernalillo Public Schools (BPS).
 
The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) initiated the audit after the Town of Bernalillo Police Department requested assistance to investigate financial irregularities at two schools. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also was notified. The audit identified the apparent theft of about $50,000 over a two and a half year period by a former bookkeeper at W.D. Carroll Elementary and La Escuelita Pre-School.
 
“We see our fair share of fraud, but it’s especially
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Governor Delivers Commencement Speech At New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy

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Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez is set to deliver the commencement speech at 10 a.m. today for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy graduation.

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy is at 4491 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. The Basic Training Bureau is the vehicle through which those entering the profession of Law Enforcement are empowered and enabled to protect the citizens of the State of New Mexico and safeguard the stability of society. Read More

Heinrich Marks National Teacher Appreciation Week

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
 
U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize the important work of teachers in New Mexico and across the nation.
 
The resolution recognizes the roles and contributions of the teachers in building and enhancing the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States. 
 
“In New Mexico and across the nation, teachers make a lasting impact on students,” Heinrich said. “My own
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New Mexico First Announces Spirit Of Bipartisanship Award Recipients

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POLITICAL News:

ALBUQUERQUE – The nonpartisan public policy organization New Mexico First will recognize five outstanding leaders for their exceptional commitments to collaboration and effective policy. The Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards will be presented at the First Forum Lecture Series June 7 in Albuquerque.

“This organization is proud to recognize lawmakers and community leaders who put the people of New Mexico first and work to find good solutions to the challenges we face,” Selection Committee Chair Ricardo Gonzales said. “This award shines the spotlight on hard-working role Read More

Letter To The Editor: Using One’s Vote On Rec Bond As Revenge For Unrelated Issue Is Not Rational

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By JANINE TULENKO
Los Alamos

 

I too found Patrick Brenner’s email to County Councilors regarding the Rec Bond issue to be quite disturbing. I seldom feel the need to respond, and I do not know Patrick Brenner, but his verbal attack on County Councilors, etc. truly seemed like the rantings of a genuinely unstable individual. I am so relieved that he was not elected to County Council when he ran.
 
During my nearly 20 years in Los Alamos I have voted for County Councilors on both sides of the political aisle – so this comment is in no way a partisan issue, nor a reflection of my opinion
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Community Invited To Chat With Two Councilors At Los Alamos Farmers Market 9-11 a.m. Thursday

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COUNTY News:

Two members of the Los Alamos County Council will host a booth 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the Farmer’s Market. 

This is an informal setting open to residents who would like to stop by with comments, concerns or questions. Voter Information Booklets for the upcoming May 23 Recreation Bond Election will be available at the booth.

Other Council-hosted booth dates include:

  • June 15;
  • July 20;
  • Sept. 14; and
  • Oct. 19.

The Council also hosts a booth during the County Fair, which is Saturday, Aug. 12. Read More