Politics

Letter To The Editor: Budget Time, Los Alamos … Let’s Not Go Down A Rabbit Hole

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By GEORGE CHANDLER
Los Alamos

Budget time, Los Alamos! Once more down the rabbit hole. 

Our Sheriff is the wabbit, leading us on. Even though the voters last fall simply chose to keep the office as it was then (register sex offenders, wear the Hat), he now approaches the council announcing that the result was a mandate to expand the office so he can provide unspecified “services” to the tune of $348,118 (link).

Now we see the end game: TOYS! A $65,000 ¾ ton truck with a gooseneck hitch for transporting HORSES – to scenes! A $46,000 passenger vehicle for carrying the FLASHING LIGHTS and SIRENS. Read More

Letter To The Editor: Governor’s Glowing Picture Of Education At Odds With Data

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By J. TAUB
Los Alamos

What a glowing picture of education in New Mexico as presented by Governor Martinez in her April 2 announcement of changes to the teacher evaluation system – what many teachers feel is a tiny step in the right direction to simply superficial. 

Reading on through her missive, what should I believe – the Governor’s rosy picture of public education in New Mexico, or various education review evaluations that appear annually? For instance, the one reported on by Kim Burgess, Jan. 4, 2017, Albuquerque Journal Staff Writer, Study: NM ranks 49th in quality of education Read More

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Introduces Resolution Recognizing National Public Health Week

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced that he has introduced a resolution in Congress this week to in support of the goals and mission of National Public Health Week, April 3-9, as a part of the efforts to continue working towards a healthier America.

The theme for this year’s National Public Health Week, organized by the American Public Health Associateion (APHA), is “Healthiest Nation 2030”, emphasizing a goal of making America the healthiest nation in one generation. A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Read More

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division Announces Creation Of ‘Chile Capital Of The World’ License Plate

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New Mexico now has a ‘Chile Capital Of The World’ license plate. Courtesy/MVD

STATE News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) has announced the creation of the Chile License Plate.

The license plate declares New Mexico as the “Chile Capital of the World,” reflecting New Mexico’s status as the world leader in chile quality and production. 

“With the creation of this license plate, we are sending a strong message that New Mexico is the only chile capital of the world,” Gov. Susana Martinez said. “Not only does chile play a significant role in our state’s culture – it is one of Read More

Letter To The Editor: Consider This Solution…

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By PATRICK BRENNER
Los Alamos

The proposed amendment to eliminate the Office of Sheriff failed. Rather than continue breeding contempt between the Council, the Sheriff and the Police Department, I invite you to consider an alternative solution.

Rather than amending the County Charter to remove the Sheriff or remove the Chief of Police, why not amend the wording involving duplication of duties? Redefine the duties as shared responsibilities. Everything that the Police do, the Sheriff is equally responsible for. Everything the Sheriff does, the Police are equally responsible for. The separation

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Governor Commended For Signing Bill To Provide Tourniquets To Law Enforcement Officers

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STATE News:
 
SANTA FE ― “Today is a great day for our statewide law enforcement officers and New Mexico’s communities,” said Rep. Patricio Ruiloba (D-Albuquerque), who sponsored the bill. “Law enforcement officials are the guardians of our community and this equipment and training will save lives across the state. I would like to thank the Bernalillo County Sheriff Office’s Deputy Robin Hopkins and the Valencia County Undersheriff Mark Shea for their willingness to bring this important issue to the legislature, and my colleagues, who supported it with strong
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Maestas On Veto Of Isolated Confinement Bill

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Antonio ‘Moe’ Maestas
 
STATE News:
 
SANTA FE ― The governor’s veto of this compromise legislation will mean that New Mexican taxpayers will continue to pay millions of dollars in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool, said bill sponsor Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque).
 
“HB 175 was the result of the hard work of many stakeholders, including county jail officials and criminal justice experts,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work with jail and prison officials
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AG Balderas Announces Indictments On Taos County Sheriff’s Deputy For Medicaid Fraud, Falsification Of Documents & Perjury

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AG News:
 
TAOS ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced that a Taos County grand jury returned indictments on Ricky Romero for one count of Medicaid fraud, 10 counts of falsification of documents and 10 counts of perjury. The Office of the Attorney General is focused on preparing the case for trial.
 
“The Office of the Attorney General will continue to aggressively combat corruption and fraud resulting in the depletion of critical Medicaid funds in New Mexico,” Balderas said.
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GOP Women Meet At Teen Center April 13

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LAFRW News:
 
This month, the Los Alamos Federated Republican Women (LAFRW) meet at noon, April 13 at the Los Alamos Teen Center.
They will tour the Teen Center (to see their tax dollars at work doing great things for local teens), and Republican County Councilors James Chrobocinski and Rick Reiss will update the group on local events. After the tour and update, the group will have tea sandwiches from Secret City Cafe and pastries from Rose Chocolatier with coffee and tea, followed by a short meeting.
 
Guests are welcome for the tour and county council update.
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