Politics

WIPP: Revised Schedule For Resumption Of Operations In 2016 Announced

January 27, 2016 by Submitted by Chris Clark

WIPP News:

The Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) approved the new integrated Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

The new PMB integrates WIPP recovery activities, baseline operations and capital asset projects into a single plan with a schedule that identifies a path to resumption of waste emplacement operations.

The new PMB considers potential risks that could impact the project and adds appropriate contingency to the schedule to help ensure activities can be achieved

‘Three Strikes’ Legislation Passes First Committee

January 27, 2016 by Submitted by Chris Clark

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Legislation to reform New Mexico’s existing “three strikes” law, also referred to as “Lilly’s Law,” passed the House Regulatory and Public Affairs Committee Thursday Jan. 21, on a party-line vote.

House Bill 56 is sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco. The bill would help close New Mexico’s criminal justice revolving door that has allowed dangerous career criminals out of jail free to commit additional acts of violence.

“The current statute is a three strikes law in name only,” Pacheco said. “Judges need this tool in order to reduce violent

AG Joins U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force

January 27, 2016 by Submitted by Chris Clark

OAG Deputized US Marshals. Courtesy photo

NMAG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Five special agents for the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, one APD officer and one Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy were sworn in Jan. 20 as Special Deputy United States Marshals as Task Force Officers (TFO).

They will be joining many law enforcement officials from throughout New Mexico actively participating in the South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) Task Force.

“These newly deputized U.S. Marshals will be assigned to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe USMS Offices,

Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus: Thank You Los Alamos!

January 27, 2016 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus this evening at the Municipal Building upon hearing the Special School District Mill Levy Question passed 4,095 to 1,698 said, ‘Thank you parents, thank you community, we appreciate your support and will get busy improving the schools.’ Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More

Voters Overwhelmingly Support HB33 Mill Levy For Los Alamos Public Schools!

January 27, 2016 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

HB33 Mill Levy Election Presiding Judge Kim Thomas places ballots in the machine to be counted just before 7 p.m. today at the Municipal Building. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Deputy County Clerk Adriana Ortiz checks the lobby for final voters just before the LAPS Special Election ends at 7 p.m. today. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover, standing, this evening with members of the election committee at the Municipal Meeting. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Los Alamos County voters have

LACDC Draws State Attention To Los Alamos

January 26, 2016 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Chamber Member Services Coordinator Darla Ridilla, Chamber Manager Nancy Partridge and LACDC Marketing Manager Ryn Herrmann at the LACDC booth during Monday’s Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. Legislators and State officials stopped by the booth to visit and hear the latest news about the Los Alamos community. Courtesy photo

Los Alamos Medical Center Marketing Director Mary Beth Maassen stopped by the LACDC booth to visit with Chamber Manager Nancy Partridge, left, and Chamber Member Services Coordinator Darla Ridilla during Monday’s Legislative Reception in Santa Read More

AFTNM: Highlands University Staff Votes Overwhelmingly For Union Representation

January 26, 2016 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

AFTNM News:

LAS VEGAS – The American Federation of Teachers New Mexico released the following statements in response to the recent successful representational election at Highlands University:

“This vote sends a strong message to the administrators of the University. We all came together to have this important vote, and my co-workers and I feel there will be more respect for the work we do because we now can discuss work-issues as equals,” Highlands University staff member Rick Griego said.

President Kathy Jenkins of the Highlands University Faculty Association said, “We are glad to see

Driver’s License Compromise Passes House Judiciary Committee

January 26, 2016 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Compromise legislation that will end the dangerous practice of giving New Mexico driver’s licenses illegal immigrants passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7-6 Monday. The compromise bill, HB 99, is sponsored by Representatives Paul Pacheco and Andy Nunez.

“Today we saw another victory for this legislation,” Pacheco said. “New Mexicans have spoken and they want to stop giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Sen. Michael Sanchez and Senate Democrats need to start listening to New Mexicans and agree on our compromise.”

Since this practice became Read More

Steinborn Seeks To Bolster Volunteer Defense Force

January 26, 2016 by Submitted by Chris Clark

New Mexico Rep. Jeff Steinborn

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Rep. Jeff Steinborn introduced House Bill 224 Friday to expand the eligibility of volunteers wanting to participate in the New Mexico Defense Force.

The New Mexico Defense Force serves under the direction of the Department of Military Affairs and assists in civic activities and disaster preparedness and response.

The current age cutoff to serve in the force is 64 years old and Steinborn’s bill would change that to 75 years old. The Legislation was requested by the New Mexico Military

State Auditor Tim Keller Releases Statement On BLM’s Venting And Flaring Rule

January 25, 2016 by Submitted by Chris Clark

New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller

NMSA News:

SANTA FE ― Friday, Jan. 22, State Auditor Tim Keller released the following response to the Bureau of Land Management’s rule proposal to reduce methane emissions and wasted gas on public and tribal lands:

“Today’s announcement is a step towards ensuring our state doesn’t waste our precious natural resources.

“Given the current economic conditions in New Mexico, it is important that we update industry practices that will ultimately increase funding streams available to support our public schools.”