Investments in community services are necessary
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In a recent piece, Paul Gessing gets it wrong when he states that New Mexico public services can continue to be slashed. Where Mr. Gessing, where? Continue Reading
Is social media the new town hall?
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The last election showed that social media was a predictor on a national level and played an important part at the local level here in New Mexico. But now that the election is over, is it affecting the ways in which we interact with our elected officials? You bet. Continue Reading
It’s about honesty and transparency
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There is no one of us more qualified to fix our schools than all of us. In particular, the 100,000 years of teaching experience in the APS have a right to a seat at the table where decisions are made. The people have a seat at that table as well. Continue Reading
Evil, thy name is notoriety
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January 8th our nation was shocked by the mindless violence in Arizona. What did the shooter want to get? Sadly, the answer is notoriety. It is one of the most prevalent influences in our society. Yes, I am theorizing and do not know his mind. However, as I watch the coverage of major shootings in our society, all indicators point to this: Evil, thy name is notoriety. Continue Reading
Dancing with the lemons
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Last week I suggested that Governor Martinez give consideration to grabbing the third rail of political issues such as cuts in Medicaid to help balance the FY2012 state budget. Well, here’s another third rail issue to grab on to: cuts in education. Continue Reading
Eliminating tax credits and deductions won’t solve budget problem
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The reality is that all of the “easy” cuts and “revenue enhancements (tax hikes)” have been done. Real spending cuts are both possible and necessary to secure New Mexico’s economic future. Continue Reading
Inauguration night was a ball
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While photographing Susana Martinez during her campaign, I was invited into the small circle of believers who thought she would win. At her inauguration celebration, I realized that circle was now enormous and I was on the outside looking in. But I was looking in with very good memories from before Nov. 2. Continue Reading
After the Giffords shooting, a crossroads
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We the people, and our politicians, political groups and media, all share some of the blame for this tragedy because we have tolerated – and some of us have even used – violent rhetoric that only serves to spread hate and division. Now we have to decide where to go from here. Continue Reading
Time for comprehensive campaign and ethics reform
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To make good on her promise to bring “bold change” and challenge the status quo, Gov. Susana Martinez should champion a stronger set of ethics proposals that have been languishing in the Legislature. Continue Reading
Good for gays, necessary for New Mexicans
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New Mexico needs jobs, and all of us – gay or straight – could use an economic revival in our lives. That is why this week’s opinion from Attorney General Gary King stating that New Mexico should recognize all out-of-state marriages – included same-sex marriages – was such good news. Continue Reading
Thankful that in tough times I am an American
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With the 24-hour news coverage of bad things happening anywhere on the globe and the constant drum-beat of security issues everywhere, many citizens are plainly afraid. In times like these, I thank God I am an American. Continue Reading
Time to grab the third rail, Madame Governor
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Governor Martinez campaigned on the promise that she would not make spending cuts to education or Medicaid. Read my lips: ‘Where are you going to find $400 million to plug the gap, Madame Governor?’ Continue Reading
Legislature: Leave the Santa costumes at home
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New Mexico can deliver quality essential services for less money, but only if we remove the cherry on top of everyone’s piece of the pie. Continue Reading
2010 was a year of change in NM and DC
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Gov.-elect Susana Martinez’s historic victory and the end of Bill Richardson’s tenure are among NMPolitics.net’s picks for the top 10 political and government stories of 2010. Continue Reading
Richardson’s ego led to a dual legacy
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Bill Richardson has convinced New Mexico to embrace some visionary projects. That’s his good side. But his reckless ambition has also led to scandal that plagued his tenure. The irony is that even that negative half of his legacy has led to positive change. Continue Reading