NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/commentary/page/112/)
Daily, reality reminds even the most optimistic among us: The sour New Mexico economy cannot turn around fast enough to avoid even more cuts to state services. Our challenge now is to work equally hard at minimizing the harm from those cuts and at maximizing our economy’s ability to recover. Continue Reading
There are very real differences between the approach I have laid out to turn New Mexico’s economy around and Diane Denish’s. At the end of the day, the differences between my vision and approach and Denish’s define the choice facing New Mexicans. Continue Reading
The Santa Fe Alliance has supported a petition to cap global warming emissions in New Mexico because we see that the long-term economic impact from environmental abuse is counterproductive; we believe that evidence of climate change validates the need to act protectively and proactively. Continue Reading
In the last month I have had a front-row seat to a controversy in which the Las Cruces leadership has acted improperly. At stake are millions of dollars and jobs for our local economy. Also at stake is the reputation of our city, with companies wanting to do business but unsure if the city leadership can be trusted. Continue Reading
The New Mexico courts Web site is the only central database of district and magistrate court case information in New Mexico that’s publicly accessible. The Supreme Court should put full dates of birth back in court documents and online. And it should reject a proposal to remove cases that didn’t lead to convictions from the online database. Continue Reading
Electric consumers save somewhere between 75 percent and 87 percent when we invest in efficiency rather than building new electric plants. Energy efficiency should be an equal partner with renewable development in our policies, but currently gets short shrift. Continue Reading
The Doña Ana County wilderness bill that New Mexico’s U.S. senators and local activists are trying to push through Congress before the end of the year puts U.S. Rep. Harry Teague in a very tough political spot. The legislation has to be pushed through this year or its chances of passing could go way down. But pushing the bill through this year could seal Teague’s fate. Continue Reading
In his classic “The Road to Serfdom,” F. A. Hayek argues that the pursuit of socialist ideals leads to totalitarianism. Why is it so popular more than 60 years after it was published? I can only surmise that Hayek’s stardom must mean that people are searching for alternative answers to our current economic catastrophe. Continue Reading
“Corruption in New Mexico has reached the level of epidemic, and is in all forms of government.” Don’t take my word for it; take it from recently retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Tom McClenaghan, who concluded that our state might just be the most corrupt in the nation. It’s time for a change. Continue Reading
Creating jobs is hard work – and in this economy it will take an intense focus – every single day. And it will also take bold and innovative ideas. That’s why I propose a two-prong strategy for long-term job creation and the development of new industries. Continue Reading
The nanny health care government: People know where they want to start, but the more interesting question is where should they stop? The easy answer is that probably they should stop before they cause a revolution against a government not smart enough to leave us fat people alone with our comfort foods. Continue Reading
We must restore integrity and trust in our government. That starts on day one of a Martinez Administration as real leadership with a record of fighting malfeasance and holding people to account will arrive in Santa Fe. Here’s my plan. Continue Reading
When interviewing the candidates for governor, I found both to be articulate and intelligent. I was divided on their answers to my questions. Right now, I am into watchful waiting to see which candidate handles herself best in addressing the issues and which campaign avoids attacking her opponent. Continue Reading
Dr. Matthew Ladner, VP of research at the Goldwater Institute in Arizona and an adjunct fellow with New Mexico’s Rio Grande Foundation, is coming to New Mexico on a speaking tour to wax wonderful about the results of his study on Florida’s education reforms, especially among Hispanic students. Continue Reading
$400 million in additional revenue could be generated by closing the tax loophole on gasoline purchased on Native American land alone. Let’s stop hobbling ourselves. Continue Reading