NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/commentary/page/113/)
Helena Chemical Company’s flippant attitude regarding state regulation and the concerns of neighbors has earned it a bad reputation, the state’s environmental protection division director argues in this commentary. He writes that the Environment Department’s regulation of Helena is not unfair. Continue Reading
Today in Mesquite, the Environmental Improvement Board will host a public hearing on Helena Chemical Company’s application to operate its facility without an air quality permit. Here is a Helena vice president’s explanation of why his company’s Mesquite operation doesn’t need a permit. Continue Reading
UPDATED: The postponing of the corruption trial of former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron reveals a potential weakness for Attorney General Gary King’s re-election chances: While he’s secured convictions in some corruption cases, the most high-profile cases are unresolved, and it looks like they will still be pending on Election Day. Continue Reading
As the executive director of the Santa Fe Alliance, an association that represents locally owned independent businesses in New Mexico, I can testify that reform which gives business owners a fair shake at offering health care to their employees is critical. Continue Reading
Democrat Diane Denish isn’t Bill Richardson. Republican Susana Martinez isn’t Sarah Palin. Neither candidate is what the other side is making her out to be. Both need to be more intentional about showing the reality to voters. Continue Reading
The Albuquerque unions and city workers needn’t take the pay cuts personally as though they are being singled out as a group. Raising pay may benefit one group but it may disadvantage many other groups – especially future generations. Continue Reading
Opponents of the New Mexico oil industry would have you believe that state government must intensify the rules on drilling or the water, air and land of New Mexico will be ruined for generations. Not true. Continue Reading
Capitalism works, but regulating it is necessary. It’s important that we choose regulators who study the issues, ask tough questions and balance various needs. For the Public Regulation Commission, those regulators must also focus on ethics reform and increasing transparency. Continue Reading
In New Mexico, we should consider three possible steps to reduce the role money plays in our system. First, reduce the number of offices subject to primaries. Second, make some elective offices appointive. Third, lengthen the terms of elected officials. Continue Reading
Many moderate Democrats and independents are interested in Republican Susana Martinez’s candidacy for governor. To win them over, she’s going to have to display intelligence and substance on the issues. She has to show that she’s not an ideologue. Continue Reading
The State Investment Council is playing venture capitalist in trying to pick the winners and losers among business plans submitted by companies. Unfortunately for New Mexican taxpayers it is not so good at that. Continue Reading
In this election, Bill Richardson is Diane Denish’s greatest weakness. If she wants to win the governor’s race, Denish needs to be blunt. She must tell voters she won’t do business the way Richardson has. Continue Reading
This is in response to Mr. Nick Voges’ assertion that Senator Bingaman’s wilderness bill “would make our borders safer.” If wilderness study areas are designated as wilderness, the Border Patrol will no longer be able to conduct routine patrols and will be prohibited from utilizing mechanical equipment or other modern detection devices. How does that make us safer? Continue Reading
The public and I have had enough with innocent children dying from criminal child abuse. I am calling for the state, law enforcement, local government, municipalities, nonprofits, and everyone in the community to work together to use all available resources to combat this problem. Continue Reading
The Pit Rule is about properly managing contaminated oil and gas waste to protect New Mexico’s precious groundwater. These rules do cost money to implement, but the costs are far less than what companies (such as BP in the Gulf) would have to pay to clean up spills. Continue Reading