NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/guest-columns/page/83/)
If behavior is the true measure of belief, then public education does not matter in New Mexico. Public officials are indifferent to public education because far too many members of the populace are also indifferent to it. Continue Reading
To deliver the kind of bold change we need in New Mexico that will create well-paying and secure jobs and grow our economy for years come, I have developed a five-point plan to end corruption, eliminate waste, make New Mexico competitive, revive our energy sector, and improve the business climate in our state. Continue Reading
U.S. Senator Tom Udall is leading the charge for a much-needed reform of the rules that guide how the U.S. Senate passes our nation’s laws. I supported Senator Udall in 2008 and share his frustration with the way important legislation can get bogged down in the Senate. Continue Reading
The main message people have been telling me as I walk my district is simply that we have more government than we can afford and that the state and counties look to the home and to the homeowner inside to fund its expanding activities. Continue Reading
I agree with Senator Tom Udall that the ways of Washington are in desperate need of change. But changing the rules of the Senate to suit his political fortunes is an example of why Washington is so badly broken. Continue Reading
For too long, New Mexicans have been harmed by the irresponsible actions of Wall Street. It’s time to fix the problems that got us here and finally hold Wall Street accountable when it takes risks that jeopardize the entire economy. Continue Reading
Carter Bundy of AFSCME recently urged the “likeable, bright guys” over at the “far-right” Rio Grande Foundation to “Drop the Political Rhetoric and Join the Debate” over how best to spur economic growth in New Mexico. While I share respect for Carter, I could not disagree more with his argument. Continue Reading
I propose the State Land Office offer new oil and gas leases with royalties competitive with what the U.S. Bureau of Land Management offers for the next two years. Bonuses from these new leases will create millions of addition education dollars and create jobs. Continue Reading
When it comes to public corruption, New Mexico keeps turning up on the wrong lists. So far, the proposals to address this endemic problem have not gone far enough. Here are some proposals that would help change the rules of the game. Continue Reading
UPDATED: Think New Mexico would like to propose a better way to close the Santa Fe Public Schools’ deficit that would minimize classroom cuts and give every child the opportunity to learn in a small school. It starts with moving students out of the larger elementary schools. Continue Reading
There is absolutely no reason for Arizona’s new and bad law to be on the books, since the most efficient way of stopping illegal migration is to go after the small gang of criminals who have caused the phenomenon to get out of hand: the employers. Continue Reading
We must put partisan politics aside and find real-world solutions that will put New Mexicans back to work and diversify our economy. We must start with sensible tax and regulatory policies that stop punishing our job creators and encourage innovation in our existing industries and small businesses. Continue Reading
The filibuster has transformed from a rarely and judiciously used procedural tool of debate to a routine weapon of partisan obstruction. The unfortunate result is that the Senate has become a graveyard for good ideas. I’m pushing for senators to change that. Continue Reading
On Earth Day, it is important to note that while we were busy cleaning up the environment, our nation’s economy grew. We have made significant progress in improving the quality of our environment, and the gross domestic product of our country has grown. Continue Reading
Sen. Jeff Bingaman is currently refereeing a congressional fight over a corporate land grab in the Tongass, the country’s largest national forest. The battle could affect his ability to push through a public lands bill for New Mexico and other western states. Continue Reading