Why U.S. Constitution Day is important to New Mexico

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The Constitution of the United States proves that out of many different peoples, interests and desires, one cohesive, national society can be created. The document gave the founders the unity and stability they wanted as a nation while safeguarding the rights and liberties of states and individuals. Continue Reading

Creating a culture of responsibility

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There is no doubt that some New Mexicans have lost faith in their state government and the burden is on all of us in elected office to earn it back. We must create in Santa Fe a culture of duty, a culture of transparency. A culture of responsibility. Continue Reading

Fact over fiction on fishing

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By Marita K. NoonThis commentary has been removed in its entirety because of factual inaccuracies. Noon is the executive director of CARE (Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy), an Albuquerque-based nonprofit organization that is advocating for citizen rights to energy freedom. Contact her at marita@responsiblenergy.org. Continue Reading

A new campaign reporting system requires more cash

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By Mary Herrera This is in regard to the New Mexico Independent article written by Trip Jennings (Lawmakers Mull Withholding Funds to Force Office to Comply With Tech Rules). Please see the attached secretary of state IT plans we submitted in September 2007 for FY 2009 and September 2008 for FY 2010 (Click here for FY 2009 and here for FY 2010). Executive-branch agencies must submit their budgets and IT plans to several committees before a recommendation is given to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. As you will see, the Secretary of State’s Office has requested funds for a new campaign finance reporting system. Several reporters claim I have been funded appropriately. Continue Reading

We must act as a community against corruption

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By Gary K. King We have come to the stage where my office’s investigations have resulted in indictments and prosecutions. One of the challenges of the attorney general’s job is to properly manage requests for information from the general public, legislators and the media about ongoing investigations. I have stated this many times but it is always good to repeat: For ethical and legal reasons, my office will have little to say about our investigations until and unless such information becomes public record, as in the filing of an indictment. This policy is utilized for everyone’s protection and the preservation of the legal process. When it is proper to do so, I will always provide updates. Continue Reading

Most would call me ultra-conservative

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This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you? By Shan Nichols Labels mean nothing to me when it comes to political descriptions. I describe myself, simply, as an American. America is under the most serious and vicious attack I have witnessed in my lifetime. This attack is not coming from another country but from within. Continue Reading

Vote for the person and the policy, not the party

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This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you?By Bob Coppedge I consider myself an independent, and that means to support and vote for the person and the policy, not the party. Over the years I have registered as a Democrat and as a Republican, and will register in a party when there is a candidate to support in the primary. No party has a monopoly on wisdom, and to vote the party line is to shortchange the mind all should cultivate. Frustrating indeed is the negative atmosphere that surrounds many campaigns. Respect is too often a rare commodity, especially respecting the right of others to have a different opinion, but it’s hard to respect someone who looks down on you for your different opinion. Continue Reading

A Hispanic Republican willing to work for change

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This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you? By Estevan Lujan You know you are a die-hard political junkie when you decide to voluntarily write an essay about your political affiliation. Ever since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed watching and participating in our nation’s democracy. I know that we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to put our elected leaders on spot every two, four or six years so we can make the decision whether or not they should have (or continue to have) the privilege of representing us as a people. The political climate in New Mexico is truly a sight to behold, especially for those who are not particularly familiar with how things work here. Continue Reading

I’m independent because I am pro-people

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This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you? By Rebecca Powell My standard for affiliation with any label is, how does this help me live in the world? Traditional labels (conservative/liberal, Republican/Democrat) have not helped me clarify my own stances, nor have they helped me have meaningful conversations about what it means to live in a democratic nation, to participate in government. In fact, most often accepting a traditional designation seems to close conversation. People, myself included, assume they know what a conservative or liberal thinks and feels about most topics. Continue Reading

First and foremost I am an American

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This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you? By W. Ron Camuñez I personally don’t like labels. However, your question is about how I define myself. Let me state from the beginning that first and foremost I am an American. When we try to place ourselves in a box of labels, we diminish who we are. Continue Reading