NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/haussamen-columns/page/23/)
Webcasting has made the Legislature more accessible for Tax and Rev Secretary Rick Homans, so he’s decided to use the same tool to make the Budget Balancing Task Force more accessible to New Mexicans. Let’s hope others in state government follow his example. Continue Reading
New Mexico State University ran a transparent search for its new president. But there’s an especially disappointing provision in the contract given to new President Barbara Couture that has me worried the university may be taking two steps back for the one big step it took forward. Continue Reading
Government agencies shouldn’t be allowed to get away with ignoring a state law requiring them to submit annual audits, but nearly three dozen are doing just that. How do we know those agencies aren’t rife with corruption? We don’t. Continue Reading
It’s ironic that I had to write an article this week about discovering improper spending on news releases sent to the media by the governor and lieutenant governor in 2004. Why didn’t I and others recognize the problem five years ago? Continue Reading
The story of D.C. sniper John Allen Muhammad’s ex-wife Mildred Muhammad – a woman the system completely failed — shows the importance of community and self-reliance. Continue Reading
Following two days of investigation, here’s what I’ve learned about a situation that has gained the attention of Republicans and the media this week. The bottom line: I’m not sure there was a story to begin with. Continue Reading
Instead of leading the state through the budget crisis, the governor proposed an unrealistic plan. He didn’t get his way, and now he’s lobbing bombs and playing the victim. If he won’t lead in these tough times, who will? Continue Reading
This is the Land of Pay to Play after all. The scandals two of five finalists have faced in their home states are concerning. As the Albuquerque Journal put it, “Barring good explanations, the Board of Regents is down to three viable candidates to lead the state’s second-largest institution of higher learning.” Continue Reading
There’s a lot of polarization in the debate about personal versus societal responsibility at the core of the nation’s discussion of poverty. But the problem of poverty is more complex than that either/or scenario. Only by recognizing that can we work together to address the problem. Continue Reading
Analysts say House Democrats could lose big in 2010. In my view, New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District is one of the seats most likely to flip. But anything could happen before next November, and Teague is working hard. Continue Reading
The United States opted to not file charges against Gov. Bill Richardson and others in the GRIPgate probe and closed the case. So, from a legal standpoint, Richardson and the others are innocent, regardless of what U.S. Attorney Greg Fouratt says. Continue Reading
Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano stepped into a firestorm today when his office sent out an official news release and tweet announcing his endorsement of his undersheriff to replace him in next year’s election. Continue Reading
It’s possible for journalists and communications staffers to remain professional in spite of the fact that they’re sometimes at odds with each other. Blacklisting journalists, however, is not professional. In fact, it’s simply petty. Continue Reading
The Public Regulation Commission is just another example of why New Mexico needs an independent ethics commission In recent weeks, it’s become crystal clear that New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission is a mess. Current Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. and his father, a former commissioner, are under indictment on felony charges related to misusing the state’s public financing system that include violating the elections code, tampering with evidence and, in the case of the younger Block, embezzlement. Commissioner Carol Sloan is facing felony charges of aggravated burglary and criminal damage to property after she allegedly attacked another woman on July 14 and accused the woman of having an affair with her husband. In 2007, a jury awarded $840,000 to a woman who accused Commissioner David King of sexually harassing her. It was the second time the state had to pay up because of sexual harassment allegations against King. Continue Reading
Many conservatives are angry about bailouts, tax-increase proposals, cap-and-trade legislation and health-care reform. Fine. But instead of resorting to violence, they need to take a seat at the table. A libertarian activist in Albuquerque crossed a line on Friday when he advocated physical violence against members of left-leaning groups at town hall meetings on health-care reform. I’m not giving the guy the publicity of linking to his page or publishing his name, but I will tell you that he posted messages on Twitter stating that people should use “retaliation… be it verbal or physical” against members of ACORN and the Service Employees International Union if they decide to attend or disrupt town-hall meetings and should “hurt them. Continue Reading