Innovation is key to combating violent crime
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We must fully embrace the integrated, data-driven approach to policing and prosecution that has had a dramatic impact on the rate of violent crime in cities across the country. Continue Reading
Readers say Maez did the right thing by resigning from House seat
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There were lots of kind words last week for Stephanie Maez, who announced her resignation from the New Mexico House of Representatives to focus on her family after her son’s arrest on a murder charge. Continue Reading
It’s time for serious work to engage the public on elections
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We must do more to ensure that barriers to voting are removed, that voters are educated about upcoming opportunities to cast their ballot, and that – most importantly – we are working to ensure the public trust in our system of government. Continue Reading
Welcome to Indigenous Peoples Day, ‘Burque style
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There were Comanches, Apaches, Pueblo, Diné (Navajo), and members of many more nations. Hundreds strong, the people marched, some attired in traditional dress and pounding drums. Continue Reading
Albuquerque says adios to Columbus
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Christopher Columbus is being laid to rest on Monday in Albuquerque. For the first time Duke City residents will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Continue Reading
Low voter turnout is becoming the norm. What can we do about it?
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Voter turnout in Tuesday’s Albuquerque municipal election was 8.24 percent — a historically low percentage that follows a state and national trend. Continue Reading
Here’s what you need to know about today’s election in ABQ
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Voters in Albuquerque go to the polls today to elect two city councilors and decide on several ballot measures, including a proposed tax increase to fund the BioPark. Continue Reading
Government agencies, be proactive and prepare for IRS audits
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With proactive leadership and both parties uniting to work together, we can prevent New Mexico government entities from being on the IRS “hotlist.” Continue Reading
Old cartels never really die
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The Juárez Cartel remains the biggest organization in the Paso del Norte region, followed by the Sinaloa Cartel of Chapo Guzman and Mayo Zambada. What’s more, “the (New Mexico) territory of Las Cruces and Albuquerque is disputed by the two cartels,” according to one story. Continue Reading
Public financing’s effect on ABQ, Santa Fe elections isn’t clear
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Studies in other states show that public financing of elections has allowed a more diverse group of candidates and increased voter turnout, but the data doesn’t yet exist to know whether that’s happening in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the two New Mexico cities with public-financing systems. Continue Reading
A blueprint for developing educational leaders from within
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It’s time to stop looking outside of New Mexico for solutions to our problems and time to divert our effort and funding to local recruiters and local superintendent candidates. Continue Reading
APS ‘political pay’ plan is bad for taxpayers, state
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Rather than encouraging more government workers to serve in the Legislature at added taxpayer expense, New Mexico needs an even playing field with public workers facing the same financial sacrifices as we expect from those without the benefit of a taxpayer-funded job. Continue Reading
New Mexico experiences the worst – and best – of law enforcement
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We need change. A report by the president’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing makes important recommendations in areas including transparency, accountability and training. In spite of the issues, I’m grateful for the officers who are working to keep our communities safe. Continue Reading
Rio Rancho, Santa Fe County tops in transparency audit of websites
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The audit by the N.M. Foundation for Open Government ranked most cities and counties statewide. FOG is offering guidance to cities and counties that want to improve their websites. Continue Reading
Cities consider whether public financing combats big money
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In Las Cruces, city policymakers are considering creating a brand-new public financing system. Common Cause New Mexico is also pushing for improvements to existing programs in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Not all believe their efforts will help combat big money. Continue Reading