We cannot quit on capital outlay reform
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We are the only state that expects the Legislature to approve a capital outlay bill without any system for planning, vetting or selecting projects. Continue Reading
Sen. Michael Sanchez can reform government, but he doesn’t want to
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And the people aren’t ready, yet, to rise up and make him. Continue Reading
Bills to strip pensions from corrupt public officials languish
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With only days left in the session, the tough talk about strengthening a law on taking pensions from corrupt public officials has quieted. Bills that would do so have yet to make it to the floor of either chamber. Continue Reading
It’s time to create a transparent ethics commission
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Some want less transparency in the Ethics Commission’s operations. I believe one of the pillars of ethical conduct is transparency. Continue Reading
Effort to take politics out of capital outlay fizzles in first hearing
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Lawmakers from rural areas opposed the legislation, saying they believed important projects in their districts would be downgraded or ignored if they lost a direct say-so in the process. Continue Reading
House OKs ethics commission; skeptical Senate up next
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Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a statewide ethics commission celebrated House passage by a lopsided, bipartisan vote on Wednesday. But that placed the measure in the hands of a New Mexico Senate that in the past decade has been far less receptive to the idea of establishing an office dedicated to investigating state officials. Continue Reading
Bill to create ethics commission clears committee without opposition
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After two high-profile political scandals in New Mexico in the last 10 months, 2016 may be the year the Legislature sends a proposed constitutional amendment for a state ethics commission to voters. Continue Reading
Perceptions of cronyism hurt state’s bottom line, report says
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The perception that government in New Mexico has a high level of cronyism is one factor dampening private investment in the state, according to a report released last week. Continue Reading
Look at the wealth effect in politics to catch scummy behavior
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If someone is on the take, their net worth goes up. But the watchdogs are not looking at net wealth increases. Continue Reading
A reading list to help you prepare for NM’s 2016 legislative session
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Among the issues that will be considered are the budget, bringing New Mexico driver’s licenses into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, campaign and ethics reform, public safety, and economic development. Continue Reading
NMPolitics.net discusses legislative session on TV
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Topics included compliance with the federal REAL ID Act and driver’s licenses for immigrants without legal status, ethics and campaign finance reform, economic development, and Spaceport America. Continue Reading
This legislative session, restoring hope has to be the main thing
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I will never give up hope that New Mexico can catapult itself to the top of the lists on which we are currently at the bottom. Continue Reading
Martinez’s actions prove the need for an ethics commission
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Gov. Susana Martinez’s recent abuse of power demonstrates the need for an independent commission to set standards for ethical conduct in state government and investigate complaints. Continue Reading
Ethics reform: If not now, when?
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This year’s scandal involving the state’s top ethics officer ought to spur reform in the state’s inadequate campaign finance reporting system, better enforcement of the laws, and, finally, the establishment of an independent ethics commission. Continue Reading
It’s time to demand full campaign transparency and accountability
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For too long we have placed trust in politicians who promise change and reform but fail to deliver. It’s time to end the half-measures and double-talk around this issue. Continue Reading