We were sitting over watery coffee at Flying Star this morning and gosh if the subject of politics didn't crop up. Didn't we just have an election for Governor? Well, of course we did. And now we are in the midst of a two year long Presidential campaign which I whole heartedly welcome because it will give us time to understand the positions of candidates who are running. You can put me in the Bill Richardson camp right now, but of course I will help any Democrat who puts International relations and fairness into America's strategic goals.
Now, Diane Denish is running for Governor. And yes, Marty Chavez is running for Governor. The election is four years away and they are already raising funds. I understand that Diane has over a million bucks in the bank four years out and that is quite an advantage.
Diane can win this election if she continues successful fundraising and if she does what Chavez is good at. She must pick a ruthless and experienced campaign team to win. This early in the game it may not be important yet, but she will need some new and effective political staffing to come up number one in that faraway Primary election.
I like Diane a lot and have known her for years. She is a very decent and honest politician who has more than her own career in mind. I think she has strong core beliefs which many politicos seem to lack these days. You will see those core values at work in the legislature, and possibly when she takes over as Governor for Bill Richardson when he moves up the ladder.
Of course, if the voters don't get more interested in all of this than yesterday's miserable 6% voter turn out for the School election, then all bets are off on any predictions for election 2010.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Wilderness
I see where the lady who was trapped in the Gila Wilderness for five weeks said she wasn't really sure that she wanted to be rescued. If she needed to be alone like that again I could have recommended to her that she go to my polling place in Albuquerque's School board election today. I was the first person to sign the roster page that my name was on at about 9:30 this morning. Normally, in most elections, that page in my precinct would have been 20% filled by that time. I have never understood why school bond and board elections are so poorly attended by voters. Even if just the parents of all the students voted it would be a staggering turnout. As it is, these elections are decided by primarily the school employees and teachers.
I voted for continuing the mill levy for the schools, although from things I hear I worry that the APS bureaucracy often is overwhelmed when trying to manage the construction and maintenance programs this money makes available. I also am informed that the biggest problem is employees that don't do their work but wont be fired because of the fear of lawsuits.
I voted for continuing the mill levy for the schools, although from things I hear I worry that the APS bureaucracy often is overwhelmed when trying to manage the construction and maintenance programs this money makes available. I also am informed that the biggest problem is employees that don't do their work but wont be fired because of the fear of lawsuits.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Eroding
The New York Times had a frightening story this morning on the passage of a little noticed amendment to a Violence Against Women bill. The amendment will allow a much expanded DNA surveillance program by the federal government against its citizens. The new Justice Department program will make DNA sample taking as common as fingerprinting of anyone who is detained by the Federal Government.
Sadly, this amendment had the support of the Women's groups who were pushing for this bill. I think they may have set themselves against a lot of other generally supportive groups on this blunder and attack against civil liberties. Think of it, the Feds will now have access to every little bit of information on your potential mental stability, addictive proclivities, medical threats and God knows what else.
This is just one more corrosive event by the bush administration and Congress to put the their thumb down on average law abiding citizens. Hitch all this up with the Patriot Act and other legislation and we have "the death of a thousand cuts" of our Democracy".
Sadly, this amendment had the support of the Women's groups who were pushing for this bill. I think they may have set themselves against a lot of other generally supportive groups on this blunder and attack against civil liberties. Think of it, the Feds will now have access to every little bit of information on your potential mental stability, addictive proclivities, medical threats and God knows what else.
This is just one more corrosive event by the bush administration and Congress to put the their thumb down on average law abiding citizens. Hitch all this up with the Patriot Act and other legislation and we have "the death of a thousand cuts" of our Democracy".
Friday, February 02, 2007
For Your Weekend
Here is the summary for policy makers on the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. I hope all will read it and send it on to any and all who are interested, and even some who are not on the chance it may cause an Epiphany for them.
Science vs. Profit
There are a lot of interesting intersections of stories on the web and newspapers today. Yesterday I blogged about the record profits of 
Exxon Mobil. Now, Exxon Mobil has been exposed for trying to pay scientists to debunk the conclusions of an international panel of climate experts who today have pretty much laid at the foot of mankind the responsibility of global warming. I guess this shouldn't surprise us anymore than the number of proposals for dirty coal fueled power plants that are being proposed. One of them is the Desert Rock facility on the Navajo Reservation. The plant will emit about 10 million tons of CO2 per year, plus lots of ozone, mercury, and other pollutants crippling NM’s attempt to reduce CO2 emissions.
At least the New Mexico State Legislature has so far tabled tax incentives for that disastrous project.
Then along comes the Catron County Commission who says they will decide when Gray Wolves will be killed in the wild instead of the scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service.
At the same time there is a great interview in Grist with Frank Luntz, the Republican strategist who has spent a good part of his career designing communications strategies to debunk environmentalists. I actually think he makes some very good points that all environmentalists should consider.
Exxon Mobil. Now, Exxon Mobil has been exposed for trying to pay scientists to debunk the conclusions of an international panel of climate experts who today have pretty much laid at the foot of mankind the responsibility of global warming. I guess this shouldn't surprise us anymore than the number of proposals for dirty coal fueled power plants that are being proposed. One of them is the Desert Rock facility on the Navajo Reservation. The plant will emit about 10 million tons of CO2 per year, plus lots of ozone, mercury, and other pollutants crippling NM’s attempt to reduce CO2 emissions.At least the New Mexico State Legislature has so far tabled tax incentives for that disastrous project.
Then along comes the Catron County Commission who says they will decide when Gray Wolves will be killed in the wild instead of the scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service.
At the same time there is a great interview in Grist with Frank Luntz, the Republican strategist who has spent a good part of his career designing communications strategies to debunk environmentalists. I actually think he makes some very good points that all environmentalists should consider.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Who Profits?
This morning the Associated Press reported that Exxon Mobil had reported a record profit for an American owned corporation. Last year their revenues were $377 billion. They profited from $78 a barrel oil and $3 a gallon gasoline and came away with $39.5 billion, yes that's billion. They and the rest of the oil and gas crowd did this without even a hint from Washington that maybe a windfall profit tax might be in order. In fact, the industry was actually being subsidised.
Oil and Gas prices have now fallen but somehow I feel sucker punched. They got away with this while many people are struggling to pay their winter heating bills now that it has actually gotten cold. I hope that some of the folks running for President will mention this fleecing of Americans at some point in the upcoming two year campaign for the White House.
Oil and Gas prices have now fallen but somehow I feel sucker punched. They got away with this while many people are struggling to pay their winter heating bills now that it has actually gotten cold. I hope that some of the folks running for President will mention this fleecing of Americans at some point in the upcoming two year campaign for the White House.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Will We Survive?
There is a intriguing article in the New York Times today about whether the world will survive. Read it here.
The story says with technological advances the earth should survive, except it probably won't because of the emergence of the "global village idiot." I thought that was hilarious and scary at the same time. You can guess who I thought of when I heard that term. Haw!
The story says with technological advances the earth should survive, except it probably won't because of the emergence of the "global village idiot." I thought that was hilarious and scary at the same time. You can guess who I thought of when I heard that term. Haw!
Dendahl Comment
Last night someone left this comment as an Anonymous contributor on my blog. It is really a great piece of work and wanted to leave it on the main page here for you to read. Really, it is more than a comment about our departing Dendahl.
Mr. Baca: It can't be denied that when it came to shameless and brazen, John Dendahl personified the classic definition of the Yiddish word "chutzpah": the young man who killed his parents and then begged the Court's mercy as an orphan. Live by the sword, die by the sword? Surely, the tale of Dendahl is flush with irony: a man who relished character assassination and the art of the cheap shot -- only to be turned on by so-called friends, hypocrites, and opportunistic opponents. For long before John Dendahl turned his sights on Bill Richardson; long before making his name in New Mexico history as the biggest electoral loser in a two-man race for Governor, Dehndahl almost single-handedly brought the Lee Atwater/Karl Rove brand of national nastiness to New Mexico. You know the type: go for the knees, hit 'em in the back -- truth or fairness don't matter, only winning does. Casting decency and dignity aside, focus exclusively on maiming or destroying "the enemy". Known today by the trendy moniker "Swift-boating," and indulged in with giddy recklessness and amoral glee, its signature is the dehumanizing attack: grotesque, over-the-top damnation served up as the awful truth. Yea, a humble public service to alert the good citizens to a horrible evil lurking beneath that false front of normalcy masqueraded by one's opponent. The anti-Dendahl -- the personification of all that Dendahl and what he represents is not -- might be former Rep. Manuel Lujan, Jr. Now a distinguished elder who served with honor and distinction, Manny used to tell a story his father told him, about the two ways to become the tallest tree in the forest. The first was to reach for the sky, and to grow strong and tall. The second was to cut down all the other trees in the forest. Neither father nor son needed to slash and burn to become strong, tall, and beloved in NM. But the one who foolishly and furiously kept chopping away just couldn't understand why the rest of the forest dwellers failed to see how smart, how right he'd always been. When he realized they would not bestow the honor and attention he craved (and knew he deserved), the man left embittered, casting aspersions on the entire village. -- Now whenever a story ends with a bully slinking away with his tail between his legs, there is often a jolly round of "good riddance," and here will be no exception. But that's not where this story should end. In recent history, it is true the Republican Party has cultivated and improved upon the most cynical and ruthless methods of personal and political destruction. But no party can lay claim to virtue; seemingly all fall victim to hubris, a false sense of security when in the ascendent. The moment a ruling political power's moral authority is revealed as utterly bankrupt should be a moment of humility for all. ("There but for the grace of God go I.") Following his electoral triumphs, Lee Atwater unexpectedly faced an unbeatable opponent: terminal brain cancer. In the shock that forced a reappraisal of his life, Atwater was overcome with sorrow as he faced the truth and consequences of his life and conduct. Before he died, in an apology written to a former adversary, Atwater said, "My illness has taught me something about the nature of humanity, love, brotherhood and relationships that I never understood, and probably never would have. So, from that standpoint, there is some truth and good in everything." And in an article for Life Magazine, Atwater wrote, "My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood. The '80s were about acquiring -- acquiring wealth, power, prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty." "It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime." It is never too late: not for Atwater's protege, Mr. Rove, nor for any of us. We can repent, we can learn, we can grow. May John Dendahl find the space for reflection and understanding that eluded him in New Mexico. May we all see what we might if faced with Lee Atwater's plight, without having to pay such a price. May our leaders gain wisdom from Mr. Dendahl's experience. And may we all, as New Mexicans, no matter the trend from Washington, the degradations from the Potomac or elsewhere, pledge ourselves to a path that honors our past, our future, and our people.
Mr. Baca: It can't be denied that when it came to shameless and brazen, John Dendahl personified the classic definition of the Yiddish word "chutzpah": the young man who killed his parents and then begged the Court's mercy as an orphan. Live by the sword, die by the sword? Surely, the tale of Dendahl is flush with irony: a man who relished character assassination and the art of the cheap shot -- only to be turned on by so-called friends, hypocrites, and opportunistic opponents. For long before John Dendahl turned his sights on Bill Richardson; long before making his name in New Mexico history as the biggest electoral loser in a two-man race for Governor, Dehndahl almost single-handedly brought the Lee Atwater/Karl Rove brand of national nastiness to New Mexico. You know the type: go for the knees, hit 'em in the back -- truth or fairness don't matter, only winning does. Casting decency and dignity aside, focus exclusively on maiming or destroying "the enemy". Known today by the trendy moniker "Swift-boating," and indulged in with giddy recklessness and amoral glee, its signature is the dehumanizing attack: grotesque, over-the-top damnation served up as the awful truth. Yea, a humble public service to alert the good citizens to a horrible evil lurking beneath that false front of normalcy masqueraded by one's opponent. The anti-Dendahl -- the personification of all that Dendahl and what he represents is not -- might be former Rep. Manuel Lujan, Jr. Now a distinguished elder who served with honor and distinction, Manny used to tell a story his father told him, about the two ways to become the tallest tree in the forest. The first was to reach for the sky, and to grow strong and tall. The second was to cut down all the other trees in the forest. Neither father nor son needed to slash and burn to become strong, tall, and beloved in NM. But the one who foolishly and furiously kept chopping away just couldn't understand why the rest of the forest dwellers failed to see how smart, how right he'd always been. When he realized they would not bestow the honor and attention he craved (and knew he deserved), the man left embittered, casting aspersions on the entire village. -- Now whenever a story ends with a bully slinking away with his tail between his legs, there is often a jolly round of "good riddance," and here will be no exception. But that's not where this story should end. In recent history, it is true the Republican Party has cultivated and improved upon the most cynical and ruthless methods of personal and political destruction. But no party can lay claim to virtue; seemingly all fall victim to hubris, a false sense of security when in the ascendent. The moment a ruling political power's moral authority is revealed as utterly bankrupt should be a moment of humility for all. ("There but for the grace of God go I.") Following his electoral triumphs, Lee Atwater unexpectedly faced an unbeatable opponent: terminal brain cancer. In the shock that forced a reappraisal of his life, Atwater was overcome with sorrow as he faced the truth and consequences of his life and conduct. Before he died, in an apology written to a former adversary, Atwater said, "My illness has taught me something about the nature of humanity, love, brotherhood and relationships that I never understood, and probably never would have. So, from that standpoint, there is some truth and good in everything." And in an article for Life Magazine, Atwater wrote, "My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood. The '80s were about acquiring -- acquiring wealth, power, prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty." "It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime." It is never too late: not for Atwater's protege, Mr. Rove, nor for any of us. We can repent, we can learn, we can grow. May John Dendahl find the space for reflection and understanding that eluded him in New Mexico. May we all see what we might if faced with Lee Atwater's plight, without having to pay such a price. May our leaders gain wisdom from Mr. Dendahl's experience. And may we all, as New Mexicans, no matter the trend from Washington, the degradations from the Potomac or elsewhere, pledge ourselves to a path that honors our past, our future, and our people.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Dendahl the Hypocrite
John Dendahl's meltdown on the top of the fold headline in the Albuquerque Journal this Sunday was astonishing to me. Especially the stuff he was throwing around about public corruption. Wasn't this guy the one who offered $100,000 to the Green Party to run candidates to hurt Democratic office seekers a few years back? If that is not blatant public corruption I don't know what is.
Dendahl has always been an enigma to me. He could be very charming, intelligent and even thoughtful sometimes in person, but put him in a political environment or in front of the media and he became Vlad the Impaler. Strange. I actually sort of admired Dendahl for his ill fated stand on decriminalization of drug usage. That took courage because of the private and government anti drug industry budgets that were fighting such radical a notion. Radical maybe, but not completely off the mark. I sure don't see the drug problem improving at any point soon. The addicts are still committing crimes to feed their habits.
I almost had a stroke this morning while reading the Journal's editorial on Governor Richardson. It was wholly gracious and almost gushing about the big guys run for President. It was a nice thing to see. Bill's 69% victory must also be on the minds of some of the decision makers at the newspaper. That is a strong tide to swim against when you are struggling with the national trends of sinking newspaper circulations.
Dendahl has always been an enigma to me. He could be very charming, intelligent and even thoughtful sometimes in person, but put him in a political environment or in front of the media and he became Vlad the Impaler. Strange. I actually sort of admired Dendahl for his ill fated stand on decriminalization of drug usage. That took courage because of the private and government anti drug industry budgets that were fighting such radical a notion. Radical maybe, but not completely off the mark. I sure don't see the drug problem improving at any point soon. The addicts are still committing crimes to feed their habits.
I almost had a stroke this morning while reading the Journal's editorial on Governor Richardson. It was wholly gracious and almost gushing about the big guys run for President. It was a nice thing to see. Bill's 69% victory must also be on the minds of some of the decision makers at the newspaper. That is a strong tide to swim against when you are struggling with the national trends of sinking newspaper circulations.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Insurmountable Work
I always marvel at the amount of work our legislators set out for them selves. Several thousand bills will be introduced at this session. A huge majority of them will never get a committee hearing. Those bills are usually the ones that a lawmaker introduces for constituents even though he or she has no inclination to support them. Other times there will be a hearing conducted for appearances sake and the legislator can say they tried!
Some of the bills get less consideration than the time allotted to the introduction of pages every morning. That is probably a good thing. For the most part the leadership in the Senate and the House knows this and uses such tactics to keep their eye on the big issues. This year that should be campaign reform, reinvestment in school infrastructure with the windfall oil and gas revenue, and dealing with a decent renewable energy package that doesn't just end up being ethanol.
Some of the bills get less consideration than the time allotted to the introduction of pages every morning. That is probably a good thing. For the most part the leadership in the Senate and the House knows this and uses such tactics to keep their eye on the big issues. This year that should be campaign reform, reinvestment in school infrastructure with the windfall oil and gas revenue, and dealing with a decent renewable energy package that doesn't just end up being ethanol.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Kimberly and More Cinemark
This is Kimberly Gleason. She sat down at my table at 
Starbuck's today and said hello. I said hello back and she thanked me for helping her. I had no idea what she was referring to until she mentioned she was a student in the Mayor's Art Summer Institute that I initiated in my first year as Mayor back in 1998. She auditioned and was accepted to the program as a musician in 1999. She then attended UNM where she majored in Theater. She now works in the arts for a program that helps people with disabilities use their creative skills. It is nice to know she is using her talents to help them achieve greater things. Kimberly is also an actress and I am hopeful she can get some gigs with the vibrant film industry here in the State. She said however that it was great to have a full time job. I often run into a lot of these kids who went through that program. They all said it was one of the best experiences of their lives. It is the kind of thing that really is a good investment of public resources.
I got a nice note from a representative of Cinemark today.
She had seen my blog yesterday after being notified by Google that I had used their name. She apologized and said she would look into things at their newly acquired theaters here in Albuquerque. Mainly, as a popcorn fanatic, I hope she gets the quality of their seven dollar popcorn back up to the premium levels that existed under Century Theaters. How hard could that be?
Starbuck's today and said hello. I said hello back and she thanked me for helping her. I had no idea what she was referring to until she mentioned she was a student in the Mayor's Art Summer Institute that I initiated in my first year as Mayor back in 1998. She auditioned and was accepted to the program as a musician in 1999. She then attended UNM where she majored in Theater. She now works in the arts for a program that helps people with disabilities use their creative skills. It is nice to know she is using her talents to help them achieve greater things. Kimberly is also an actress and I am hopeful she can get some gigs with the vibrant film industry here in the State. She said however that it was great to have a full time job. I often run into a lot of these kids who went through that program. They all said it was one of the best experiences of their lives. It is the kind of thing that really is a good investment of public resources.I got a nice note from a representative of Cinemark today.
She had seen my blog yesterday after being notified by Google that I had used their name. She apologized and said she would look into things at their newly acquired theaters here in Albuquerque. Mainly, as a popcorn fanatic, I hope she gets the quality of their seven dollar popcorn back up to the premium levels that existed under Century Theaters. How hard could that be?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Domestic, bush & Cinemark Sucks
I have been staying busy with domestic stuff the last few days. New granite counter tops in the kitchen took a day and a half of work along with new plumbing in the kitchen and bathrooms. Hopefully, this stuff will all end next week and I can get back to other interests.
I had an interesting conversation with a VP of a large new company in Albuquerque today. He said he was in Chicago last week and some folks there asked him about Bill Richardson. His friends knew little about the Governor. They got filled in and ended the conversation by saying the Governor had real qualifications to be running. This pretty much mirrors what I keep hearing in the media and reading in blogs. Many prognosticators will say Bill is a long shot but that he is likable and hardworking. That might mean a lot before this is all over.
What a thought! A qualified President. After watching news clips of bush last night it is a refreshing possibility . I didn't watch the speech last night. Instead, Bobbi and I went and saw the movie "Pan's Labyrinth". It is a stunning and dark tale told both in the reality of the Spanish Civil War and the fairy land of the labyrinth. Another great film from a Spanish director. We also saw "Volver" the other night. Both these films are worth the price.
P.S. Century Theaters has sold out to Cinemark. The popcorn has degraded, the help is rude, the theaters are not as clean, and you have to endure TV commercials before the movie. Cinemark gets a big fat F from me so far.
I had an interesting conversation with a VP of a large new company in Albuquerque today. He said he was in Chicago last week and some folks there asked him about Bill Richardson. His friends knew little about the Governor. They got filled in and ended the conversation by saying the Governor had real qualifications to be running. This pretty much mirrors what I keep hearing in the media and reading in blogs. Many prognosticators will say Bill is a long shot but that he is likable and hardworking. That might mean a lot before this is all over.
What a thought! A qualified President. After watching news clips of bush last night it is a refreshing possibility . I didn't watch the speech last night. Instead, Bobbi and I went and saw the movie "Pan's Labyrinth". It is a stunning and dark tale told both in the reality of the Spanish Civil War and the fairy land of the labyrinth. Another great film from a Spanish director. We also saw "Volver" the other night. Both these films are worth the price.
P.S. Century Theaters has sold out to Cinemark. The popcorn has degraded, the help is rude, the theaters are not as clean, and you have to endure TV commercials before the movie. Cinemark gets a big fat F from me so far.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Richardson
The worst kept secret of the week was that Bill Richardson might announce for President today. Well, of course he did and I visited his website and signed up for a monthly contribution for him. I am not a high roller but it will add up over a years time.
The Albuquerque Journal started a series on our Governor this morning. The detailed story today was actually quite flattering and a good read.
We are two years out from having a new President in this country. That seems a lifetime in some ways, especially after reading this morning that 20 American kids died in Iraq in the last 24 hours.
Richardson should never be underestimated and I feel he is definitely a player for a lot of reasons, but mainly because he has a way of growing on people and his work ethic in a campaign will help immensely.
The Albuquerque Journal started a series on our Governor this morning. The detailed story today was actually quite flattering and a good read.
We are two years out from having a new President in this country. That seems a lifetime in some ways, especially after reading this morning that 20 American kids died in Iraq in the last 24 hours.
Richardson should never be underestimated and I feel he is definitely a player for a lot of reasons, but mainly because he has a way of growing on people and his work ethic in a campaign will help immensely.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Mugshots
The Albuquerque Journal started showing the mugshots of everyone convicted of drunk driving this morning. They started with 180 unflattering photos of folks who didn't beat the system. 120 of them were Hispanic or minority. That is two thirds of the total.
Now, don't get me wrong, if they were DUI then they deserve to be convicted, but these numbers seem to be a little skewed. When we were talking about this at Starbucks this morning some folks said it was because lower income people are more prone to be convicted of DUI because they are not as well educated and they drink more and that it is really a question of economic levels. Another person said that all you need is $3000 for a lawyer and you won't be convicted no matter who you are. Add these two views up and there is a certain logic isn't there? Well, maybe, but the numbers are truly skewed.
Now, don't get me wrong, if they were DUI then they deserve to be convicted, but these numbers seem to be a little skewed. When we were talking about this at Starbucks this morning some folks said it was because lower income people are more prone to be convicted of DUI because they are not as well educated and they drink more and that it is really a question of economic levels. Another person said that all you need is $3000 for a lawyer and you won't be convicted no matter who you are. Add these two views up and there is a certain logic isn't there? Well, maybe, but the numbers are truly skewed.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Misc.
As I was grinding away on my elliptical trainer this morning and watching the history channel I had to chuckle. The documentary on the air was about drugs and more specifically marijuana. There was a factoid that was amazing. It stated that since marijuana became illegal, mostly in the 1940's, that over 20 million Americans had been arrested for possessing it and smoking it. That is a lot of business for the criminal justice system and assures lots of funding for them. Many of those people arrested did years in prison.
Now, we hear that Republican Representative Bob Ney has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for corruption in the Abramoff scandal. That scandal was worth millions upon millions of dollars to these corrupt politicos, a lot more than damage morally and ethically than some one who did five years for smoking pot! You really have to wonder about this system sometimes.
Now, we hear that Republican Representative Bob Ney has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for corruption in the Abramoff scandal. That scandal was worth millions upon millions of dollars to these corrupt politicos, a lot more than damage morally and ethically than some one who did five years for smoking pot! You really have to wonder about this system sometimes.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Wanna Bet?
So, what issue in the Legislature will get the most coverage by the news media this year? I am including so called TV News in this. I am betting that cockfighting will rule the airwaves since it is a story that TV reporters can easily do without any research or sweat. I am guessing the Associated Press and the large daily newspapers will cover that issue quite a bit too, but I am hopeful they will give the most coverage to the Ethics and Campaign reform issue. That really is the most important thing to watch again. While they are at it, I also wish that someone would insist on funding audits of the campaign reports of all statewide candidates. My opponent in the Land Commissioner election contributed over $200,000 to his own campaign in the last two weeks of the race. This occured while he still had a surplus left in his account. Strange?
I am not sure anyone is even charged with looking into the accuracy and veracity of those campaign reports. The news media merely reports who contributed but they never really get into the harder job of tracking those donations to their sources. That should be the job of the Secretary of State, the Attorney General or the State Auditor. Let's see if one of them will step up to job during the session.
I am not sure anyone is even charged with looking into the accuracy and veracity of those campaign reports. The news media merely reports who contributed but they never really get into the harder job of tracking those donations to their sources. That should be the job of the Secretary of State, the Attorney General or the State Auditor. Let's see if one of them will step up to job during the session.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Oil and Gas Industry Blather
The President of the Independent Petroleum Association blathered on in an OPED piece today in the Albuquerque Journal about how the oil and gas industry in New Mexico pays for everything. Essentially the guy takes credit for the state being in such good financial shape. Yes, the state coffers have swollen due to the price of oil and gas skyrocketing last year. But, before you give the industry much credit you should consider just a couple of things. For instance, the industry has been given billions of dollars of your money back in tax breaks by the bush administration. Also, the industry is not being properly audited by the Interior department to make sure they are honestly paying for the oil and gas they are severing from Federal land. (Wouldn't it be nice if someone looked over the shoulder of the current State Land Office to make sure they are getting what they should from these guys?)Oh yeah, that money they are taking credit for is not coming from just taxes, most of it is coming from royalties that are due. They are paying for oil that is not theirs. That oil is mostly owned by the U.S. or State government and yet they seem to think they should get some sort of brownie points for paying us what they owe for something that belongs to us all. And, it is not like the poor little oil and gas industry is having a tough time. Just look at their net profits over the last few years. Those profits are gargantuan and should have been subjected to a windfall profits tax. Maybe that would have lessened the amount of money they threw into funding attacks on global warming science.
I appreciate the jobs and contributions of this industry to our state, but it gets hard to swallow this kind of puffery. That kind of drivel will be hugely apparent at the Legislature this year as oil and gas industry lobbyists beat their breasts in front of every committee meeting.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Money to Spend
The legislature is convening today with a record 
surplus in funds awaiting the lawmakers and the Governor's decisions on how or whether to spend it. I thought it was timely that the front page of the Albuquerque Journal today had an unsurprising story that the Public School's roofs in Albuquerque are all leaking after the winter storm and record snow. Hmmm, maybe these two things are saying something to us. I know, it is simplifying things again, but maybe most of that $700 million surplus could be used for one time capital improvements at our schools. How about new science and computer labs at every middle school, and good roofs to cover them?
Well, I know that everyone has an opinion on how to spend that money, but the one thing that should not happen is to put the surplus into the category of recurring revenues. This is a windfall. We will most likely find that out next year if oil prices continue to stabilize.
This brings us another thought. This morning a great editorial in the New York Times really made it clear the Senator Jeff Bingaman is a chief player now in the future of energy policy in the United States. That may be one of the most important roles for any leader in the country and it should be influenced by all of us with letters and calls to the Senator's office in Washington.
surplus in funds awaiting the lawmakers and the Governor's decisions on how or whether to spend it. I thought it was timely that the front page of the Albuquerque Journal today had an unsurprising story that the Public School's roofs in Albuquerque are all leaking after the winter storm and record snow. Hmmm, maybe these two things are saying something to us. I know, it is simplifying things again, but maybe most of that $700 million surplus could be used for one time capital improvements at our schools. How about new science and computer labs at every middle school, and good roofs to cover them?Well, I know that everyone has an opinion on how to spend that money, but the one thing that should not happen is to put the surplus into the category of recurring revenues. This is a windfall. We will most likely find that out next year if oil prices continue to stabilize.
This brings us another thought. This morning a great editorial in the New York Times really made it clear the Senator Jeff Bingaman is a chief player now in the future of energy policy in the United States. That may be one of the most important roles for any leader in the country and it should be influenced by all of us with letters and calls to the Senator's office in Washington.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Didn't Watch Him
Bobbi and I went to a 7pm showing of the movie "Children of Men' last night. I am one of those people who finds it difficult to even watch bush on TV so a somewhat depressing movie sounded a lot better. I know that sounds silly but it is true. The movie was really intense and I recommend it. It is full of images that you will recognize as being germane to what bush was talking about last night.
So, as Beagle and Athena demonstrate, there was little to get excited about in front of the TV and fireplace last night, except for their new Christmas pillows which they spend most of their time laying on. They really like them.
So, as Beagle and Athena demonstrate, there was little to get excited about in front of the TV and fireplace last night, except for their new Christmas pillows which they spend most of their time laying on. They really like them.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
South Park and bush
A few of us had coffee this morning and one of them brought up the impending speech by bush on his Iraq Surge. He asked what we thought of it and the only way I can describe our response is that it was just like a scene out of the irreverant South Park TV cartoon.
Quite often the boys in the cartoon will hear something so ridiculous they just stand there for five seconds with their mouths open.
I truly am at a loss for words on what I should say about this, but here it goes. I don't beleive there is anything bush can say to convince me we should support anything he comes up with in hopes of making the situation better. He has been wrong from beginning to end on this war and the only thing that could make him right now is sheer dumb luck.
Quite often the boys in the cartoon will hear something so ridiculous they just stand there for five seconds with their mouths open.I truly am at a loss for words on what I should say about this, but here it goes. I don't beleive there is anything bush can say to convince me we should support anything he comes up with in hopes of making the situation better. He has been wrong from beginning to end on this war and the only thing that could make him right now is sheer dumb luck.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Mainstream
There is an interesting story on the Journal's website about how Hispanic voters returned to the Democrats this year. It says 70% of them voted for the Democratic candidates in 2006 but that they could just as easily switch back to the GOP in 2008. They are being identified as swing voters. Just like everyone else.
You always see these kinds of stories about Hispanics or African Americans but rarely about Germans, or Swedes, or Poles or some other assimilated ethnic groups. It just occurs to me that almost everyone is a swing voter these days regardless of their heritage. It all comes down to their own self interest and that of their immediate familes. I think the only group political parties can count on anymore are the special interests with money to contribute. Big oil, insurance companies, the real estate developers and the healthcare industry pretty much have the power to swing elections because of their deep pockets for funding TV ads. They don't always win, just most of the time. Their influence will only wain when we get publically financed campaigns.
I would suggest you closely follow campaign reform in the legislature this year. I am going to do so and will report back on friend and foe of meaningful ethics and campaign reform in this years session in Santa Fe.
You always see these kinds of stories about Hispanics or African Americans but rarely about Germans, or Swedes, or Poles or some other assimilated ethnic groups. It just occurs to me that almost everyone is a swing voter these days regardless of their heritage. It all comes down to their own self interest and that of their immediate familes. I think the only group political parties can count on anymore are the special interests with money to contribute. Big oil, insurance companies, the real estate developers and the healthcare industry pretty much have the power to swing elections because of their deep pockets for funding TV ads. They don't always win, just most of the time. Their influence will only wain when we get publically financed campaigns.
I would suggest you closely follow campaign reform in the legislature this year. I am going to do so and will report back on friend and foe of meaningful ethics and campaign reform in this years session in Santa Fe.
Monday, January 08, 2007
News Papers and the Internet
This whole blogging thing is getting serious. Especially in you are a traditional journalist working for a daily newspaper. This is an interesting article from the New York Times. It basically says many accomplished journalists are leaving newspapers and magazines for Internet based news organizations and blogs.
I started writing this blog in June of 2005 as a way of getting back to my journalistic roots. It has been a lot of fun. I have written almost 600 entries now and I still enjoy it as much as ever. The conundrum is however, most of my little 'two minute to read blogs' are inspired by reading other more traditional publications. If they all start disappearing, (any bets on the survival of the Albuquerque Tribune?) then our sources for information will be more heavily skewed towards digital origins rather than ones that use ink.
A case in point about this is Heath Haussamen's blog in Las Cruces. He was a reporter for the Las Cruces Sun News who bolted to start his own blog and is trying to make a living at it. I advertised on it during my campaign for Land Commissioner. I also advertised on Joe Monahan's blog. Those guys were cleaning up on all the pols but now their advertising has seemed to dwindle. I read both of them daily and Heath has actually asked me to write a monthly column for him. I will try to do it once in a while, but I feel the secret to some of these blogs is to keep things brief. Don't be long winded or the office and government workers wont have the time to read it.
I am not sure how one might make a living doing this blogging unless you get some mighty big breaks like the guy who does the Daily Kos.
Overall, these blogs are all good to have around because it gives so many different view points. When you read something you don't like in your daily newspaper editorial pages, you can go find a blog that makes better points on the other side of the issue. That makes it worth it right there.
I started writing this blog in June of 2005 as a way of getting back to my journalistic roots. It has been a lot of fun. I have written almost 600 entries now and I still enjoy it as much as ever. The conundrum is however, most of my little 'two minute to read blogs' are inspired by reading other more traditional publications. If they all start disappearing, (any bets on the survival of the Albuquerque Tribune?) then our sources for information will be more heavily skewed towards digital origins rather than ones that use ink.
A case in point about this is Heath Haussamen's blog in Las Cruces. He was a reporter for the Las Cruces Sun News who bolted to start his own blog and is trying to make a living at it. I advertised on it during my campaign for Land Commissioner. I also advertised on Joe Monahan's blog. Those guys were cleaning up on all the pols but now their advertising has seemed to dwindle. I read both of them daily and Heath has actually asked me to write a monthly column for him. I will try to do it once in a while, but I feel the secret to some of these blogs is to keep things brief. Don't be long winded or the office and government workers wont have the time to read it.
I am not sure how one might make a living doing this blogging unless you get some mighty big breaks like the guy who does the Daily Kos.
Overall, these blogs are all good to have around because it gives so many different view points. When you read something you don't like in your daily newspaper editorial pages, you can go find a blog that makes better points on the other side of the issue. That makes it worth it right there.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Paint Fumes
The only thing the painters left was a few paint fumes and a much more diverse color scheme it the house. We might fine tune it a bit but we are happy with it overall. Bob's Painting did an absolutely great job and I would recommend them.
Athena liked the painters but after getting high on the fumes she decided to sleep it off in the sun. Friday, January 05, 2007
Generosity
I don't know of any industry that receives more generosity during bad weather from the taxpayer 
than the cattle ranchers in America. Right now there is an airlift of cattle feed going on and it is sponsored by us taxpayers. I am not saying it is the wrong thing to do. I just always marvel at the way these conservative livestock operators often send representatives to state legislatures and the halls of congress to kill all assistance programs for other segments of the population.
With grazing subsidies in the hundreds of millions of dollars on public lands in the west and hundreds of millions more in hidden costs, I would like to see members of the livestock industry just admit that they are being treated very kindly by the rest of us taxpayers. They should think back to the days of Franklin Roosevelt and his formation of the Rural Electrification Administration that helped bring power to America's agricultural and rural communities. If the current philosophy of some of these folks were running the congress back in the 30's they would still be burning coal in their pot belly stoves.
than the cattle ranchers in America. Right now there is an airlift of cattle feed going on and it is sponsored by us taxpayers. I am not saying it is the wrong thing to do. I just always marvel at the way these conservative livestock operators often send representatives to state legislatures and the halls of congress to kill all assistance programs for other segments of the population.With grazing subsidies in the hundreds of millions of dollars on public lands in the west and hundreds of millions more in hidden costs, I would like to see members of the livestock industry just admit that they are being treated very kindly by the rest of us taxpayers. They should think back to the days of Franklin Roosevelt and his formation of the Rural Electrification Administration that helped bring power to America's agricultural and rural communities. If the current philosophy of some of these folks were running the congress back in the 30's they would still be burning coal in their pot belly stoves.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Water and Nuts
I always have a tendency to over simplify things. An Associated Press story on the Albuquerque Journal website this morning reports the concerns of Pecan growers in Southern New Mexico over the amount of water they can take for irrigation. It is somewhat symbolic of the common good versus individual needs.
Pecans are a really good cash crop. Travel through the southern part of the state and you will see thousands of acres of Pecan and Pistachio trees. They require a lot of irrigation water to make them produce their valuable crops. Look here for an interesting primer on Pecan production. New Mexico is very productive because it uses new varieties of trees.
Now, along comes the guy with the hardest job in the world, State Engineer John D'Antonio, who says the Pecan growers need to limit their take of water to about 4 acre feet a year for every acre of their orchards. The farmers are allowed to either irrigate from the ditch in wet years or pump from the aquifers in dry ones. Thats about 325,000 gallons per acre foot. Add it up....over a millon gallons per acre a year. That is a fair amount of water for sure. The farmers say they will sue, along with the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, to stop the State Engineer from putting this new policy regulation into affect.
The real problem is that many irrigators are now converting their land to these kinds of
orchards because they produce a good amount of income. That will certainly affect New Mexico's ability to deliver the water it owes to Texas and Mexico every year.You can probably see where this is all going. A giant train wreck. There is only so much water available and some will have to end up with less than they think they deserve. Then it will get ugly and the litigators will tie up the issue in the courts while the pumping and flood irrigation goes on.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Paint Sniffing
It will be five days of paint sniffing around here. The painters arrived at 7:15 this morning. They start with the ceilings throughout the house and then go to the walls. We have had a totally white interior in our 13 year old house and decided to jazz it up with some color. The ceilings all will remain white. We had an interior decorator come in and pick colors and now we are full of angst. What will it look like when it is done? Will it be nauseous? Or maybe just ridiculous? Certainly it will be different.
I am going to be busy with this kind of domestic stuff for a few weeks before starting up my consulting business again. I will be doing some regional and national work on environmental issues and will most likely be traveling a bit. I will also stay involved with the fiber optic technology companies I was working with prior to the campaign.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Karly and Justin
Justin went back to Syracuse on the red eye last night. He wanted to be there to propose to his girl Karly before the New Year came in. They have been steadies for over five years. He and his mom shopped for the engagement ring and settled on an Aquamarine surrounded by Opals.
You can see it on Karly's finger as they take their post proposal photo. She said yes, and you can see that conveyed in Justin's grin.
Karly will get her Masters degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in May. Justin is working on his Masters in Business Administration at Cornell University. These two kids are avid progressives and look forward to the new congress taking office. I think they are happy that the Democrats have said one of the first things they will do is lower the interest rates on student loans.
You can see it on Karly's finger as they take their post proposal photo. She said yes, and you can see that conveyed in Justin's grin.
Karly will get her Masters degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in May. Justin is working on his Masters in Business Administration at Cornell University. These two kids are avid progressives and look forward to the new congress taking office. I think they are happy that the Democrats have said one of the first things they will do is lower the interest rates on student loans.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Snow Beagle
Athena had a good time in the snow this morning.
So did Beagle!
We got about 12 inches down here in the valley. Noelle's drive back to Phoenix isn't going to happen today. Hopefully, Justin's redeye to Newark and then to Syracuse will leave around midnight.
This is the gang checking out videos of the dogs in the snow.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Days of Future Passed
I had a great opportunity today to go through some 50 year old photographs from my childhood. The reason I did this was because I received a call from the past in the form of my brother's and my best childhood friends, Bobby and Billy Salazar.
They were traveling between Pagosa Springs and Phoenix and decided we should have lunch. We have occasionally stayed in touch with them over the years and it is always great to see them.
We went to Dos Amigos for lunch and talked about our growing up in Albuquerque's mid heights in the 1950's. Actually, we mostly talked about all of our near death adventures. Thinking back, it is a wonder any of us ever survived. Some of the stuff we did was really stupid but we always escaped with our limbs still attached.
We met Bobby and Billy in 1952 on the day the moved into their house about a block and a half from ours on Quincy street. Their dad was a juvenile probation officer who died suddenly in 1958 from a severe stroke. Bob and Bill moved to Phoenix with their mom about three years later. Bob worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and started his own swimming pool construction company. Bill had a long career as a banker in Phoenix. They are both still working in their retirement years.
It is great to still have contact with such old friends. They were there during our formative years and thinking back I can say we had a great childhood where we reveled in simple things that were available to us to keep us occupied. Long bike rides, building underground forts, riding the escalators at the Fedway Department store downtown, hanging dummies from streetlamps, playing football in the street, and watching Victory at Sea on Sunday nights on Television. We somehow stayed busy and our parents raised kids that pretty much stayed out of trouble. What more can you ask for?
They were traveling between Pagosa Springs and Phoenix and decided we should have lunch. We have occasionally stayed in touch with them over the years and it is always great to see them.
We went to Dos Amigos for lunch and talked about our growing up in Albuquerque's mid heights in the 1950's. Actually, we mostly talked about all of our near death adventures. Thinking back, it is a wonder any of us ever survived. Some of the stuff we did was really stupid but we always escaped with our limbs still attached.
We met Bobby and Billy in 1952 on the day the moved into their house about a block and a half from ours on Quincy street. Their dad was a juvenile probation officer who died suddenly in 1958 from a severe stroke. Bob and Bill moved to Phoenix with their mom about three years later. Bob worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and started his own swimming pool construction company. Bill had a long career as a banker in Phoenix. They are both still working in their retirement years.
It is great to still have contact with such old friends. They were there during our formative years and thinking back I can say we had a great childhood where we reveled in simple things that were available to us to keep us occupied. Long bike rides, building underground forts, riding the escalators at the Fedway Department store downtown, hanging dummies from streetlamps, playing football in the street, and watching Victory at Sea on Sunday nights on Television. We somehow stayed busy and our parents raised kids that pretty much stayed out of trouble. What more can you ask for?
Here are a couple of pictures of before and after! The first was taken in March of 1957 and shows Bob, me, and Roger Burnett standing in our front yard with my Man in the Moon Kite. 
This other picture was taken today at lunch. Left to Right it is Bob, Jim, Tom and Billy. Sheeesh! Time Marches on!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Land Office and Cattle Farts
The State Land Office is barging ahead with its plans to deforest 100 square miles of Pinon Juniper Forest in Torrance County. The wood will be used for fuel for a powerplant and a by-product will be cleared land for more cattle grazing. There have been no scientific studies to support the wisdom of this project.
Fast forward to a report put out by the Livestock, Environment and Development Initiative, an effort funded in part by the World Bank. Read the report's executive summary here. It turns out that livestock production accounts for more greenhouse gas emmissions than the transportation sector. Cattle Farts are warming up the planet.
Yes, there is nothing I like better than my once a week Sirloin Tip steak(from Costco--the best in town), but some of the statistics in this report are truly staggering. It really brings into doubt the wisdom of burning trees, which scrub green house gases from the atmosphere to make more grazing land available for fart generation.
Fast forward to a report put out by the Livestock, Environment and Development Initiative, an effort funded in part by the World Bank. Read the report's executive summary here. It turns out that livestock production accounts for more greenhouse gas emmissions than the transportation sector. Cattle Farts are warming up the planet.Yes, there is nothing I like better than my once a week Sirloin Tip steak(from Costco--the best in town), but some of the statistics in this report are truly staggering. It really brings into doubt the wisdom of burning trees, which scrub green house gases from the atmosphere to make more grazing land available for fart generation.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Power Plants
The Albuquerque Journal had two important stories concerning power plants in New Mexico in the morning edition. One is about the proposed coal fired power plant on the Navajo reservation. Although this will be a relatively clean coal burning plant, it is hardly state of the art and it alone will increase greenhouse gas emissions by over 10% in our state. The Navajo administration is pushing for its construction because of the jobs and money it will bring, but they seem oblivious to the long term harm it does to us all.
The second power plant item is in a letter to the Business Outlook. It is something I tried to make an issue during my campaign, but the media wasn't interested. It concerns PNM's biomass plant in Torrance county. This power plant will burn pinon and juniper trees to provide electricity. Those trees will come from at least 40 square miles of state land administered by State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons. Lyons did not notify anyone who will be affected by this action, including its neighbors at the Gran Quivira National Monument, Salinas National Monument or the Office of State Historic Preservation. There are lots of archeological sites there. When the source of fuel was to have been U.S. Forest Service land the deal was killed by concerned neighbors so the PNM guys went to Pat Lyons. PNM contributed heavily to Lyons. Some of their employees also sent money to me.
So, where is the public involvement in this? Is it a good idea to burn forests to create electricity and more grazing land for land office lessees? Those forests thickened up because of overgrazing in the first place. Who decides which trees and how many to take down. I understand it is the individual ranchers who will do so. Do they have any guidelines or scientific advice on how to do this?
Do they realize the New Mexico lawmakers some years ago passed legislation calling for the protection of Pinon trees since they provide a high value cash crop? Will the Land Office hold hearings on the science used by them in reaching this decision to deforest large tracts of Torrance County land? What will make up for the green house gasses those trees would have absorbed?
Don't hold your breath. This land is going to auction three days after Christmas.
The second power plant item is in a letter to the Business Outlook. It is something I tried to make an issue during my campaign, but the media wasn't interested. It concerns PNM's biomass plant in Torrance county. This power plant will burn pinon and juniper trees to provide electricity. Those trees will come from at least 40 square miles of state land administered by State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons. Lyons did not notify anyone who will be affected by this action, including its neighbors at the Gran Quivira National Monument, Salinas National Monument or the Office of State Historic Preservation. There are lots of archeological sites there. When the source of fuel was to have been U.S. Forest Service land the deal was killed by concerned neighbors so the PNM guys went to Pat Lyons. PNM contributed heavily to Lyons. Some of their employees also sent money to me. So, where is the public involvement in this? Is it a good idea to burn forests to create electricity and more grazing land for land office lessees? Those forests thickened up because of overgrazing in the first place. Who decides which trees and how many to take down. I understand it is the individual ranchers who will do so. Do they have any guidelines or scientific advice on how to do this?
Do they realize the New Mexico lawmakers some years ago passed legislation calling for the protection of Pinon trees since they provide a high value cash crop? Will the Land Office hold hearings on the science used by them in reaching this decision to deforest large tracts of Torrance County land? What will make up for the green house gasses those trees would have absorbed?Don't hold your breath. This land is going to auction three days after Christmas.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Pass These Reforms
After having been defeated in the yearlong campaign for Land Commissioner because of our puny campaign contribution laws I am hopeful the Governor's new Ethics reform package will pass the legislature. Among many other things, it will limit the amount of money that can be given to any statewide candidate by one entity or person to $2100. That is the same amount that Federal election laws mandates for federal candidates. This would have probably cut by 60% the amount of money the oil and gas companies gave to my opponent. A full time ethics commission will also be formed under the Governor's proposed legislation. That is good because the media spends so little effort in looking at those campaign reports. This commission will hopefully do it well along with some auditors who can 'follow the money.' The news release from the Governor's office is below.
Governor Richardson Outlines Ethics Reform Package, Calls for Creation of Independent Ethics Commission
“New Mexicans expect a government that’s honest and honorable,” said Governor Richardson. “Holding the highest ethical standards is our responsibility as public servants. It’s also the best, and only way, we can protect the public’s faith in their democracy.”
Governor Richardson urged citizens and members of the business community to help push for ethics reform. In May of 2006, Governor Richardson formed an ethics reform task force to conduct a bi-partisan review of ethics and campaign finance in
- Establish an independent ethics commission. This commission would provide independent oversight of the executive and legislative branches and all state employees. It would receive and investigate complaints by concerned citizens and whistleblowers. The commission would also have strong powers to investigate and discipline, including the ability to fine, censure, and reprimand public officials, state employees, lobbyists, contractors and officials.
- Limits on Gifts. The Governor proposed that no state official, employee or candidate be allowed to receive a gift greater than $250. During the legislative session there would be a ban on gifts greater than $100. There would be criminal penalties for those who break the law.
- Set campaign contribution limits. The Governor proposes that statewide races match the federal level of $2,100 per individual, per election. His package will also recommend $1,050 limits for PRC and District races, and a ban on cash of more than $100 from one person.
- “Clean Elections” Public Financing. The Governor’s ethics reform package proposes a phased approach toward public financing beginning with judicial elections, based on the successful Public Regulatory Commission campaign system. Using the PRC model, candidates in contested judicial elections could choose to run as a “Clean Elections” candidate. These candidates would qualify for public financing if they meet a threshold based upon the number of $5 contributions they receive from individuals. If the opposition opts out of the public system and spends more than public funding provides, “Clean elections” candidates would be given matching funds.
- Better campaign reporting. This package calls for more detailed reporting of campaign finances, more frequent reporting in non-election years, and cumulative totals of campaign contributions by each individual to each candidate.
- Amend Governmental Conduct Act. The amendments will help prevent public officials and employees from abusing public office. These amendments will expand coverage of the Governmental Conduct Act to include all public servants, including judges.
“These proposals will allow New Mexicans to know where campaign money comes from, where it goes, and how it’s spent,” said Governor Richardson. “This is not an issue that affects the few. Every citizen benefits from a government that is open, transparent and accountable. And every citizen is harmed by one that is not.”
The Governor pushed for a strong anti-corruption package in the 2006 Legislature. “Last year we had some success,” said Governor Richardson. “We were able to pass a ban on campaign contributions from contractors seeking to do business with the state. But, the remainder of the package, died in the Legislature. This time, there are no excuses. This time, reform must be done.”
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Snowday
How is it there is snow in Albuquerque and not in Santa Fe? Oh well, lets enjoy it. If Noelle were here there would be a snowman already!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mt. Hood and Iraq
I have been following the story of the three lost climbers on Mount Hood. It reminds me of the saga of the United States in Iraq. Think about it.
Three cocky guys decide to climb a treacherous Mount Hood in December. bush, rumsfeld and cheney decide to invade Iraq with its treacherous Shiite and Sunni factions awaiting them. The climbers reach their goal, the summit, and then have trouble extricating themselves from there. bush, rumsfeld and cheney capture Bagdad and have trouble extricating themselves from there.
Huge sums of money are being spent to look for the climbers on the mountain. Huge sums of money are being spent trying to rescue the flawed invasion from total disaster and civil war.
The money to pay for the attempted Mount Hood rescue will come from the families of the climbers, leaving them in debt for a long time. The money to pay for the Iraq war will come from the nation's families leaving them and the country in a deficit for a long time. (Unless your family is filthy rich and your bush tax reductions keep you safe)
Most likely, all the climbers are dead after their careless attempt to conquer Mt. Hood in winter. Most likely the death toll for Americans and Iraqis will continue to increase after the careless invasion with no planning for the aftermath.
Of course, the big difference here is that the climbers pay with their lives and bush, cheney and rumsfeld just walk away shrugging their shoulders.
Three cocky guys decide to climb a treacherous Mount Hood in December. bush, rumsfeld and cheney decide to invade Iraq with its treacherous Shiite and Sunni factions awaiting them. The climbers reach their goal, the summit, and then have trouble extricating themselves from there. bush, rumsfeld and cheney capture Bagdad and have trouble extricating themselves from there.
Huge sums of money are being spent to look for the climbers on the mountain. Huge sums of money are being spent trying to rescue the flawed invasion from total disaster and civil war.
The money to pay for the attempted Mount Hood rescue will come from the families of the climbers, leaving them in debt for a long time. The money to pay for the Iraq war will come from the nation's families leaving them and the country in a deficit for a long time. (Unless your family is filthy rich and your bush tax reductions keep you safe)
Most likely, all the climbers are dead after their careless attempt to conquer Mt. Hood in winter. Most likely the death toll for Americans and Iraqis will continue to increase after the careless invasion with no planning for the aftermath.
Of course, the big difference here is that the climbers pay with their lives and bush, cheney and rumsfeld just walk away shrugging their shoulders.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Warming
Last night on the way home from a great Chinese dinner Bobbi and I were commenting on how mild the weather still is. I actually took up the golf clubs for the first time in six months this week and the weather was very pleasant. I even worked up a sweat on the driving range after hitting two large buckets of balls.
I got to thinking about my friends who have bought winter get-a-ways in Mexico and whether they will be too hot in the winter to enjoy and if the beaches will survive rising ocean levels.
I know I am constantly on this global warming thing but everyone should read this from the New York Times today. It really is time for some radical actions on dealing with this, but I am not holding my breath. Why are we talking about more coal fired plants, tar sands, or any energy source that pumps greenhouse gasses into the air? Inertia and profits are the answer and a campaign finance system that caters to it.
Yesterday there was another complex story in the Times about putting economic values on the cost to future generations of not doing something to fix this. It is about the “social rate of time discount,” the rate used to compare the well-being of future generations to the well-being of those alive today. As I said, this is complex stuff so we really need a President who understands it after the next election.
I got to thinking about my friends who have bought winter get-a-ways in Mexico and whether they will be too hot in the winter to enjoy and if the beaches will survive rising ocean levels.I know I am constantly on this global warming thing but everyone should read this from the New York Times today. It really is time for some radical actions on dealing with this, but I am not holding my breath. Why are we talking about more coal fired plants, tar sands, or any energy source that pumps greenhouse gasses into the air? Inertia and profits are the answer and a campaign finance system that caters to it.
Yesterday there was another complex story in the Times about putting economic values on the cost to future generations of not doing something to fix this. It is about the “social rate of time discount,” the rate used to compare the well-being of future generations to the well-being of those alive today. As I said, this is complex stuff so we really need a President who understands it after the next election.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
T or C Classroom
The Albuquerque Journal had an interesting story this morning on a class experiment at a Truth or Consequences High School. One of the classes put up 'whites only and colored only' signs on water fountains to watch student reactions for a project on racisim. One student objected and now some teachers may lose their licenses. This is ridiculous. One student out of hundreds was upset and it comes to this.
I remember my days in our sophomore civics class at St. Pius X High
School. Our teacher was Father Alan Cushing. (We put his VW in a hallway one day.) He taught a course on communism. During the first part of the course we were indoctrinated to become communists. We had cell meetings, wore hammer and sickle armbands, and generally espoused Karl Marx and Lenin. We were encouraged to say that "religion is the opiate of the people." Stuff like that.
During the second part of the course Father Cushing dismantled everything we had been told during our indoctrination. He assinged us a book to read, George Orwell's "1984". It was a breathtaking class experience that taught us the danger of totalitarianism and government thought control.
Yes, we were in a private school and we could do things like that. But the object was to teach us to think and the class was one of the best I ever experienced in that catholic high school. It is frightening that kind of thinking and learning experience doesn't work in the T of C schools or maybe any of our public schools these days. The kids will be the losers after the lawyers and bureucrats finish with this. This might be the totalitarianism and thought control we learned about.
I remember my days in our sophomore civics class at St. Pius X High
School. Our teacher was Father Alan Cushing. (We put his VW in a hallway one day.) He taught a course on communism. During the first part of the course we were indoctrinated to become communists. We had cell meetings, wore hammer and sickle armbands, and generally espoused Karl Marx and Lenin. We were encouraged to say that "religion is the opiate of the people." Stuff like that.During the second part of the course Father Cushing dismantled everything we had been told during our indoctrination. He assinged us a book to read, George Orwell's "1984". It was a breathtaking class experience that taught us the danger of totalitarianism and government thought control.
Yes, we were in a private school and we could do things like that. But the object was to teach us to think and the class was one of the best I ever experienced in that catholic high school. It is frightening that kind of thinking and learning experience doesn't work in the T of C schools or maybe any of our public schools these days. The kids will be the losers after the lawyers and bureucrats finish with this. This might be the totalitarianism and thought control we learned about.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Daytime TV Commercials
As I relax after the last year's hard work I have been reading lots of novels. I have a habit that drives Bobbi up the wall though, as I read I 
also have the TV turned on to MSNBC or the History or Military Channel. Well, during the day time I sit at my computer a lot too and I have a little 8 inch LCD TV and keep it on too while blogging or doing my other stuff. I have come to the conclusion that four things are paying for delivery of our TV News and Documentaries. They are hair loss drugs, erection loss drugs, drugs for guys who have a constant urge to pee, and all kinds of other drugs for every ailment that ever might afflict you. In this last category you are never really informed what the drugs are for, just that you might need them and you better call some Doctors to ask them about it.
I guess this is what us baby boomers can expect on TV from here on out. Of course we can just decide not to watch commerical TV. I only really watch a few network shows. Battlestar Gallactica, Boston Legal, Invasion(if it ever comes back), and some of the SCI-FI channels mini series. I started watching the Lost Room last night and it looks to be pretty good. And, I record them all and skip through the commercials. That turns a one hour show into 40 minutes. A time saver.
Mostly I watch HBO and Showtime miniseries because they are really entertaining and thought provoking. Like Showtime's Dexter. It is about a likeable serial killer who only takes out bad guys.....slowly.
also have the TV turned on to MSNBC or the History or Military Channel. Well, during the day time I sit at my computer a lot too and I have a little 8 inch LCD TV and keep it on too while blogging or doing my other stuff. I have come to the conclusion that four things are paying for delivery of our TV News and Documentaries. They are hair loss drugs, erection loss drugs, drugs for guys who have a constant urge to pee, and all kinds of other drugs for every ailment that ever might afflict you. In this last category you are never really informed what the drugs are for, just that you might need them and you better call some Doctors to ask them about it.I guess this is what us baby boomers can expect on TV from here on out. Of course we can just decide not to watch commerical TV. I only really watch a few network shows. Battlestar Gallactica, Boston Legal, Invasion(if it ever comes back), and some of the SCI-FI channels mini series. I started watching the Lost Room last night and it looks to be pretty good. And, I record them all and skip through the commercials. That turns a one hour show into 40 minutes. A time saver.
Mostly I watch HBO and Showtime miniseries because they are really entertaining and thought provoking. Like Showtime's Dexter. It is about a likeable serial killer who only takes out bad guys.....slowly.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Pete's Raid and Land Office Musing
Senator Pete Domenici led a raid on the U.S. Treasury at New Mexico's expense during last minute bill passage manuevers while the Republicans were still in power in Congress. He insisted on passage of a bill that gives a large chunk of newly opened Gulf Coast oil and gas lease royalties to four southern states. That money would normally go to the US Treasury for the benefit of all Americans. Domenici probably did this to get southern states support for opening up these oil and gas areas for Pete's good buddies in the Oil and Gas Industry. Now, in fairness New Mexico already gets a lot of the Federal Oil and Gas revenues that is produced in New Mexico, but the offshore reserves are usually allocated to national use. Pete was looking out more for his industry supporters than his constituents on this one.
In the meantime we are repeatedly hearing about the US Interior Department's inability to collect royalties that are already owed to the government. Hundreds of millions, or even billions, may be lost to puny auditing by the Feds. This is costing New Mexico a bundle too.
Now, one has to wonder if the Legislative Finance Committee might look into New Mexico's oil and gas royalty collections. Are they being honest with us. During the campaign for Land Commissioner I heard from some producers that there might be problems in that area as well as the 'unitizing' of state oil and gas leases. This would protect companies from having to relinquish their leases because their ten years for producing the leases had lapsed. If they weren't unitized then the land office would put then out for bid again and get bonus income. This little process would save the companies a bundle and cost the land office just as much.
In the meantime we are repeatedly hearing about the US Interior Department's inability to collect royalties that are already owed to the government. Hundreds of millions, or even billions, may be lost to puny auditing by the Feds. This is costing New Mexico a bundle too.
Now, one has to wonder if the Legislative Finance Committee might look into New Mexico's oil and gas royalty collections. Are they being honest with us. During the campaign for Land Commissioner I heard from some producers that there might be problems in that area as well as the 'unitizing' of state oil and gas leases. This would protect companies from having to relinquish their leases because their ten years for producing the leases had lapsed. If they weren't unitized then the land office would put then out for bid again and get bonus income. This little process would save the companies a bundle and cost the land office just as much.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Classic
They fall for it everytime. It is an old trick and it works well. This time it is working, intended or not, for my friend Bill Richardson. Apparently, he hinted or inadvertantly said he might be running for President. Then the media picked it up and Fox News said he had announced he was in the race. The Governor said he didn't make an announcement, but he got a lot of press. When he does announce then he will get a lot more press. One of those two for one deals!
I hope he does announce soon so I can get to work for him. There will be a few New Mexicans who will be negative about him running, but overall I think most of us will be proud that one of our own is going for the big one. As I write this I am watching TV and see that the AP/Ipsos poll now has bush at an all time low for his job approval. Just 27% feel he is doing a good job. My question is, how can they possibly believe that?
I hope he does announce soon so I can get to work for him. There will be a few New Mexicans who will be negative about him running, but overall I think most of us will be proud that one of our own is going for the big one. As I write this I am watching TV and see that the AP/Ipsos poll now has bush at an all time low for his job approval. Just 27% feel he is doing a good job. My question is, how can they possibly believe that?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The Woman in 8C
It never fails. Last Friday I headed to Salt Lake City for 24 hours of meetings with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. I was seated in 5D on a regional jet. They Lady in 8C was sneezing and coughing with out the aid of a handkerchief. I got back on Saturday and then left again early Monday morning for the Wyss Foundation Meeting in Tucson. Of course the oncoming cold was just making itself felt and it blewup big time early Tuesday morning. It just seems that you can't defend yourself against inconsiderate people like that lady. Yes, I took Airborne and Eachanacia but they didn't work to well.
Talk about inconsiderate the TSA in Albuquerque ranks up there too. After carefully assuring that my travel pack contained no containers with more than 3 ounces of liquid I was pulled out of line and told that I would have to go and buy a plastic bag to separate then from my travel pack. The line was long, I was upset and just marveled at the hassle. I was getting ready to 'donate' all of my stuff to the trash can so I could catch my plane when a level headed supervisor showed up and pulled a little bag out of his pocket. I thanked him, but then found out my travel companion who showed up a little earlier had to trash all of his 3oz bottles of stuff. I then noticed that in Salt Lake City and Tucson that there were a supply of plastic bags for people who didn't have them. Why not in Albuquerque? Who knows with the TSA.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Oil and Gas Royalties
There is a story in the Journal Business Outlook today about how the Federal Mineral Service has sent over $500 million dollars to the State of New Mexico this year for its share of oil and gas royalties on Federal land within the state. The story has a picture of Pete Domenici for some reason. Why not Senator Bingaman or one of the other delegation? Well, I wonder if the Journal will use Pete's picture if they get around to picking up stories on the failure of the bush administration to properly collect royalities in the first place. There are hundreds of millions of dollars in uncollected royalties that the bush Interior Department has not collected. That is now the subject of lawsuits by federal auditors wo say they were fired for trying to pursue those collections. This should be a wake up call for New Mexico because some of that money would be coming into state coffers. Will Pete Domenici press for that? Or will his oil and gas donors be awarded with silence from him?
I am off to a Wyss Foundation meeting in Tucson for a couple of days. Bobbi and Noelle will show up there this afternoon from Phoenix where they spent the weekend together and we will attend the always fun dinner tonight.
I am off to a Wyss Foundation meeting in Tucson for a couple of days. Bobbi and Noelle will show up there this afternoon from Phoenix where they spent the weekend together and we will attend the always fun dinner tonight.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Board Meetings
It is not like I haven't anything to do since the election. There is a lot of domestic stuff to catch up on and I am still busy with Board Meetings. I need to run up to Salt Lake City at noon for a meeting of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and then on Monday over to Tucson for a meeting of the Wyss Foundation Board. These meetings are intense and fun and they will be especially interesting in light of the upcoming lame duck congressional session and a change of power following in January.
The issues we work with on these Boards won't get necessarily easier to work through congress, but at least the new committee chairs will listen to us. Over the past six years all we have had to rely on was court rulings to delay destructive bush policies. Now, we might even get some land protection bills passed a couple of years from now.
I have the sinking feeling that all the work we do on Wilderness and other land protection won't mean anything in 20 years if we don't get serious about climate change. I am going to devote more of my time to that issue over the next couple of years.
The issues we work with on these Boards won't get necessarily easier to work through congress, but at least the new committee chairs will listen to us. Over the past six years all we have had to rely on was court rulings to delay destructive bush policies. Now, we might even get some land protection bills passed a couple of years from now.
I have the sinking feeling that all the work we do on Wilderness and other land protection won't mean anything in 20 years if we don't get serious about climate change. I am going to devote more of my time to that issue over the next couple of years.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Cool Cat
Jerry the Cat has a favorite place in the garage when the cold weather rolls in. He sits next to the boiler on the hot water heating system we have. (The best kind of heat so far as I know. No dust or blowing hot air around.) Jerry's next favorite place to stay warm is on the hood of the car when I leave it in the garage.
Can't Stand Success
The Albuquerque Journal seems to be doing everything possible to put Eclipse Aviation into a a controversial light. Every time 
there is a delay or glitch in delivery of the Eclipse 500 Jet the Journal jumps on the story like a cheetah on a gazelle. I can't figure out this kind of journalism at our daily newspaper sometimes. Granted, there are some public funds involved in making the Eclipse 500 possible through city and state tax incentives. It was always seen as a good risk if the start up aviation company could get its plane off the ground. This little 1.3 million dollar jet has a backlog of orders and will be a success. This company started from the ground up on the design and build of this aircraft and have experienced the same kind of problems any aircraft manufacturer does when building a new concept airplane.
The Publisher of the Journal himself flies a Falcon 200 business jet which probably had the same kind of delays and problems in its design phase. (The Journal publisher often uses his jet for charitable flights). I know a guy who bought a new Falcon 900EZ that also had lots of delays but is now very successful.
Lets give success a chance and cheer on this great little airplane and the company that showed faith in Albuquerque and its labor force.
there is a delay or glitch in delivery of the Eclipse 500 Jet the Journal jumps on the story like a cheetah on a gazelle. I can't figure out this kind of journalism at our daily newspaper sometimes. Granted, there are some public funds involved in making the Eclipse 500 possible through city and state tax incentives. It was always seen as a good risk if the start up aviation company could get its plane off the ground. This little 1.3 million dollar jet has a backlog of orders and will be a success. This company started from the ground up on the design and build of this aircraft and have experienced the same kind of problems any aircraft manufacturer does when building a new concept airplane.
The Publisher of the Journal himself flies a Falcon 200 business jet which probably had the same kind of delays and problems in its design phase. (The Journal publisher often uses his jet for charitable flights). I know a guy who bought a new Falcon 900EZ that also had lots of delays but is now very successful.Lets give success a chance and cheer on this great little airplane and the company that showed faith in Albuquerque and its labor force.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Marty's Progressive Move
Mayor Marty Chavez, perhaps looking forward to a US Senate or 
Governor's race has been slapped down on his progressive streetcar proposal. I hope he doesn't let the reaction to this idea stop him from turning to left center a little more. Of course, the Albuquerque Journal will bury this proposal in negative stories and any vote on it will not be successful. I have to admit even some of my left leaning friends feel 270 million dollars for a "Nob Hill Streetcar" probably wont fly with west side voters. Selling this to the voters will be difficult. When the original transportation tax was passed during my term as Mayor the first polls showed it passing with about a 65% margin. After the right wing city councillors, were done complaining to the newspapers and talk shows it passed by about 1%, but it did pass and we have had almost ten years of successful transportation and transit projects. About 20% of those revenues went directly into the transit system. We had tried to get a larger share, but the Council wouldn't buy it. Now, the entire tax is being proposed for transit which seems like a good idea to me. When gasoloine is up to $5 a gallon in a few years this will really pay off.
I would advise the Mayor and City Council to complete a truly effective grid system for bus service throughout the city. I think once that is done the Streetcar proposal would probably fly. I still like the concept and have seen it work in Salt Lake City where often it is standing room only on their system.
Now, if we can just convince the naysayers in Santa Fe that the Rail Runner won't ruin their lives we will have made real progress on transportation in the Middle Rio Grande corridor.
Governor's race has been slapped down on his progressive streetcar proposal. I hope he doesn't let the reaction to this idea stop him from turning to left center a little more. Of course, the Albuquerque Journal will bury this proposal in negative stories and any vote on it will not be successful. I have to admit even some of my left leaning friends feel 270 million dollars for a "Nob Hill Streetcar" probably wont fly with west side voters. Selling this to the voters will be difficult. When the original transportation tax was passed during my term as Mayor the first polls showed it passing with about a 65% margin. After the right wing city councillors, were done complaining to the newspapers and talk shows it passed by about 1%, but it did pass and we have had almost ten years of successful transportation and transit projects. About 20% of those revenues went directly into the transit system. We had tried to get a larger share, but the Council wouldn't buy it. Now, the entire tax is being proposed for transit which seems like a good idea to me. When gasoloine is up to $5 a gallon in a few years this will really pay off.I would advise the Mayor and City Council to complete a truly effective grid system for bus service throughout the city. I think once that is done the Streetcar proposal would probably fly. I still like the concept and have seen it work in Salt Lake City where often it is standing room only on their system.
Now, if we can just convince the naysayers in Santa Fe that the Rail Runner won't ruin their lives we will have made real progress on transportation in the Middle Rio Grande corridor.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Transition II
I attended the session regarding alternative and renewable energy at the Governor's Energy and Environment Transition meeting this morning. It was a good session and the Team listened to a nice mix of comments on the need to push into new frontiers when it comes to new forms of energy. It was all there, clean coal, nuclear, wind, biomass and geothermal. No one got up to represent the oil and gas industry.
Tax incentives seem to be seen as a major tool by many in affecting positive progress for renewable energy development. Oil companies have been getting lots of those in the last few years by ultimately not being charged windfall profits tax. So they better not complain. Yes, they still pay for a lot of stuff in our state through their taxes. They also pay a lot for taking state owned oil and gas, which is not a tax. The fact of the matter is that someone has to be thinking hard about how New Mexico will fund its government once the oil and gas guys are relegated to the dust bin of history. Those taxes and royalties will have to be replaced somehow if state government is to continue to function. In just a few years as production slips we might see some of its effects, although volatile and higher oil and gas prices might put that off for a while.
We need to think hard on this issue for the sake of our educational system in this state. Kids who are entering kindergarten next year will be facing this crunch by the time they are seniors in high school. Not much time.
Tax incentives seem to be seen as a major tool by many in affecting positive progress for renewable energy development. Oil companies have been getting lots of those in the last few years by ultimately not being charged windfall profits tax. So they better not complain. Yes, they still pay for a lot of stuff in our state through their taxes. They also pay a lot for taking state owned oil and gas, which is not a tax. The fact of the matter is that someone has to be thinking hard about how New Mexico will fund its government once the oil and gas guys are relegated to the dust bin of history. Those taxes and royalties will have to be replaced somehow if state government is to continue to function. In just a few years as production slips we might see some of its effects, although volatile and higher oil and gas prices might put that off for a while.
We need to think hard on this issue for the sake of our educational system in this state. Kids who are entering kindergarten next year will be facing this crunch by the time they are seniors in high school. Not much time.
Transition Teams
I am going to drop by the Governor's Energy and Environment Transition Team meeting today in Albuquerque. I am hopeful it will concentrate on renewable and alternative energy issues, which the Governor has already signed onto big time.
I am reading a book titled "The End of Oil" by Paul Roberts right now. It is a sobering look at our planet's energy consumption and supplies and it really makes clear that the oil industry's future is not bright. That is not because they are inefficient at what they do, it is because the worlds supply of oil and its production has peaked and may well just dribble away within thirty years.
China's demands for oil and energy in the next twenty years alone will surpass today's total worldwide production of oil.
In the meantime we in New Mexico have to figure out, while there is still time, how our state government will function with little or no oil revenues in the future.
I am reading a book titled "The End of Oil" by Paul Roberts right now. It is a sobering look at our planet's energy consumption and supplies and it really makes clear that the oil industry's future is not bright. That is not because they are inefficient at what they do, it is because the worlds supply of oil and its production has peaked and may well just dribble away within thirty years.
China's demands for oil and energy in the next twenty years alone will surpass today's total worldwide production of oil.
In the meantime we in New Mexico have to figure out, while there is still time, how our state government will function with little or no oil revenues in the future.
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