TUESDAYS ELECTION RESULTS

RUIDOSO MAYOR

RAY ALBORN 46%

JOAN ZAGONE 28%

JAMES GIBSON 20%

DON WILLIAMS 7%

RUIDOSO VILLAGE COUNCIL

JIM STODDARD 21%

RAFAEL SALAS 18%

DENISE DEAN 16%

GLORIA SAYERS 13%

DON DUTTON 12%

FRANKLIN PIRELLI 7%

JERRY SHAW 7%

RICHARD ALBERS JR. 6%

RUIDOSO DOWNS CITY COUNCIL

DEAN HOLMAN 25%

TOMMY HOOD 25%

BOB MILLER 19%

THOMAS CHAVEZ 17%

TULAROSA MAYOR

RAY CORDOVA 324

THOMAS MCKEAN 202

TULAROSA MUNICIPAL JUDGE

TIMOTHY FLORES 362

VILLAGE TRUSTEE

GLORIA SAINZ 300

JOSEPH LUERAS 275

MARGARET TRUJILLO 243

CARRIZOZO MAYOR

MIKE PETTY 247

MANNY HERNANDEZ 154

CARRIZOZO TOWN COUNCIL

WES LINDSAY 223

LEE GROSS 192

JUDY FITZPATRICK 155

JAMIE GIEB 123

ROSE KRATOCHVIL 43

CAPITAN MAYOR

SAMMY HAMMONS 207

GEORGE TIPPIN 129

BERNHARD REIMANN 99

CAPITAN VILLAGE TRUSTEE

RICKY LAMAY 321

DIANE RISKA 228

DENNIS HASKELL 185

GREGORY FLORES 32

MUNCIPAL JUDGE

J.D. ROEHRIG 307

WILLIAM THOMPSON 76

CLOUDCROFT MAYOR

DAVE VENABLE 116

JAMES MAYNARD 110

DAND TISDALE 24

CLOUDCROFT VILLAGE TRUSTEES

STEVE OCONNOR 164

JERRY SUTHERLIN 148

THE STATE’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD WILL LOOK AT WHETHER ITS TIME TO SAY “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH CLIMATE CHANGE POLLUTION IN THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT. THE SIERRA CLUB, NEW ENERGY ECONOMY AND MORE THAN A DOZEN OTHER GROUPS IN NEW MEXICO ARE ASKING FOR A SCIENCE BASED CAP ON GREENHOUSE GASES PRODUCED IN THE STATE. OPPONENTS OF THE CAP WORRY ABOUT THE COST OF COMPLIANCE AND THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS THAT COULD HAVE ON THE INDUSTRY. CRITICS OF THE CAP ALSO CHARGE IT COULD LEAD TO HIGHER ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY COSTS FOR CONSUMERS.

GOVERNOR RICHARDSON AND ACCLAIMED FILMAKER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE ROBERT BEDFORD ANNOUNCED THE DETAILS OF A UNIQUE COLLABORATION CALLED “ MILAGRO AT LOS LUCEROS.” PROGRAMS WILL BEGIN THIS SPRING AND WILL INCLUDE A SERIES OF LABS, WORKSHOPS, AND DISCUSSIONS. THE FOCUS WILL BE ON CREATING AND EXPANDING TRIANING PROGRAMS IN FILM, ARTS AND THE ENVIORNMENT. THE COLLABORATION INCLUDES MR. REDFORD, THE NEW MEXICO DEPT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS, AND THE NEW MEXICO FILM OFFICE WHICH IS PART OF THE STATE’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPT.

ROAD WORK CONTINUES ON GRINDSTONE CANYON ROAD THIS WEEK. THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC TETWEEN ARAPAHOE TRAIL AND RESORT DRIVE. ACCESS TO RESORT DRIVE WILL REMAIN OPEN. THIS ROAD WORK IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. DRIVERS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION IN THIS AREA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION YOU CAN CALL THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT AT 357-2386.

OFFICIALS WITH THE 49^TH FIGHTER WING ARE ENCOURAGING MILITARY PERSONNEL AND REGULAR VISTIORS TO PLAN AHEAD AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN VISITING THE BASE IN THE COMING MONTHS DUE TO A ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BEING COMPLETED. THE DELAYS AND CLOSURES WILL AFFECT SABRE ROAD LOCATED IN THE NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF THE BASE AND DELAYS COULD BE EXPERIENCED THROUGHOUT THE BASE DUE TO THE TRAFFIC BACKUPS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOSURE. THE COMMISSARY, BX AND MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION. BECAUSE OF THIS WORK THE LA LUZ GATE HOURS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO 5:30 AM TO 6PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

THE GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED FOUR PIECES OF LEGISLATION FORM THE 2010 SESSION. THREE OF THE BILLS IN PARTICULAR ARE CRUCIAL FOR SOUTHER NEW MEXICO….THE SPACEPORT INFORMED CONSENT ACT, THIS BILL ESTABLISHES SPACE FLIGHT INFORMED CONSENT AS PUBLIC POLICY WITH THE STATE WHICH REQUIRES THAT SPACE GOERS BE FULLY INFORMD OF THE RISKS OF SPACE FLIGHT. THE COLONIAS INFRASTRUCTURE ACT AND FUND, WHICH ENSURES THAT THE STATES SMALLEST, POOREST COMMUNITIES GET THE MUCH NEEDED FUNDING THAT THEY NEED. AND THE LAS CRUCES TAX INCREMENT PROJECT BOND BILL, WHICH GIVES THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE TAX INCREMENTING FINANCE BONDS TO REDEVELOP THEIR DOWNTOWN. HE ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW PROTECTIONS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES WHO SPEAK OUT AGAINST GOVERNMENT WRONG DOING, THIS ACT PROTECTS STATE EMPLOYEES WHO SPEAK OUT ABOUT UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY AND GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION.

MORE DETAILS ON TAX HIKES AND SPENDING CUTS IN A NEW STATE BUDGET PLAN HAS EMERGED, AS LAWMAKERS RETURN TO THE CAPITOL FOR A SPECIAL SESSION ON THE BUDGET. THE PLAN, HAMMERED OUT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS BY TOP RANKING HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS, WOULD INCREASE THE STATE’S GROSS RECEIPT TAX, RAISE THE TAX ON CIGARETTES AND HAVE NEW MEXICO CITIES REINSTATE A PORTION OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ON FOOD ITEMS THAT WAS REPEALED SIX YEARS AGO. MOST STATE AGENCIES WOULD SEE A TWO PERCENT CUT IN FUNDING NEXT YEAR, THOUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION WOULD HAVE ITS TOTAL FUNDING REDUCED BY ABOUT ONE PERCENT COMPARED WITH THIS YEARS SPENDING LEVEL. THE PLAN WOULD RESULT IN SLIGHTLY MORE THAN $233 MILLION PER YEAR IN NEW TAXES AS WELL AS LESS MONEY FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES AS THE STATE GRAPPLES WITH A PROJECTED DEFICIT OF BETWEEN $500 AND $600 MILLON FOR THE BUDGET YEAR THAT BEGINS IN JULY.

MORE THAN ELEVEN SQUARE MILES OF NEW MEXICO, INCLUDING THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF HUNTING LAND NEAR THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST, WILL BE OFFERED AT AUCTION AT ONE PM MARCH 30^TH WITH WESTCHESTOR AUCTIONS MANAGING THE SALE. THE 7,320 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED IN LINCOLN COUNTY NEAR CORONA, WILL BE SOLD IN FIVE TRACTS RANGING FROM 640 ACRES TO 2,560 ACRES. IT INCLUDES 6,880 DEEDED ACRES, 320 ACRES LEASED FROM THE STATE AND 120 ACRES LEASED FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT. THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE  INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS IN MESCALERO, FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN GO TO WESTCHESTER AUCTIONS DOT COM.

LONNIE R NUNLEY , MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO, HAS CALLED A WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO FOR TOMMORROW FROM 3:30PM TO 4:15PM. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS. THE PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING WILL BE A DISCUSSION  ON REPORTS FROM VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO STAFF AND CONSULTANTS REGARDING THE GRINDSTONE DAM.

A PRODUCTION CREW FROM THE FOX NEWS CHANNEL, INCLUDING RETIRED MARINE LT COL OLIVER NORTH VISITED HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE THURSDAY TO WRAP UP A DOCUMENTARY ON THE AIR FORCE’S REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT MISSION.  THE CREW MET MEMBERS OF THE 849^TH AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SQUADRON TO COORDINATE SCREEN SHOTS IN FRONT OF THE MQ-1 PREDATOR AND MQ9 REAPER FOR MR NORTH’S DOCUMENTARY SERIES, “ WAR STORIES WITH OLIVER NORTH”.  THE FOX CREW BEGAN THEIR QUEST TO TELL THE RPA STORY IN AFGHANISTAN SIX MONTHS AGO,  AND HAS SINCE TRAVELED AROUND THE U.S. TO DISCOVER THE INS AND OUTS OF THE REAPER AND PREDATOR PROGRAM, INCLUDING THOSE WHO DESIGN, PRODUCE AND CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT. THE DOCUMENTARY IS SCHEDULED TO AIR ON THE FOX NEWS CHANNEL BETWEEN THE END OF MARCH AND BEGINNING OF APRIL.

LAWMAKERS MAY HAVE BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO THE DEPLETED IGNITION INTERLOCK FUND THAT WAS SET UP TO HELP LOW INCOME DWI OFFENDERS PAY FOR THE COURT ORDERED DEVICE. UNDER LEGISLATION THAT PASSED DURING THE FINAL HOURS OF THE SESSION, UNIFORM STATEWIDE GUIDELINES WOULD BE SET TO DEFINE WHO COULD TAP INTO THE FUND. CURRENTLY ITS UP TO INDIVIDUAL JUDGES, AND THE DECISIONS VARY ACROSS THE STATE. THAT OPENED THE FUND TO OFFENDERS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD AN ALCOHOL SENSING INTERLOCK….ONE OF THE REASONS THE FUND HAS DRIED UP. NEW MEXICO’S 2005 INTERLOCK LAW REQUIRES ALL DWI OFFENDERS TO HAVE THE DEVICE INSTALLED. THE DEVICE MUST BE BLOWN INTO EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ITS COSTS $100  TO INSTALL ONE, $100 TO HAVE IT REMOVED AND $100 A MONTH.

STATE LAWMAKERS RETURN WEDNESDAY TO RESUME HAMMERING OUT A BUDGET, AND A NEW REPORT POINTS TO ANOTHER IMPORTANT ITEM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DEBATE…STATE PENSION AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS TO RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. THE REPORT FINDS NEW MEXICO’S SYSTEM IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT. SUE URAHN IS MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE PEW CENTER ON THE STATES, WHICH RELEASED A REPORT LATE LAST WEEK LOOKING AT HOW EACH STATE GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN MANAGING ITS PENSION AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS. SHE SAYS NEW MEXICO COMES UP SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACK…ONE OF THE STATES THAT ISN’T OF SERIOUS CONCERN, BUT STILL IN NEED OF IMPROVEMNET. MANY PUBLIC EMPLOYEES HAVEN’T BEEN HAPPY WITH SOME OF THE REFORMS SO FAR, INCLUDING REDUCING TAKE HOME PAY TO FILL IN SOME OF THE GAP. THE STATES UNFUNDED PENSION LIABILITY IN 08 WAS GREATER THAN THE STATE’S ANNUAL PAYROLL.  BUT NEW MEXICO WAS AMONG THE TOP TEP STATES IN TERMS OF THE PERCENTAGE OF FUNDING SET ASIDE FOR ITS LONG TERM BILL FOR RETIREE HEALTH CARE AND OTHER BENEFITS.

ACCORDING TO A REPORT  FROM Casino City’s North American Gaming Almanac Gaming revenue in New Mexico increased by 15 million DOLLARS,  or 4 POINT 27 percent in 2008.  Revenue from casinos/card rooms, lotteries and racing/sports totaled 368 million DOLLARS in 2008….That’s up from 353 million in 2007, 349 million in 2006 and 310 million in 2005.  The almanac also provides casino and card room revenue for the first nine months of 2009. That figure totaled 187 million, down 4 for the same period in 2008.  The almanac also provides casino and card room revenue for the first nine months of 2009. That figure totaled 187 million DOLLARS, down 4 percent  for the same period in 2008.

THE WELL BEING OF THE STATE’S RESIDENTS IS DOWN COMPARED TO LAST YEAR…THAT ACCORDING TO A NEW GALLUP POLL.  Gallup does an annual poll of the well-being of those in every state and congressional district. New Mexico overall ranks 31st of the 50 states in the country while New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District once again ranks below the other two congressional districts in the state.  New Mexico has a well-being score of 65.3, down exactly one point from a year ago.

As for each congressional district, only the 2nd congressional district was in the bottom half of congressional districts — it ranked 360th out of the 435 congressional districts. NEW MEXICO’S 1st Congressional District ranked 216th and the 3rd Congressional District led the way at 158th.

AN ON-LINE STING OPERATION HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF A ROSWELL MAN, ON SUSpicion of sexually exploiting children.

New Mexico State Police say 54-year-old LeRoy Torres was taken into custody Friday night by the On Line Predator Unit following an investigation.

police made contact with Torres via the internet POSING AS A MINOR. On multiple occasions, police say Torres asked what he believed to be a child to engage in sexual activity over a computer.  agents were able to trace the illegal activity to a residence in Roswell.

After serving a search warrant, police analyzed Torres’ home computer and say he had been photographing and engaged in illegal sexual acts with children. Torres has been booked into the Chavez County detention center on charges ranging from criminal sexual contact to possession and distribution of child pornography.

THE FINAL PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY AT THE NEW MEXICO SPACEPORT.  Crews have started pouring CONCRETE on the spaceport’s TEN THOUSAND foot runway…THE RUNWAY IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY THIS SUMMER.  The runway is designed to support nearly every aircraft in the world and day-to-day space tourism and payload launch operations, including returning launch vehicles, fly-back rocket boosters and other training vehicles.

Spaceport America executive director Steve Landeene says the concrete pour is a significant milestone in the realization of the spaceport.

THE GOVERNOR APPLAUDED THE RECENT RULING BY THE NEW MEXICO SUPREME COURT CONCERNING ADMISSIBILITY OF BLOOD ALCOHOL ANALYSIS REPORTS IN DWI CASES. THE SUPREME COURT RECENTLY ISSUED AN IMPORTANT DECISION CONCERNING THE ADMISSIBILITY OF CERTAIN BLOOD ALCOHOL ANALYSIS REPORTS IN DWI PROSECUTIONS. THE ADMISSIBILITY OF THESE ANALYSIS REPORTS HAD BEEN IN QUESTION BECAUSE OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT’S RULING IN THE MELENDEZ-DIAZ CASE. DWI CZAR RACHEL O’CONNER SAID SHE COMMENDED THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT WHICH ENSURES THAT LABE EVIDENCE CONCERNING INTOXICATION LIVELS IN DWI CASES CAN CONTINUE TO BE HEARD BY JUDGES AND JURIES ACROSS THE STATE.

THE STATE INVESTMENT OFFICE WILL DISTRIBUTE MORE THAN $720 MILLION DOLLARS TO ITS BENEFICIARIES FROM THE PREMANENT FUNDS DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, AN INCREASE OF ALMOST $8 MILLION OVER THE CURRENT YEAR. THE OVERALL ASSETS MANAGED BY THE STATE INVESTMENT COUNCIL GREW FROM $11.66 BILLION TO $13.42 BILLION IN 2009.

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO BENEFICIARIES ARE BASED ON A FIVE YEAR ROLLING AVERAGE OF THE STATES PERMANENT ENDOWMENT, AND ARE ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE CONSTITUTION. WHILE THE CREDIT CRISIS AND MARKET COLLAPSE OF 2008 LED TO HISTORICALLY BAD RETURNS, THE FUND EXPERIENCED A FAIR AMOUNT OF RECOVERY IN 2009.

AN ALAMOGORDO MAN WAS KILLED BY OTERO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES, AFTER TAKING A HOSTAGE AND LEADING AUTHORITIES ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE YESTERDAY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS , AN UN-NAMED MALE SUSPECT WAS SHOT AT ABOUT SIX PM BY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES WHILE HE WAS HOLDING A WOMAN HOSTAGE AT GUNPOINT. THE VICTIM WAS UN-INJURED. THE INCIDENT BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER THREE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WITH REPORTS OF SHOTS FIRED AT THE ALAMO INN. NO OTHER INFORMATION IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. THE FOUR OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE SHOOTING HAVE BEEN PLACE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE PENDING A STATE POLICE INVESTIGATION.

A BILL AIMED AT REDUCING THE COST OF RUNNING ELECTIONS IN NEW MEXICO PASSED THROUGH THE HOUSE FLOOR. HB238, INITIATED BY SECRETARY OF STATE MARY HERRERA AND INTRODUCED EARLIER IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, SPECIFIES THAT ALL EARLY AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE SAVED AND USED AS BACK UP BALLOTS IF NECESSARY. THE BILL RECEIVED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FROM THE VOTERS OF ELECTIONS COMMITTEE EARLIER THIS WEEK. THE HOUSE PASSED THE MEASURE WITH A VOTE OF 49 TO 21, AND HAS AN EMERGENCY CLAUSE ATTACHED. THE BILL NOW HEADS FOR THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION. IF SIGNED INTO LAW, THIS LEGISLATION WOULD CHANGE THE CURRENT POLICY OF DESTRUCTING EXCESS EARLY AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS ON THE MONDAY PRIOR TO AN ELECTION AND ALLOW THEM TO BE USED ON ELECTION DAY. THIS WOULD RESULT IN A COST SAVINGS IN EXCESS OF $800,000.

WHILE STATE LAWMAKERS STRUGGLE WITH BALANCING NEXT YEARS BUDGET, BAD NEWS SURFACES ABOUT THE STATE’S BANK ACCOUNT FOR THIS YEAR. SENIOR LAWMAKERS SAY STATE GOVERNMENT IS DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO WRITIN HOT CHECKS AS REVENUES FOR THIS BUDGET YEAR ARE DOWN BY $40 MILLION DOLLARS. THAT MEANS DIPPING INTO THE STATES RESERVES TO PAY BILLS FOR THE CURRENT BUDGET YEAR ENDING JUNE 30^TH. THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE REMAIN SPLIT OVER NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET WITH THE SENATE SPENDING LESS AND RAISING FEWER TAXES AND THE HOUSE BOTH SPENDING LESS AND TAXING MORE. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE TRYING TO WORK OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES AS THE CLOCK TICKS TOWARDS THURSDAY NOON WHICH IS THE END OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

IN 2008, NEW MEXICO WAS RANKED 9^TH IN THE UNITED STATES IN IDENTITY THEFT CASES AND HAD A TWENTY PERCENT INCREASE IN SACES FROM 2007 TO 2008. THE ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA HAD AN INCREASE IN 2008 OF 17.6%, SANTA FE SAW A 28% INCREASE AND LAS CRUCES REPORTED A 29.5 % INCREASE. THE 2009 FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IDENTITY THEFT DATA CLEARING HOUSE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN A FEW WEEKS AND THEY ARE EXPECTED TO SHOW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN IDENTITY THEFT ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN LINE WITH THE JAVLIN SURVEY WHICH WAS RELEASED ON FEBRUARY TENTH OF THIS YEAR. THAT SURVEY HIGHLIGHTED AN INCREASE IN IDENTITY FRAUD VICTIMS FROM 9.9 MILLION AMERICANS IN 2008 TO 11.1 MILLION IN 2009….THAT REFLECTS A 37% INCREASE SINCE 2007.

A TRANSPARENCY BILL THAT WOULD FORCE PROSPECTIVE STATE CONTRACTORS TO DISCLOSE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES OVER $250 AND REGISTER WITH THE STATES DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION PASSED THE SENATE ON MONDAY. A BILL THAT WOULD BAN DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES BY LOBBYISTS AND CONTRACTORS SAW ANOTHER DELAY IN THE HOUSE. THE CHAMBER DEBATED THE ISSUE BEFORE PULLING IT OFF THE FLOOR. THE HOUSE CONTRIBUTION BAN BILL HB118 SAW OPPOSITION IN THE FLOOR DEBATE AFTER THE BILL WAS STRIPPED OF MANY OF ITS ORIGINAL PROHIBITIONS IN HOUSE COMMITTEES. REMOVED FROM THE BILL WERE PROVISIONS THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED SOLICITATION BY LOBBYISTS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS, PROVIDED MORE DONATION DISCLOSURE FROM SOME NONPROFITS AND STOPPED CORPORATIONS FROM DONATING. OPPONENTS  OF THE BILL SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REGISTRATION AND EASIER ACCESS TO CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION COULD LEAD TO STATE RETALIATION AGAINST CONTRACTORS.

SEVERAL APPONTEES HAVE BEEN NAMED THIS WEEK IN STATE GOVERNMENT. THE STATE SENATE APPROVED KEN ORTIZ AT THE NEW SECRETARY FOR THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS. JOHN WHEELER HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE STATE SENATE AS CABINET SECRETARY OF THE DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN A UNANIMOUS VOTE. THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED WHEELER IN MAY OF 2009 TO FILL THAT VACANT POSITION. AND RICHARDSON ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF GARY FONAY OF HOBBS TO FILL THE NEW MEXICO STATE GAME COMMISSION JOB. 

REPRESENTATIVES voted 41-28 against the bill Sunday (02-14) after some lawmakers said they were concerned that STATE RESIDENTS would be hit with yet another tax if the measure passed.  Under the failed legislation, the motor vehicle excise tax would have gone from 3 percent to 4 percent. The increase would have raised an estimated $34 million during the next fiscal year and more than $37 million the year after that.

A SENATE COMMITTEE DEALT THE FINAL BLOW TO A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP BILL BEING CONSIDERED IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

The Senate Finance Committee YESTERDAY (MONDAY FEB 15) voted 7-4 to table Senate Bill 183. That means it’s stuck in the committee and won’t get a floor hearing by the end of the legislative session, which ends at noon Thursday.

SENATOR ROD ADAIR OF ROSWELL, WAS AMONG THOSE VOTING TO TABLE THE BILL.

The committee’s action delivers another blow to Gov. Bill Richardson, who had made the domestic-partnership bill one of his legislative priorities.

THE NEW MEXICO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VOTED DOWN A PROPOSAL THAT WOULD HAVE INCRASED THE VEHICLE EXCISE TAX.  

REPRESENTATIVES voted 41-28 against the bill Sunday (02-14) after some lawmakers said they were concerned that STATE RESIDENTS would be hit with yet another tax if the measure passed.  Under the failed legislation, the motor vehicle excise tax would have gone from 3 percent to 4 percent. The increase would have raised an estimated $34 million during the next fiscal year and more than $37 million the year after that.

THE BONITO FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A FIRE AT 105 WILD TURKEY COURT IN ALTO AROUND 11 FRIDAY NIGHT.   THE THREE MEN OCCUPYING THE HOME ESCAPED WITHOUT INJURY, HOWEVER THE FIRE DESTROYED MUCH OF THE HOME.  THE BONITO FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD SIX TRUCKS ON THE SCENE MUCH OF THE NIGHT.  THE RUIDOSO FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED WITH TWO TRUCKS. 

AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE NEW MEXICO FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE WAS ON THE SCENE SATURDAY

A DOG INFECTED WITH PLAGUE IN SANTA FE IS THIS YEARS FIRST INDICATION OF THE BACTERIAL ILLNESS IN NEW MEXICO, HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORTED. THE DOG, WHICH HAS RECOVERED, WAS FOUND CHEWING ON A DEAD RODENT IN THE SANGRE DE CRISTO FOOTHILLS. THE DOG BECAME ILL WITH FEVER, LETHARGY AND VOMITING. SIX HUMAN CASES OF PLAGUE INCLUDING THREE SANTA FE COUNTY, WERE REPORTED IN NEW MEXICO IN 2009. ONE OF THE SANTA FE CASES WAS AN EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY WHO DIED. SYMPTOMS OF PLAGUE IN HUMANS INCLUDE SUDDEN ONSET OF FEVER, CHILLS, HEADACHES AND WEAKNESS. IN MOST CASES THERE IS  A PAINFUL SWELLING OF THE LYMPH NODE IN THE GROIN, ARMPIT OR NECK AREAS.

THE RUIDOSO OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO GET THE H1-N1 VACCINE OUT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS IT, AND THEY’RE ESPECIALLY TARGETING KIDS.  A FREE FLU CLINIC WILL BE HELD THIS FRIDAY AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL.  MILLIE SMITH FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE SAYS THE FLU COULD BE MAKING A COMEBACK, BUT THEY’RE PREPARED.

                             WE’VE TO PLENTY…08

                             …TWO OR THREE MONTHS

THIS FRIDAY’S FLU CLINIC WILL BE HELD AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FROM 9 TO 11 AM AND AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL FROM 5 TO 7 PM.  CHILDREN MUST HAVE A SIGNED CONSENT FORM WITH THEM, OR BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE.  CONSENT FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HEALTH OFFICE OR AT THE FLU CLINICS.

Congressman Harry Teague will host Job Resources Fairs in Roswell TOMORROW (02-17 Wednesday) and Las Cruces on Feb. 22.  Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies in the area with immediate job openings to fill. Additionally, experts will be on hand to offer advice on career training, resume development and interviewing skills, as well as other benefits available and resources to aid in your career search. Smaller, half-hour breakout sessions focused on these issues will be held throughout the course of the event.

The NEW MEXICO legislature unanimously passed separate bills Tuesday (feb 09) that will require auto manufacturers to buy back a dealer’s inventory of vehicles, signs and special equipment if a franchise is canceled. Under the legislation, Dealers also would receive compensation for idled buildings and property.  The legislation came in response to General Motors and Chrysler dropping dealerships last year as part of a restructuring of the financially troubled auto industry.

THE NEW MEXICO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY (FEB 09/10) APPROVED AN OIL  TAX INCREASE TO HELP PAY FOR REMEDIATION OF A BRINE WELL IN DANGER OF COLLAPSING IN CARLSBAD.   THE HIGHER TAX RATE WOULD APPLY ON OIL PRODUCTION WHEN PRICES EXCEED 70 DOLLARS PER BARREL…AND IS EXPECTED TO generate $2 million a year.

A brine well has created a giant cavern beneath part of Carlsbad. There’s a risk of a cave-in that could damage a highway, a church, a trailer park, businesses and an irrigation canal.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ANNOUNCED THAT SOLAR DESTINCTION INC WILL BUILD A STATE OF THE ART PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURING PLANT IN ALBUQUERQUE. THE PLANT WILL EMPLOY 300 PEOPLE WITHIN THE FIRST TWO TO THREE YEARS AND GROW TO A WORKFORCE OF 500 EMPLOYEES. SOLAR DISTINCTION ANTICIPATES INITIALLY OPERATING A 25 MEGA WATT SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURING PLANT IN THE  ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, EXPANDING TO 50 MEGA WATTS WITHIN TWO YEARS. IN ADDITION TO MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS AT THE SITE, THE COMPANY WILL BASE ITS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR POWER GENERATION, STORAGE AND END USER APPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTIAL AND CONSUMER INDUSTRIES HERE IN NEW MEXICO.

THIS IS THE FOURTH GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT ANNOUNCED IN 2010 BY THE GOVERNOR.

Secretary of STATE SAYS HER OFFICE DOESN’T HAVE enough money for 2010 primary or general election.

In a letter sent to legislators Herrera says as of now the state is $467,800 short for the primary and $784,450 short for the general election.

The Secretary of State’s office faced similar situation in 2008, so they went to the state board of finance for a loan. That loan is still outstanding at the board. The outstanding balance isn’t an obstacle when approaching the finance board again, Herrera told state lawmakers. But it’s that the board has only $1.5 million to cover disasters around the state and Herrera’s office would need the $1.2 million of that to put on the elections.

THE SENATE VOTED 32-8 ON WEDNESDAY TO ELIMINATE A REQUIREMENT THAT THOSE WHO LEGALLY CARRY CONCEALED HANDGUNS TAKE A REFRESHER COURSE TWO YEARS AFTER A LICENSE IS ISSUED OR RENEWED. SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER STUART INGLE OF PORTALES SAID THE TWO HOUR COURSE WAS UNNECESSARY AND NOT REQUIRED IN ANY OTHER STATE THAT HAS A CONCEALED CARRY LAW. OPPONENTS WERE CONCERNED THAT SOME CONCEALED CARRY LICENSEES MAY HAVE HAD LIMITED OR NO EXPERIENCE WITH HANDGUNS BEFORE BECOMING LICENSED, AND COULD USE THE ADDITIONAL TRAINING. STILL IN PLACE, IF THE BELL WERE TO BECOME LAW, WOULD BE A REQUIREMENT FOR A REFRESHER COURSE WHEN LICENSES ARE RENEWED. THE BILL SB212 GOES TO THE HOUSE.

NEW MEXICANS COULD SKIP LONG LINES AT MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION OFFICES BY RENEWING THEIR LICENSES ELECTRONICALLY OR THROUGH THE MAIL, UNDER A BILL THE SENATE ENDORSED ON WEDNESDAY. THE BILL PASSED 39-2, BUT ONLY AFTER HEATED DEBATE ON THE SENATE FLOOR. SENATOR ROD ADAIR OF ROSWELL, TRIED TO ADD A PROVISION TO THE BILL REQUIRING THAT DRIVERS LICENSES BE ISSUED ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS. HE CITED CONCERNS ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISTS. OPPONENTS OF THE AMENDMENT SAID IT WAS AN ATTACK ON IMMIGRANTS THAT UNFAIRLY LINKED MEXICAN NATIONALS TO AL-QAIDA. THE BILL NOW GOES TO THE HOUSE.

A WATER MAIN BREAK ALONG HIGHWAY 70 IN RUIDOSO DOWNS HAS LEFT SOME RESIDENTS WITHOUT WATER FOR A TIME AND FORCED THE CLOSURE OF SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICES. THE WATER MAIN BREAK OCCURRED YESTERDAY. CITY CREWS REPAIRED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WATER REGULATION REQUIRE THAT THE AFFECTED WATER LINES BE SANITIZED AND CERTIFIED…AND RESULTS WON’T BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SOMETIME TOMMORROW AT THE EARLIEST. UNTIL CERTIFIED, RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES ON BOTH SIDES OF HIGHWAY 70 BETWEEN CHEROKEE MOBLIE VILLAGE AND K-BOB’S WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SERVICE. BECAUSE OF THAT, RUIDOSO DOWNS MAGISTRATE COURT, THE STATE MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT OFFICE, AND THE PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY.

THE STATE LEGISLATURE HAS TAKEN PRELIMINARY STEPS TO MOVE THE STATE’S MONEY OUT OF THE BIG FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND INTO SMALLER COMMUNITY BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS.   THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VOTED UNANIMOUSLY THIS WEEK FOR A BILL THAT ALLOWS THE STATE TO MOVE FROM TWO TO FIVE BILLION DOLLARS OF STATE FUNDS INTO THE SMALLER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The municipal funds bill still must be approved by New Mexico’s Senate but passage appears likely.

Governor Bill Richardson says he supports the legislation and will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

A HOUSE PANEL HAS TABLED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR NEW MEXICO’S PARTICIPATION IN A FUTURE CAP AND TRADE PROGRAM. MORE THAN TWO DOZEN PEOPLE PLEADED WITH LAWMAKERS LAST WEEK NOT TO PASS THE MEASURE, ARGUING IT COULD CRIPPLE BUSINESSES AND LEAD TO HIGHER UTILITY BILLS. SUPPORTERS SAY THE MEASURE WOULD NOT SET AN EMISSIONS CAP BUT RATHER GIVE REGULATORS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH RULES FOR EARLY EMISSIONS REDUCTION CREDITS AND VOLUNTARY OFFSETS.

MEXICAN GRAY WOLF NUMBERS ARE DROPPING IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO, DOWN TWENTY PERCENT IN THE PAST YEAR. THE 42 REMAINING ENDANGERED WOLVES ARE PART OF A TWELVE YEAR OLD REINTRODUCTION PROGRAM. UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST RICH FREDRICKSON SAYS THE FALLING NUMBERS THREATEN THE GENETIC DIVERSITY NEEDED FOR THE WOLF PACKS TO BECOME SELF SUSTAINING, BECAUSE MANY PUPS SEEKING TO MATE ARE CLOSELY RELATED. HE ALSO SAYS THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WHICH MANAGES THE REINTRODUCTION PROGRAM, NEEDS TO DEVELOP A SCIENCE BASED RECOVERY PLAN WITH EXPLICIT ATTENTION TO GENETIC MANAGEMENT AND GOALS. SOME RANCHERS HAVE OPPOSED REINTRODUCTION BECAUSE OF INSTANCES WHERE WOLVES HAVE KILLED LIVESTOCK OR PETS. CONSERVATION GROUPS HAVE RESPONDED WITH FENCING PROJECTS, MOUNTED PATROLS AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOSSES.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ANNOUNCED THAT SOLAR DESTINCTION INC WILL BUILD A STATE OF THE ART PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURING PLANT IN ALBUQUERQUE. THE PLANT WILL EMPLOY 300 PEOPLE WITHIN THE FIRST TWO TO THREE YEARS AND GROW TO A WORKFORCE OF 500 EMPLOYEES. SOLAR DISTINCTION ANTICIPATES INITIALLY OPERATING A 25 MEGA WATT SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURING PLANT IN THE  ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, EXPANDING TO 50 MEGA WATTS WITHIN TWO YEARS. IN ADDITION TO MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS AT THE SITE, THE COMPANY WILL BASE ITS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR POWER GENERATION, STORAGE AND END USER APPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTIAL AND CONSUMER INDUSTRIES HERE IN NEW MEXICO.

THIS IS THE FOURTH GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT ANNOUNCED IN 2010 BY THE GOVERNOR.

NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL ….THE HOUSE HAS REVIVED A TAX INCREASE PROPOSAL THAT FAILED LAST WEEK. THE PROCEDURAL MOVE ALLOWS THE HOUSE TO AGAIN DEBATE AND VOTE ON A BILL TO RAISE $90 MILLION BY ELIMINATING A STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION. HOWEVER THERE’S NO TIMETABLE FOR WHEN THE HOUSE WILL TAKE UP THE MEASURE. THE HOUSE LAST WEEK NARROWLY REJECTED THE PROPOSAL AS LAWMAKERS CONSIDERED OTHER TAX BILLS TO BALANCE THE STATE BUDGET. THE HOUSE AGREED ON A VOICE VOTE TUESDAY TO RECONSIDER THE MEASURE. REPUBLICANS TRIED TO BLOCK THE MOVE. THE BILL WOULD ELIMINATE AN INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR STATE AND LOCAL TAXES.

THE Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate a construction site IN ALAMOGORDO where a worker was electrocuted when his crane boom hit power lines.  THE worker was INJURED when the crane he was operating hit a high voltage power line. The  accident happened on Monday ( February 8, 2010) at the construction site of the new Otero Federal Credit Union building at 10th Street and Cuba Avenue IN ALAMOGORDO MONDAY AFTERNOON. AT LAST REPORT  Moises Rios IS in stable condition.

Investigators from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident

The NEW MEXICO legislature unanimously passed separate bills Tuesday (feb 09) that will require auto manufacturers to buy back a dealer’s inventory of vehicles, signs and special equipment if a franchise is canceled. Under the legislation, Dealers also would receive compensation for idled buildings and property.  The legislation came in response to General Motors and Chrysler dropping dealerships last year as part of a restructuring of the financially troubled auto industry.

THE NEW MEXICO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY (FEB 09/10) APPROVED AN OIL  TAX INCREASE TO HELP PAY FOR REMEDIATION OF A BRINE WELL IN DANGER OF COLLAPSING IN CARLSBAD.   THE HIGHER TAX RATE WOULD APPLY ON OIL PRODUCTION WHEN PRICES EXCEED 70 DOLLARS PER BARREL…AND IS EXPECTED TO generate $2 million a year.

A brine well has created a giant cavern beneath part of Carlsbad. There’s a risk of a cave-in that could damage a highway, a church, a trailer park, businesses and an irrigation canal.

THE LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER INSTALLED A DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT IN THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH. THIS STATE OF THE ART MACHINE WILL PROVIDE QUICKER EXAMS WITH AMPLIFIED RESOLUTION AND CONTRAST THAT WILL ASSIST WITH THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER. LCMC PROVIDES A MINIMUM OF 2,400 MAMMOGRAM EXAMS PER YEAR. DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY PROVIDES FASTER IMAGE ACQUISITION AND ENHANCED CLARITY AND IMAGE RESOLUTION, COMPARED TO ANALOG FILM PICTURES. IN ADDITION TO THAT, THE AVERAGE RADIATION DOSE DURING THE PREVENTATIVE EXAM, WHILE CONSIDERED LOW, WILL BE REDUCED BY AN ADDITIONAL TWENTY PERCENT WITH THE NEW DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT COMPARED TO ITS PREDECESSOR. LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER IS A COUNTY OWNED FACILITY LEASED BY PRESBYTERIAN HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

PNM HAS LAUNCHED THE PNM QUICK SAVE, A NEW HASSLE FREE PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES CUT ENERGY COSTS. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES SENDING A PNM APPROVED CONTRACTOR TO DO AN ON SITE ASSESSMENT TO IDENTIFY ENERGY SAVING OPPORTUNITIES AND PRESENTS A PROPOSAL. IF THE CUSTOMER APPROVES THE PROPOSAL, THE CONTRACTOR FILES THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK WITH PNM AND INSTALLS THE MEASURES. PNM PAYS A PORTION OF THE PROJECT COSTS DIRECTLY TO THE CONTRACTOR. THE CUSTOMER PAYS THE BALANCE AND IS USUALLY ABLE TO RECOVER THOSE OUT OF POCKET COSTS THROUGH UTILITY SAVINGS IN LESS THAN A YEAR. PNM SAYS THEY CAN HELP BUSINESSES FIND SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES IN LIGHTING, REFRIGERATION AND MORE.

A proposal that would have made it illegal for farmers, ranchers and other landowners to kill big game such as deer, elk and antelope for damaging crops has been doomed by a House panel.

The measure was tabled by the House Business and Industry Committee, effectively ending its chance of passing this year.

Critics say the legislation would have eliminated 1 of the few tools landowners have to protect their crops. Property owners across the state long have complained about wildlife overrunning their land and eating crops.

REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR THE QUALITY NEW MEXICO CONFERENC, SET FOR APRIL 21^ST AND 22^ND AT THE EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL IN ALBUQUERQUE. QUALITY NEW MEXICO IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO MOTIVATING, EDUCATING AND CONGATULATING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE STATE FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE. IT IS THE OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NEW MEXICO QUALITY AWARDS WHICH ARE PATTERNE3D AFTER THE MALCOM BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE, VISIT THE QUALITY NEW MEXICO WEB SITE.

NEW MEXICANS WITH TRAINING AND PERMITS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS FOR NEARLY A DECADE, BUT ONE SENATOR HAS INTRODUCED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW THE GUNS TO BE CARRIED INTO SOME PLACES THAT SERVE ALCOHOL. SENATE BILL 40 WOULD ALLOW CONCEALED HANDGUNS IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE BEER AND WINE. THE NEW MEXICO RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION HAS COME OUT AGAINST THE BILL SAYING IT PUTS TOO MUCH LIABILITY ON THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO CHECK FOR WEAPONS OR IN CASE A SHOOTOUT ERUPTS. OPPONENTS OF THE BILL SAY MIXING ALCOHOL WITH GUNS IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA.

THE RUIDOSO OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO GET THE H1-N1 VACCINE OUT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS IT, AND THEY’RE ESPECIALLY TARGETING KIDS.  A FREE FLU CLINIC WILL BE HELD THIS FRIDAY AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL.  MILLIE SMITH FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE SAYS THE FLU COULD BE MAKING A COMEBACK, BUT THEY’RE PREPARED. “THEY NEED TO GET A CONSENT FORM, AND HAS TO BE SIGNED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR US TO GIVE THE VACCINE TO THE CHILDREN. OR THEY CAN COME IN WITH THEIR KIDS IF that’s WHAT THEY PREFER.” THIS FRIDAY’S FLU CLINIC WILL BE HELD AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FROM 9 TO 11 AM AND AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL FROM 5 TO 7 PM.  CHILDREN MUST HAVE A SIGNED CONSENT FORM WITH THEM, OR BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE.  CONSENT FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HEALTH OFFICE OR AT THE FLU CLINICS.