Stop the Madness

This is just ridiculous.

Gravy Train Projected to End

Governor Bill Richardson really enjoys throwing money at education without any concern about the lack of results. He also loves to pretend to be a taxcutter. The result is that he has earned a misguided reputation as being fiscally responsible, but the truth is about to bite him where the sun doesn't shine.

A Very Good Point

A group observes Memorial Day the way it is intended, and end up under attack. Sometimes it really seems like we miss the bigger picture.

Homeland Security Fails the Little People

Last Friday at around 1:15 PM, an envelope containing a suspicious substance was received in the suite containing the Governor's office. The Governor, reportedly 40 feet away and several walls away, was evacuated along with Department of Public Safety Secretary John Denko and eventually Lt. Governor Diane Denish. For the most part, everyone else was left to continue as if nothing was happening. Staff at the Legislative Council Service could be found on the phone over two hours later without the slightest indication of threat or emergency.

In fact, according to major media outlets it wasn't until just before 4:00 PM that the entire capital was evacuated. This gave the Governor ample time to call a news conference.

"It's most likely a hoax but we're taking every necessary precaution," Gov. Bill Richardson, one of those evacuated [hours before anyone else], said at a news conference outside the capitol about three hours later.

The threat was aimed at Richardson, said Department of Public Safety Secretary John Denko. He would not describe the letter or its contents other than to say: "It was a threat and it was a bit nasty."

Richardson said he will not be intimidated.

Well, the Governor definitely proved his mettle by returning to the Capital to hold this news conference. After all, the threat was credible enough that Brian Grace, the governor's director of mail operations, "was subjected to decontamination on the spot (subscription) - which involves stripping and washing down with water and bleach." Obviously, this was a potentially serious threat.

Unfortunately, that raises an important question. Why were all the other state employees at the Capital left to toil and breathe air that could have contained anthrax traveling through the ventilation system? Schools have responded quicker to large burritos than the 2 1/2 hours it took to begin evacuation in response to a credible threat.

Now, the lack of concern for state employees is not the only problem. Based on published reports, it would seem that a Hazmat 101 refresher course for DPS would be in order. It was reported that the Governor and Secretary Denko evacuated to the Governor's Mansion to shower. Thinking of only his own comfort that Governor and the Secretary put many more at risk. According to basic Hazmat rules, containment is to immediately follow moving people to safety. Really not a great idea to have the Governor and the Secretary traveling from the Capital to the Governor's mansion to decontaminate while possibly contaminating a vehicle, the area from the Capital to the mansion and the mansion itself, not to mention the water system.

Not sure what is more bothersome -- the complete lack of concern shown for the welfare of state employees, or lack of definitions or protocols displayed by DPS (this department oversees State Homeland Security) for a credible threat. All of this sure does seem to support the assertions (subscription) made by Brigadier General Annette Sobel.

Let's Play a Game

My previous post talked about transformations (see comments from yesterday's post). The transformation from nonpartisan to partisian. Let's explore this further, shall we? Ok, watch carefully, but don't blink. You blinked, didn't you? Well, then you probably missed my metamorphosis. In a mere eight days, an "out-of-work post-college guy in Albuquerque who really follows politics" transformed yours truly from "conservative local blogger" to "radical conservative local blogger."

Funny, I don't feel any different. Although, I do wonder what the next stage will be. What comes after radical conservative? C'mon all you silent readers. Let's have a little fun at my expense. Post a comment and give me some insight into my future.

Do I become a gun-toting, radical, conservative, local blogger? Or, maybe a fanatical, radical, conservative local blogger? Possibly, a partisan, radical, conservative, local blogger? Well, you get the idea. Don't be shy. Let's see who can come up with the best description of what my future holds, and invite your friends to play. Those on the left, right and center are all welcome.

Conservative Choice for Mayor Emerges

The number of months left until Albuquerque's mayoral election can now be counted on one hand, and if you are a conservative living in the Duke City, the current list of candidates has left you feeling, well, nauseous.

On the one hand there is a group of big government "progressives" with plans that doom Albuquerque to become the inner city of surrounding communities. On the other hand, you have an incumbent of whom the nicest thing one might say (courtesy of Joe Monahan) is:

If there had been no ABQPAC fundraising scandal, no high-profile divorce, and no APD evidence room scandal, [Mayor Marty's] march to re-election would be unchallenged.

Somehow, I just don't think that's the resume of the type of leader we want to see serve a second term. Well, conservatives can now rejoice. I've got good news for you. Mike McEntee is seriously considering stepping up to provide a conservative alternative to the current slate of left-wing candidates and the ethically challenged incumbent.

Now, this would not be the first time former city councilor, Mike McEntee, has run for Mayor. The last time he was ensnared in the Hatch Act Minefield, and was punished by a partisan court for being an involved citizen in a nonpartisan race. This time around he is sending off a letter to the FAA and the OSC in order to obtain the rules in advance. Once he has the rules of the game in writing, he will announce his decision, and I for one, hope he decides to run.

Character Counts?

"DWI Suspect Back to Work at APS" (subscription) was the headline of Saturday's Albuquerque Journal. Now, we're not just talking about any APS employee. We're talking about chief business officer, Michael Vigil. You know, the guy who was one of the four superintendents when that was in vogue, and a man who still remains one of the highest paid employees of the district.

Granted, the law is on Mr. Vigil's side, but you have to wonder about Mr. Vigil's ethics. From this vantage point, they look pretty weak. It also brings to question what sort of recommendations Mr. Vigil might make at Wednesday's regular Board of Education meeting while discussing the district's $551 million budget.

As a business officer, he might, for example, suggest cutting this program. After all, actions speak much louder than words, and surely Mr. Vigil would be the first to admit that it is a frivolous use of district funds to allocate precious resources to programs that mean very little to APS leaders.

Governor's Office Scrambles to Make Nice

If you can't beat them, join them. A couple of weeks ago, Governor Richardson is slamming bloggers at a speaking engagement. Next thing you know, his political director is trying to make nice with the bloggers. She goes on and on about how the Governor is just misunderstood.

I couldn't decide which is the funnier part of the letter. The section that talks about how much the Governor is giving to the state Democratic Party. Or, the re-writing of history [slide down to July 4] to credit Governor Richardson with being the originator of the grassroots movement:

New Mexico is the first state in the country to put grassroots organizers on the ground. The grassroots organizer program was conceived, developed and funded by Governor Richardson and his organization.

Oh, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all, Governor Richardson was a member of the same administration where the Vice-President claimed he created the internet.

Mayor Marty Gets Called Out

When I was a kid in middle school and had a disagreement with some other kid, it pretty much always resulted in the same outcome. I'd end up being "called out after school." I always accepted. Kids who didn't show up would have to listen to taunts from the other kids for weeks. I don't know if that still happens, but Scarantino's recent post sure brings back memories. I wonder... If Mayor Marty, doesn't accept the challenge, do the City Councilors start calling him "chicken" followed by the appropriate sounds?

Pretty Impressive List

It's kind of hard to believe no one in the press has picked up this story. I would have at least expected it to be buried in some back pages somewhere. UNM's Micha Gisser is listed, so there is a New Mexico connection. Then again, when the mainstream media is forced to report that 75% of economists surveyed support private accounts, they still spend at least half of their column space undermining their own findings.

Equal Time Should Apply

So, Mayor Chavez finally got around to declaring his candidacy on Saturday, and it just so happened that Saturday was the first time I listened to his radio show on 770 KKOB. I've got to tell you, I was not impressed. Probably the most annoying part was the Mayor's constant admonishment to listeners to "call in to talk about good things." It felt like I was listening to a poorly written infomercial. I kept waiting for the Mayor to begin hawking Vapoorizer.

You know how tacky some of those campaign commercials can be. Well, now imagine one that goes on for 45 minutes. This is not something I would wish on my worse enemy. However, it does raise an interesting question. Now that the Mayor is officially a candidate, if his radio shows are going to continue, then shouldn't David Steele, Judy Espinosa and City Councilor Eric Griego be entitled to equal radio time every week. If you remember, when Larry Ahrens was running for Governor, he had to get off the air for precisely this reason.

I'd be really interested in knowing the answer to this question. Maybe someone would like to call the Mayor's office and 770 and find out for me. Please feel free to post their response as a comment. If you want to dial just one number, you can probably call that new call center the Mayor spent half his show gushing over.

Union Conspires with Homeowner Association

On Friday, I was sitting in my favorite office away from the office when a group of about six plops themselves right down next to me and begins to hold a meeting.

First, introductions are made all around. The first two to introduce themselves are union leaders. One guy mentions that he is the local President of the union that represents the workers in most of the supermarkets. The other guy is a regional representative. The rest of the folks introduce themselves as members of a homeowners association with two of the ladies proudly proclaiming they are currently in appeal on a case against a proposed Walmart Supercenter in their neighborhood.

Now the two unions representatives take a very serious tone. They talk about Walmart suing neighborhood associations and their members. The homeowners are quiet. Sensing that they've got a bite, the union leaders move to set the hook. They explain, "We can help. We're paid to stop Walmart to protect union jobs."

One of the ladies explains how she is pursuing her lawsuit. She wants the city's hands slapped for ignoring her. She starts a rant against the city and Walmart. "Walmart disrupts lives without any concern about the lives of people. The city lied to us... blatant disregard of our efforts." The empathic union rep responds, "That's how Walmart works."

The homeowner's voice begins to grow in volume "I pay taxes. The city needs to be punished and Walmart needs to be punished." She starts in again on her current appeal. The regional union representative realizes he must regain control of the discussion.

He says, "Your current approach is only going to slow down the building of the new Walmart." He reminds her there is a bigger goal, "Make sure that there are no Walmarts." Talk moves onto the "broad picture." Problems with capitalism and a big company's ability to get bigger and bigger. A lecture ensues on the Sherman Anti-trust Act.

All nod in agreement as he recites the gospel, " Walmart is controlling market prices." He explains that 26% of Albuquerque MSA market is controlled by Walmart. However, that apparently is the good news. They say that controlling over 30% of the market is a "potential" anti-trust violation and according to the economic analysis conducted by the union, Walmart will soon control 57% market share in Albuquerque.

A plan is revealed.

The union representatives paint a picture where they can work together to get Attorney General, Patsy Madrid, to enforce anti-trust laws. The regional rep says, "What we propose is that through neighborhood committees you write letters and make efforts to contact Patsy Madrid... It relates very specifically to your fights.... A trigger for Patsy Madrid is when this new supercenter tops 30% market share.

He goes on to promise, "The union will help write the letter." And then he educates the gathering on New Mexico politics. "Patsy Madrid because of term limits is serving her last term. Rumor is that she is going to run against Heather, and she needs an issue that she can hang her hat on."

The regional rep explains, "The union is excited. This has the potential to have the government get involved in the fight against Walmart. We can attack them on this different ground and force someone to look at the big picture."

Alas, I have to go to another a meeting, so I grudgingly close my laptop and stop my frantic notetaking. Although, not before I catch this gem, "We can save New Mexico."

An Interesting Proposal

There is a retired judge who is proposing an interesting solution to the DWI problem in the Land of Enchantment. He has the credentials to support his proposal.

A Threat to Society

I don't know what is scarier.... The fact that Joseph Rodarte (subscription) has racked up 20 DWI and is only facing a maximum three years in jail, or the fact that he does not top the list for the most DWI's in the state.

For all of these offenses, this menace to society has only been setback $750 in fines and a total of 1,081 days in jail. How does this make us look?

"This is extremely frustrating. It makes us look like idiots," said Linda Atkinson, executive director of the DWI Resource Center in Albuquerque.

At the very least this guy should get one year in jail for every DWI. How can anyone justify a maximum sentence that is only three years for 20 DWI's?

For his most recent conviction, which occurred in 2000, he was sentenced to 316 days in jail. At the time, the maximum sentence he faced was 18 months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.

What kind of judge doesn't give a guy like this the maximum sentence on his 19th offense? Whoever the judge is, he or she should be removed from the bench.

You Remember Miguel, Don't You?

Front page article (subscription) in today's Albuquerque Journal about the $3 million in Governor Richardson's 2006 campaign account.

Richardson said in a prepared statement that he was pleased.

"It has been my goal to raise money early so that we can focus on governing and implementing our aggressive agenda to move New Mexico forward," he said.

Richardson is focused (registration) alright, but not on governing. Maybe if he was focused on governing, New Mexico would be moving forward instead of moving in this direction. As far as anyone can tell, the only "aggressive agenda" being pursued is the Governor's personal one.

Oh, I know all this 2008 talk is nothing but speculation. Still, don't you think it's worth noting that the $25,000 that Miguel Lausell has already given puts him at the top of the list of Richardson's major contributors. You remember the last time Miguel showed up in this blog, don't you?

Where Do They Spend the Money?

A couple of weeks ago, we were reading about tuition hikes at UNM in the Albuquerque Journal (subscription). A more recent article (subscription) points out that this is becoming an annual rite of spring resulting in a 36 percent increase in tuition and fees over the last five years.

So, what is the benefit to the students? It's hard to say, since even with these annual increases in spending, students are unable to register (subscription) for needed classes. You would think all of the smart people running this institute of higher learning would realize that it is not a very good idea for a University with an already lackluster graduation rate (subscription) to prolong the students' academic careers.

Following in the Footsteps

In the most recent press conference held by Mayor Chavez, he proudly proclaims that he is going to volunteer his time to teach government at UNM. Hmm, I wonder where he got that idea. I wonder what he found more inspiring. The idea of teaching, or the fact that it might lead to another photo opportunity. My bet is the latter.

Emily Comes Out Swinging

Former New Mexico Business Weekly editor, Emily Esterson, has surfaced with a new article. This one is not at all like that soft mush she published in her opinion pieces in the NMBW that often left me wondering about the relevance to the business community.

Spin Can't Change the Facts

Despite all of the hoopla regarding progress coming out of Governor Richardson's office, the one thing they can't change are the facts. Is there a bright side to growing poorer under the Richardson administration?

In 2003, New Mexico's per capita income rose by 2.9 percent, a move that caused Medicaid to reduce its dollar match to the state by $60 million in 2004. The state Legislature had to scramble to find the extra money during the recently completed legislative session. And now that New Mexico has fallen in comparison to other states in terms of per capita income, it might be in line to get more federal matching Medicaid dollars, Waldman says.

That would be "good news" for the state, he says.

Oh boy, we qualify for more federal welfare.

Collision Course

Billboards like this are going up at the same time as efforts like this are kicking off. This can't be good.