Another Wake up Call

When do you know you have a problem (subscription)?

About 8,000 students, or 9 percent of the APS student population, will attend a school outside their neighborhood this year, estimated Toby Herrera, director of Albuquerque Public Schools' Student, School and Community Service Center.

About 1,500 of this year's transfer requests were from 29 schools that have not met testing standards under the federal No Child Left Behind Act for at least two consecutive years.

That's an awful lot of consistently failing schools.

Political Favors at Taxpayer Expense

Some people never learn. Governor Bill Richardson has been exposed not once, but twice for illegally creating and then handing out cushy jobs to a long list of supporters with questionable qualifications. On top of that a minor media uproar was caused when UNM spent a $120,000 to create a new position for the Governor's spokesman, Billy Sparks. Now Governor Richardson has gone and done it again:

The Center for Economic Development at the University of New Mexico has hired the governor's director of Cabinet affairs as project manager.

Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, wife of Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman John Wertheim, will start the position in August.

The position, which was just created, drew 60 applicants, UNM officials said.

Ortiz Wertheim received an MBA from the UNM Anderson Schools of Management in 1999. She worked as a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society for three years before joining Gov. Bill Richardson's office in 2004.

Oh, I know what you're thinking. It's just a coincidence that this is another newly created position. It's just a coincidence that Mrs. Wertheim is married to the Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman. It's just a coincidence that her previous job was working for the Governor. After all, there were sixty applicants and it was only because of Mrs. Wertheim's impressive resume and substantial background in the arena of economic development that she got the job.

Yeah, and Manny Aragon was the best choice for president of New Mexico Highlands University.

Politicizing Ethics

Two interesting takes on the Mayor's latest political maneuvering on the ethics front can be found here and here.

Throwing Up Hurdles

One of the best ways to improve student performance is encouraging parental involvement. During his last State of the State, Governor Richardson blew a lot of hot air about spending money in order to encourage parental involvement. How do I know it was hot air? All I have to do is look at the hurdles APS throws up (subscription) to keep parents out of the schools:

But for many potential APS volunteers, the bureaucratic red tape and expense involved isn't worth it. For example, APS doesn't accept cash, checks or credit cards. Only money orders or cashier's checks will do.

"This was the most frustrating thing I've ever gone through," Hadwiger said about his experience in April. "I could not have sat down and spent a month creating a system that was as inefficient, and absolutely burdensome, as this one."

What kind of system doesn't take cash, checks or credit cards? For that matter, why charge for fingerprinting if parental involvement is so important. And why make parents go down to a centralized location to get fingerprinted? They have to take their kids to school, so why not have fingerprinting stations set up at back to school night or on the first day of school?

Intellectual Honesty

A couple of weeks ago, in response to one of my posts an anonymous reader called me to task for my lack of "intellectual honesty." Well, take a look at these findings, and then tell me who is being dishonest.

Insulting Your Intelligence

Attorney General Patricia Madrid launches her first television ad with an insult to your intelligence. The whole ad is about taking "on the special interests." Unfortunately, there is a glaring problem with this assertion. Look at Madrid's fundraising to date, and you'll see, she has raised $385,272 from special interest PACS. So, apparently some special interests like her just fine.

Keeping Secrets

A little over a year ago, it struck me as fiscally irresponsible that Governor Bill Richardson would spend $200,000 of taxpayer funds to hire an out of state firm to provide policy advice when he already had "a senior policy advisor" working on the taxpayer dime.

Now, the Governor refuses to release to the public the policy recommendations paid for by the public:

Gov. Bill Richardson's administration paid a Pennsylvania consultant $181,200 over the last year to come up with new policy ideas for the state, but so far much of what New Mexico got for its money is unknown.

Spokesman Pahl Shipley said the governor's office will not release reports it received from Public Works LLC of West Chester, Pa.

Shipley cited executive privilege as the reason for keeping the records from the public, the Albuquerque Journal reported Saturday in a copyright story.

Gee, I wonder what they are trying to hide?

Oh, and One More Thing

I know it might seem I'm out to get Jim Baca, candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands, but that's not the case. Instead, I'm just amazed by the ridiculousness of the statements that come out of his mouth (or keyboard as the case may be). For instance:

"It appears to me that a 'selling of the land office' is occurring to those who have leases with it," Baca said in an e-mail. "The amount of money for a candidate from those who do business with the office that he governs is truly unprecedented. This shows that he will truly have a difficult time remaining independent. This really makes it clear that the land commissioner races should be publicly financed."

How can a guy - who until recently was part of the Bill Richardson machine - make a statement like that with a straight face? Whatever Pat Lyons, current Commissioner of Public Lands, has raised is nothing compared to the millions raised by Governor Bill Richardson or Attorney General Patricia Madrid. In both cases, these folks have not only accepted money from those who do business with the office that they govern, but have walked a very thin line boarding on quid pro quo.

For example, let's look at recent news about Attorney General Patricia Madrid's approach to fundraising:

A Florida-based private-prison company that has doled out thousands of dollars to New Mexico politicians made two $5,000 contributions to Attorney General Patricia Madrid's congressional campaign less than three weeks after Madrid's office published a legal opinion that directly benefited the firm.

This legal opinion was written at the request of three Democratic legislators who were concerned about the method by which the GEO Group was attempting to skirt state procurement codes by contracting directly with a municipal entity - to the detriment of New Mexico taxpayers.

Of course, Governor Richardson has attempted to hide his role in this decision by having the GEO Group contribute to his campaign efforts via the Richardson-chaired Democratic Governors Association.

Now, let's compare these results with those of Pat Lyons:

Commissioner of Public Lands Patrick H. Lyons announced the Land Office broke its all-time record for oil and gas lease sale earnings during a fiscal year, taking in $57.5 million for FY-2006.

June's lease sale earnings totaled $5,829,151, which bumped fiscal year earnings to $57,543,034. The previous record of $57,398,876 was set in 1981.

Oh, the horror... the outrage. How can a Commissioner of Public Land so blatantly disregard the purpose of his office:

In 1848, under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the United States acquired the territory encompassing what is now New Mexico.

Two years later, in 1850, the United State Congress passed the Organic Act, which created the Territory of New Mexico and set aside sections 16 and 36 in every township to support the schools of the territory.

Oops, never mind. It turns out the purpose of the Land Office is to raise money. Hmm, I guess there is no conflict here after all. But Mr. Baca might want to talk to his former employer and colleagues about their actions.

Here We Go Again

First, I'd like to thank State Land Commissioner candidate, Jim Baca, for putting my mind at ease by confirming that he is indeed a race card playing politician. In our state a non-Hispanic candidate has to weigh his words very carefully or else some ethically challenged Hispanic candidate is going to go on the attack and accuse him or her of being a racist.

John Dendahl criticized the state's lack of progress in fixing the DWI problem under Governor Bill Richardson's administration. Granted, Dendahl may not have stated his case in the most politically sensitive manner, but to flip his argument and try to turn him into a racist is absurd. After all, this was the guy who was Hispanic John Sanchez' biggest champion in 2002 to the detriment of some Anglos' gubernatorial aspirations.

Baca is not alone in his absurd accusations. This from the Albuquerque Tribune:

Gov. Bill Richardson's campaign lashed out at Dendahl on Friday, saying the words should be a "red flag" to Republican voters.

"Unfortunately, John Dendahl has a history of sticking his foot into his mouth by making insensitive comments and alienating whole classes of people," said Dave Contarino, chairman of the governor's re-election campaign.

You've got to be kidding me. How in the world could the chairman of the governor's re-election campaign feel he is on firm ground bandying about accusations of insensitive comments and alienating remarks. Bill Richardson's latest radio ad attacked Dendahl in the following manner:

A secret meeting... the order is delivered... and the political candidate quietly goes away. Is it the Third World? The Middle East? Eastern Europe? No - it's the New Mexico Republican Party Central Committee and John Dendahl.

Talk about insensitive comments. Governor Richardson and his advisors take some of the biggest world concerns and minimize them by turning them into campaign fodder. Well, I guess that's easier than dealing with the facts.

Instead of trying to turn John Dendahl's comments into a race issue, Contarino and Baca could have responded to them by pointing out the Governor's accomplishments in fighting the DWI problem in our state. But then again, they'd probably have a hard time explaining recent stories like this:

The dismissal of several recent drunken-driving cases in Metropolitan Court mirrors a decade-old problem in the state's busiest halls of justice - DWI charges being thrown out before they make it to trial.

Of the 104 motorists arrested in the first four days of a holiday blitz in November, 25 of the cases have been dismissed, according to court records. Forty-six cases have ended in convictions and 29 are pending.

Hmm, I guess it's kind of hard to defend Governor Richardson's record of accomplishments when the dismissal of drunken-driving cases mirrors a decade-old problem. Yeah, definitely easier to reframe the debate from the lack of progress made by the administration, so it focuses discussion as to whether or not John Dendahl is a racist - even if everyone knows that's a ridiculous assertion.

Playing the Race Card

Give me a break. Read this excerpt from Jim Baca's blog and tell me if this is not the oddest statement you have ever read:

I wish I were the editor of the Albuquerque Journal. Just for a day. Today there were three stories on the front page that belonged elsewhere not because they were not important but because of the news that was relegated to the back pages. The Journal's continuing stories on Manny Aragon, Robert Vigil and Eric Serna, all Hispanic Democrats, might be newsworthy. But the continued violence in the middle east and Iraq should, in my opinion, be front page stuff these days because of their long lasting effects on our country.

So, is it just me? Didn't this guy work in television news at some point? And yet, he is expressing surprise that a local newspaper would put local news on the front page. Give me a break. Plus, how can a person who is savvy enough to blog put forth the ridiculous argument that not being able to afford a subscription to the New York Times in this day and age is going to keep anyone from accessing world news?

Now, I admit there is something else that bothered me more than this silliness. In fact, if I'm reading it correctly, I find what Mr. Baca is trying to do downright offensive. He makes a point of indicating that Aragon, Vigil and Serna are "all Hispanic Democrats." What is the point of this? If Jim Baca is trying to play a race card to spin these corruption scandals, he never deserves to hold another office in New Mexico - appointed or elected.

Internet Stump Speech

An interesting observation by one Richardson supporter. Apparently, the Governor's consultants decided his millions would be better spent attacking John Dendahl than actually giving some serious thought to the accomplishments he lists on his website. Or, it is possible that after giving some serious thought, they couldn't really come up with something substantial.

Laws Intended for You, Not Me

Governor Bill Richardson has extended an invitation to a select few to join him and other elected representatives on Monday, July 17, 2006 for a ride on the taxpayer funded Rail Runner Express. This is not a trip open to the general public. It is for invitees only. The problem is that his invitation is strictly prohibited by Article XX, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution. In other words, it is against the law.

Now the Governor did seek an opinion from Attorney General Patricia Madrid's office as to whether or not it would be okay for him to disregard the law, and surprise, surprise our chief law enforcement officer told him in a letter dated April 7, 2006 don't worry about it:

This responds to your request for our office's legal opinion regarding the scheduled groundbreaking ceremony for the Santa Fe Railyard on Friday, April 7,2006. We understand you intend to travel on one of the newly acquired RailRunner cars for approximately 1,000 yards to make a ceremonial appearance by train and begin the groundbreaking event We have been asked whether this is a violation of Article XX, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution. Our conclusion is that such a short ceremonial ride for this groundbreaking went should not be reasonably interpreted to be a violation of our state constitution.

Here is the thing. This is not a 1,000 yard trip. This is a trip that begins in Bernalillo with "the train [making] a brief stop at Los Ranchos/Journal Center on its way to the Downtown Albuquerque station for the culmination of [the by invitation-only] festivities." According to Article IV, Section 37 of the NM State Constitution any elected official participating in such a trip is subject to "a forfeiture of the office."

Now some of you may argue this is an antiquated law, and it's okay if the Governor and other publicly elected officials ignore it. The problem with this rationale is two-fold.

First, our state is already suffering scandal after scandal due to elected officials who have determined that the governing laws were not intended for them. So, this is a time when elected officials should be going out of their way to follow laws - not figuring out ways to break them.

Second, you and I don't get to ignore outdated laws just because they were intended for a different time. For example, we are all required to pay a 3 percent tax on every telephone bill to support the Spanish-American War. That war was over more than a century ago, and has long since been paid for by US taxpayers. Yet, we continue to pay this "temporary tax" because it is the law.

If you and I have to follow outdated laws, shouldn't we expect the same of our elected officials.

Government Department Says, "Let's Regulate"

The Albuquerque Journal has an article on home day-care today (subscription). CFYD is making the case for more regulation - surprise, surprise a government agency that feels more regulation is the solution:

These informal [home day-care] arrangements often involve grandparents or family friends who sometimes care for children without being paid.

Oh the horror - extended families taking care of children. How can we let such a thing happen?

The homes that fly under CYFD's radar might be some of the most dangerous.

"I hear so many horror stories about babies being left in cribs in back rooms," said Geraldine Montano, a licensed provider. "When you're not registered, you're doing whatever you want."

I'm willing to go out on a limb here and guess that these horror stories are not limited to home care providers. Should we then have CFYD license all parents?

Carol Rapisardi, director of the Covenant Schools child-care centers, said she has had two children come to her far Northeast Heights center in the past three years who were sexually abused by relatives of home-care providers.

One incident occurred in a registered home; the other was unregistered.

Imagine that - two awful situations. One came from a registered home, and one came from an unregistered home. Apparently, more government regulation is not the solution. Like so many things in life education and personal responsibility is the key.

Beating the Odds

When you think about it, it is amazing that I'm able to write this blog. Based on the findings of recent studies (subscription), I should be a complete failure.

While New Mexico struggles to provide pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds, a new report by the national Foundation for Child Development is recommending full-day pre-kindergarten for all 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. It also recommends mandatory full-day kindergarten for all 5-year-olds.

You see, I didn't go to a full day pre-k program beginning at age three, and my kindergarten education was only a measly half-day program. How I've survived thus far is simply amazing. In fact, my whole generation, and all those before us are just anomalies.

But here is the most startling discovery of all:

And there's more bad news: Even the full-day public kindergarten that New Mexico fully implemented two years ago might not have the long-term effect educators had hoped for, the foundation says.

Full-day kindergarten gains can be lost by third grade unless children are part of a consistent system that extends from the age of 3.

Researchers say part of the reason for the "fade out" in gains made in preschool is that children who did not attend preschool hold back the advanced children when they reach first grade.

Difficult home environments and low-performing elementary schools also contribute to the fade-out, they say.

If I had gone to full-day pre-k program at three years old, I might be in a better position to understand the importance of this study. Right now, due to my undereducated mind, all I can make out is that this study seems to be saying that it really doesn't matter when we begin the education process. It all comes down to stable homes and quality schools.

State Rankings

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, New Mexico ranks 46th in the nation when it comes to per capita personal income. On the other hand, Texas ranks 27th in the nation, and enjoys ones of the highest per capita personal income growth rates.

So, which state do you think thought it wise to subsidize the business venture of an billionaire?

Governor's Vetoes Will Haunt Him

Despite Governor Richardson's sad attempt at spin in a recent Opinion piece (subscription) in the Journal, the fact that he choose to veto eminent domain legislation that was UNANIMOUSLY passed by state legislators is bound to cost him a few percentage points in the upcoming election.

After all, who exactly does the Governor believe would be willing to accept his excuse that the legislation had to be vetoed because it was "overly vague"? Oh, wait a minute. He is probably counting on the same people who would buy his rationale that legislation needed to be vetoed because "of technical problems:"

Maloney, who received the transplant paid for by anonymous donors, sued Serna and Lovelace. The pending civil lawsuit charges Serna with having a conflict of interest in Maloney's case because Con Alma, which he headed at the time, received large contributions from Lovelace.

"The public needs someplace to go when situations like this arise," she said. "It was the clearest conflict of interest I've ever seen.''

Gov. Bill Richardson vetoed the original bill following the 2005 session because of technical problems, the governor's office said [emphasis added].

Papen said she figures Richardson vetoed the bill to protect Serna's turf because the two were close political allies.

Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said Serna has been a supporter of the governor for many years.

Ouch, that is going to hurt on campaign literature. It is one thing to veto property rights, but what kind of person vetoes to keep New Mexico's sick from appealing the right to life saving transplants? Then again, this is the Governor who thought it was a good idea to create a bed tax on the elderly and infirm.

I'm thinking those two vetoes alone might shave seven points.

Five New Taxes

Five new taxes proposed over five months... We're now seeing the effects of the uncontrolled government spending. The best pair of quotes from the Journal article (subscription) goes to Mayor Marty Chavez. First, he said this:

Mayor Martin Chavez said the gross receipts increases are likely to give voters "real heartburn." The increases, he said, would make Albuquerque's gross receipts tax one of the highest in the West.

Then he said this:

Chavez said he wasn't sure how APS would fare, but he noted that property taxes in Albuquerque are still relatively low compared with other cities.

"I think most Albuquerqueans are loath to say no to school bonds, even if it includes a tax increase," he said.

Spoken like a true politician. Oppose one set of taxes while supporting another set. This way you can have your cake and eat it too.

Funny Thing About Numbers

I wasn't going to write until after the Fourth of July, but I keep coming across a Rasmussen Poll that is being touted all over the left side of the political blogosphere:

A new Rasmussen Reports poll finds New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) leading challenger John Dendahl (R) by a huge margin, 56% to 32%.

The date of the Rasmussen poll is June 30th. Now, I'm not sure when the poll was taken, but even if we assume it was on June 30th, we're talking less than two weeks since John Dendahl was named the Republican gubernatorial candidate.

Numbers are kind of funny. My guess is that no one in the Richardson camp has found the Governor enjoying the support of ONLY 56% of likely New Mexican voters a cause for celebration. Richardson has spent millions over the last few years touting his record. Yet, 44% of New Mexicans remain unwilling to say they would vote for him.

As the incumbent, Governor Richardson is only likely to see his support decline from this point. Think about it...

John Dendahl hasn't even had time to spend a penny putting his message out there, and the Governor who would be president is already being held to 56%. This does not bode well for Bill Richardson's national goals, and explains why the Richardson camp has been so quick to launch negative ads targeting John Dendahl.

Have a Happy 4th!