Democracy for New Mexico

Lt. Gov. Denish Swings by Las Cruces to Promote Small Business, Local Agricultural Products

Mary Garza of Solar Electric Co, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

This is a post by contributing writer, Stephen Jones, who is a progressive political activist and a resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He IS our Southern NM Bureau.

Lt. Governor was in Las Cruces on Tuesday, April 13, to promote initiatives that support small business and local agriculture in the State of New Mexico. She addressed local residents and employees of Solar Electric Company, a small electrical contracting firm in Las Cruces.

Denish, the Democratic nominee for Governor, reminded residents of her record of accomplishments and commitment to local New Mexican businesses, and promised to do more. “I’m focusing on the issues that matter most to people, jobs,” Denish said. She pointed to her record of assistance to small business, which she termed “the true engine of employment in New Mexico.” On the top of her agenda is a small business tax credit of $2500.00 to New Mexico businesses that hire local workers and provide health benefits.

She also laid out her plans to streamline licensing and permits from the State. “We need to use our technologies to create a ‘one-stop’ shopping source to support and promote local business,” she said, and to make these services available statewide online.

Denish also talked about State capital outlays for local broadband to help local business, “particularly in our smaller communities.” She also said the State needs to do more to support rural business. “We need to get back to our roots and buy locally,” Denish said. She urged a priority for State buying of local produce over goods shipped into New Mexico from other states.

Lt. Governor Diane Denish was joined by Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, State Senator Mary Jane Garcia and State Representatives Nathan Cote and Joni Guttierrez. The event was hosted by Mary Garza of Solar Electric Co., a local electrical contracting firm located at 806 W. Hadley in Las Cruces.

To read more posts by Stephen Jones, visit our archive.

Fifth Judicial District Court Grants Injunction to Block New Mexico EIB from Conducting Greenhouse Gas Rulemaking

A judge in the Fifth Judicial District Court in Lea County granted a motion today to block the Environmental Improvement Board from moving forward with rulemaking to limit greenhouse gases in New Mexico.

“I am disappointed that the judge granted this injunction before hearing the full merits of the case or before the board had a chance to hold a hearing and make a decision on the proposal,” said New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Ron Curry in a statement released today. “This is an obvious infringement on executive authority -- we will weigh our options in this case.”

The request to stop the rulemaking procedure was submitted by 13 plaintiffs, including Public Service Co. of New Mexico, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association and several Lea County legislators. The request came in response to a petition filed by the New Energy Economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico from large industrial sources by three percent per year starting in 2012. The state Attorney General’s office represented the EIB in the case.

Lt. Gov. , the Democratic candidate for New Mexico governor, argued against a statewide cap and trade rule in an op-ed published late last month:

... right now, with so many New Mexicans struggling to make ends meet, we cannot ignore the impact that new cap-and-trade regulations will have on all of our families. A New Mexico-specific cap-and-trade plan would be like enacting a New Mexico-only gasoline tax; every family and business would feel the pinch. Our businesses may think twice before expanding and that's simply not a risk we can take.

... I'm proud that New Mexico is a national leader in the battle against climate change and we cherish our state's unique environment. However, if New Mexico implemented cap and trade and our neighboring states did not, it's likely that the environmental improvement wouldn't even be measurable. After all, we can't prevent air from flowing into New Mexico. However, we can prevent jobs from flowing out. Climate change is a national (in fact, international) problem that needs national solutions.

Op-Ed by Terry Brunner: Earth Day Comes Early to the Navajo Nation

State Director Terry Brunner participates in a traditional Navajo blessing by sprinkling corn pollen on the ground during the dedication ceremonies for the Eastern Navajo Waterline in northwest New Mexico.

This post is editorial opinion by Terry Brunner, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico.

Although Earth Day won’t be celebrated until April 22nd, the dedication and blessing of the Eastern Navajo Waterline at Counselor, New Mexico earlier this week epitomized the very essence of what Senator Gaylord Nelson envisioned 40 years ago when he established the first celebration of what eventually become known as Earth Day around the world.

Just looking at 55 gallon drums sitting in the truck beds parked at the Counselor Chapter House makes you realize there are thousands of people living on the Navajo Nation without basic water service who must haul water to their homes.

Many people from the eight Navajo Chapters that will receive water from the new water line celebrated its construction at the dedication and blessing event at the Counselor Chapter House. When completed, the water line will stretch 70 miles and have a major impact on thousands of lives.

Our fellow citizens driving those pickup trucks will no longer have to travel for miles to fill-up their drums with safe, clean water – that precious resource that is fundamental to a sustainable quality of life and good health. The hauling of water, a way of life for numerous generations of the Navajo people, is hopefully coming to an end.

As I stood there and heard Earl Herrera the Hataalii (medicine man) softly chant his prayer blessing the new water supply system I was pleased knowing that USDA Rural Development provided $8.7 million in funding to build this water system. That we have paved the way for a better quality of life for generations to come is certainly inspiring and reminds us of our responsibility to meet our commitments to tribal nations to provide assistance when needed to our citizens who have historically faced tremendous challenges.

A Navajo rug was presented to State Director Terry Brunner during the dedication and blessing of the Eastern Navajo Waterline ceremonies. The rug was crafted by a local artesian. The word “Ahehee” means “Thank you” in Navajo.

And noting the type of collaboration that is necessary in our remote rural areas, special recognition was given to our partners who provided additional funding to bring the $28.6 million construction of the water supply system to fruition: The State of New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, the Indian Health Services and the eight Navajo Chapters that will receive the water.

Especially inspiring was to hear firsthand from the children of the area who told us what it meant to eventually have water flowing to their homes and how now they can live like other people who have water piped to their homes.

I believe that this year’s Earth Day celebration was of special significance for the USDA and the eight eastern Navajo Chapters. We recognized that our tribal and federal governments share in our desire to be effective stewards of our natural resources on behalf of the people we serve. In my discussions with tribal members I realized that the Navajo people have a special appreciation for our air, land and water that we all can learn from.

Making a living in the harsh desert lands of the Navajo Nation can seem insurmountable. Understanding those challenges, our celebration focused on the determination of a people, the importance of collaboration and a reminder of a 40 year-old vision for the Earth that still promotes mankind working with--not against--the environment.

This post is editorial opinion by Terry Brunner, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico. Also see our previous post on this water project.

Lt. Gov. Candidate Joe Campos Reports $90,381 Raised, Cash on Hand of $108,868

Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Rep. Joe Campos reported his campaign raised $90,381 this period and spent $111,267. He also received in-kind services worth $17,282.21. He had an opening balance of $129,753 and now has a total of $108,867.58 in cash on hand.

Campos' campaign also has $50,000 in unpaid debt. A total of $50,000 in debt was forgiven. His campaign had received two $50,000 loans last period for a total of $100,000.

The Campos campaign report has not yet been entered into the Secretary of State's official system, but you can see his entire report as submitted here.

Lt. Gov. Candidate Jerry Ortiz y Pino Raises $53,756 This Period, Has $4,646 Cash on Hand

Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino has raised $53,756 during this reporting period, almost all of it in small donations.

His campaign had an opening balance of $7,710. Ortiz y Pino spent $56,820 this reporting period, leaving a balance of $4,646 in cash on hand. In addition, he received in-kind services of $12,700. Although his report is not yet entered into the Secretary of State's formatted system, you can see his report as submitted here.

Governor Bill Richardson Appoints Shannon Bacon to 2nd Judicial District Court

Governor Bill Richardson yesterday announced the appointment of C. Shannon Bacon to the 2nd Judicial District Court in Albuquerque.

"Shannon's intellect and commitment to the legal system will lead her to be an excellent judge and an asset to the 2nd Judicial District," said Governor Bill Richardson in a statement released by his office.

Ms. Bacon, of Albuquerque, has been a shareholder with Sutin, Thayer & Browne since 2005. Previously she was a partner with Eaves, Bardacke, Baugh, Kierst & Larson from 1999 to 2005. Shannon also worked as a law clerk for the Honorable A. Joseph Alarid at the New Mexico Court of Appeals for two years.

Ms. Bacon obtained both her bachelor's degree and her law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Shannon serves on the Rules of Evidence Committee for the New Mexico Supreme and was a founding board member of the Southwest Women's Law Center. She is also quite active in her community and serves a number of local groups including Emerge New Mexico, Cuidandos los Ninos and the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Ms. Bacon will replace Judge Geraldine Rivera who retired on March 1. The Governor's appointment is effective immediately. She will face Lori Millet on the Democratic primary ballot in June. There are no Republicans running in the race so whoever wins the primary will serve on the 2nd Judicial District bench in Division 23.

4/22: Reception Supporting State Rep. Eleanor Chavez at Chama River Brewing Company

From the Campaign to Re-Elect Rep. Eleanor Chavez in District 13:

You are Cordially Invited
to a reception in support of
State Representative Eleanor Chavez

Thursday, April 22, 2010, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Chama River Brewing Company
4939 Pan American Freeway NE, Albuquerque

Host Committee:
Speaker Ben Lujan
Majority Floor Leader Ken Martinez
Majority Whip Sheryl Williams Stapleton
Representative Karen Giannini
Representative Antonio “Moe” Maestas
Representative Rick Miera
Representative Bill O’Neill
Representative Danice Picraux
Representative Ben Rodefer
Representative Kiki Saavedra
Representative Mimi Stewart

Senator Dede Feldman
Senator Cisco McSorley

City Councilor Rey Garduno
City Councilor Isaac Benton

RSVP: eleanorchavez13@gmail.com

On-line donations can be made by going to ACTBLUE. Please make checks payable to: Chavez For House District 13, 1307 Del Mastro SW, ABQ.

See our previous post on this race.

4/21: Fundraiser to Support Stephanie Richard for State Rep, District 43

From the Committee to Elect Stephanie Richard:

You are Invited To Join

Brian and Kelly Egolf
With Co-Hosts including:
Senator Tim Keller, Charlotte Roybal
Barbara Gay & Ocean Munds-Dry

For a Fundraiser to Support

Stephanie Richard
Democratic Candidate for
State Representative District 43

Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

At The Hotel Santa Fe
1501 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM

Stephanie looks forward to meeting you!

Suggested Contribution - $50 per person
Click for Flyer (pdf)
RSVP to Senator Keller by April 17, 2010
(505) 332-9441 or tim.m.keller@gmail.com

See our previous post on Stephanie Richard's entry into this race. The District 43 seat is currently held by Republican Jeannette O. Wallace.

LG Candidate Linda Lopez Raises $21,040 Since October, Has $5,366 Cash On Hand

State Senator Linda Lopez, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, raised $21,040 this reporting period and spent $29,354. Her campaign's opening balance was $13,682 and her current cash on hand is $5,366. A total of $6,000 of her donations came from her State Senate Campaign Committee. Click to read her April 12, 2010 report to the Secretary of State.

Lt. Gov. Candidate Brian Colón Raises $170,917 This Period, $447,952 in Total

Brian Colón, Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, released a statement today saying his campaign showed strong statewide grassroots support when he filed his campaign finance report with the NM Secretary of State's office today. The report showed 80% of the contributions coming from supporters who gave $250 or less.

"We have received more than 1,500 contributions from more than 1,000 donors from all corners of New Mexico. I am especially pleased that some many supporters have contributed more than once as they continue to reinvest in our campaign," Colón said in a written statement. "In difficult times like these, I'm honored to have so many Democrats supporting our campaign because they share my belief that now is the time to rebuild our economy and invest in public education to help prepare our children for the jobs of tomorrow."

Colón raised $170,917.42 this filing period in donations and in-kind support and has grown a large donor base of 1,093 contributors. Colón has received $447,952 in contributions since the start of his campaign for Lieutenant Governor and has not loaned any money to the campaign.

His campaign had an opening balance of $251,049, and raised a total of $156,490 in donations this reporting period, received in-kind donations of $14,428, spent $201,652 this quarter and has $205,887 in cash on hand. Click to see his April 12, 2010 report to the Secretary of State.