Democracy for New Mexico

UN Day Events at UNM 10/24

UPDATE: The Albuquerque Journal printed an incorrect date for UN Day at UNM, which I used in this post. As noted by one of the commenters in this thread, UN Day events will be held on Monday, October 24. You can contact the UN Association at 293-9693 for more information.

The University of New Mexico will host UN Day on Monday, October 17 October 24, to observe the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. All events are free and will be at the Student Union Building.

Albuquerque civil rights attorney Eric Sirotkin will speak on "Peacemaking in the 21st Century: Embracing Our Similarities" at 7:00 PM in Ballroom A. The event also features workshops from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on topics including health care in developing countries, UN reform, human rights and threats such as poverty, nuclear weapons and disease. Workshop presenters will include Sirotkin, Martin Brennan, diplomat-in-residence for the U.S. Department of State, and Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group.

The event is sponsored by the United Nations Association of Albuquerque. For more information, call 242-0769 or 293-9693.

Death, Dollars and Justice

From the NM Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty:

Death, Dollars & Justice - Capital Punishment in an age of scarce resources

Thursday, October 20th, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at UNM School of Law, NM Repeal will host a discussion entitled Death, Dollars & Justice: Capital Punishment in an age of scarce resources.  Our guest of honor will be former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, The Honorable Gerald Kogan. During his 40 years of practice, before retiring in 1998, Justice Kogan estimates he was involved in various roles in over 1,200 capital cases. He has a wide range of experience and viewpoints to draw from when it comes to talking about the death penalty.

The discussion will also involve other members of the New Mexico criminal justice community -- including prosecutors, defense attorneys, and prison personnel -- in a thoughtful debate on the death penalty. Questions? Contact (505) 986-9536; visit www.nmrepeal.org or email info@nmrepeal.org

This Saturday: Get Your Roasted Organic Green Chile

From the SouthWest Organizing Project:

SWOP Chile Harvest Fiesta October 15 -- Our Annual Chile Harvest Fiesta is here -- Please Join Us!  Saturday October 15; 1:00-4:00 PM; Washington Park, at 10th and Park SW in downtown Albuquerque.  We’ll have entertainment, children’s activities and a Green Chile Stew Cook-off!  And, of course, we’ll be roasting Chile!

Reserve your bag of Organic Chile *now* and pick it up at the park. Bags of Chile are just $25. We have a limited supply so give us a call ASAP at 247-8832 to reserve your chile.  We hope to see you on the 15th!

From an Albuquerque Journal article on SWOP's Chile Fiesta:

"This year's chile is fantastic," project organizer Joaquin Lujan said. "I'm so excited about it. I've looked everywhere for a good supply of organic chile grown in New Mexico and I found it."

This year's chile was picked at Manuel Apodaca's farm in Cuchillo, N.M., about 12 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences.

"His farm is irrigated with artesian spring water and the chile crop is amazing," he said. "Chile is a way of life to most New Mexicans. By mid-October, the green chile season is over and the red chile season starts. This is a celebration to prepare for the coming winter and it pays homage to what we hold dear."

NM Bioneers Conference Coming to ABQ and Taos

From the NM Bioneers:
The New Mexico Bioneers Conference takes place Friday, October 14 in Taos (at the Convention Center) and Saturday and Sunday, October 15-16, in Albuquerque (at the UNM Student Union). This is the biggest "green" conference in the state, and the buzz around the event is growing daily. Attendees will gather each day to learn, network, and be uplifted by over 60 local speakers sharing their success stories and solutions to many of the pressing environmental, social, and sustainability issues facing us today. (Visit the Bioneers website at www.bioneers.org for more information about the annual Bioneers Conference and our partnership.)

The environmental nonprofit organization Sustain Taos is partnering with the University of New Mexico-Taos to host the 3-day event. The conference actually takes place in two locations, Taos and Albuquerque - but not at the same time. To reach a larger audience, the conference begins in Taos on Friday, October 14, and continues in Albuquerque on Saturday and Sunday, October 15-16. Complete conference information with online registration is available at www.sustaintaos.org/bioneers or call 505-758-2103.

THE NEW MEXICO BIONEERS CONFERENCE IS A LIVE SATELLITE EVENT.

Each conference day begins at 9:00 AM with a local keynote speaker, followed by a live satellite broadcast of the plenary (i.e. keynote) speakers from the annual Bioneers Conference in California. Some of the better known speakers in California that will be beamed to Taos and Albuquerque include Michael Ableman, Janine Benyus, Wil Bullock, Ohki Simine Forest, Thom Hartman, Andy Lipkis, Mill McKibben, Carolyn Raffensperger, and Diane Wilson.

After an organic lunch, attendees will attend talks and forums on a variety of topics -- food and farming issues, renewable energy, urban restoration, sustainable communities, ecological health, water and land use, ecological design, and more. Exhibitors are encouraged to set up displays.

The local programming is different in each location but often related. For example, a variety of food and farming issues will be addressed each day. In Taos, one session called "Northern New Mexico's Legacy of Land, Water, and Sustainability" will explore acequias and traditional community agriculture as a model for sustainability. Another program will showcase unique success stories for food production in the Taos "food shed." In Albuquerque, forums are planned on urban food production, food-to-school programs, and youth initiatives in learning about agriculture.

Renewable energy is another hot topic, especially with rising energy prices. A 3-part series of sessions called "Energy Paths to a Sustainable New Mexico is planned for the weekend in Albuquerque, including discussions on "A Vision for Energy Efficiency and 100% Renewables," "What's Our Current Reality Relative to the Vision" and "How Do We Get to a Renewable Energy Future From Here." In Taos, a session will discuss a unique private-public green energy partnership with the local electric co-op.

Many sessions will be panel discussions that combine the voices of youth and elders and multiple cultures. Some of the other session topics include: GIS Mapping for Sustainability," "The Greening of Healthcare," "Building the Urban-Rural Bridge," "Multi-Cultural Understanding," "Students and Farms and Health," "Innovations in Green Design" (both in Taos and Albuquerque), and "Healing Birth for Healing the Earth."

EVERYONE WHO CARES ABOUT A HEALTHY AND JUST PLANET IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE!

The registration fees are very low for such a worthwhile conference, with a single-day registration only $35.00. Youth and seniors receive discounts. Register before September 30 to receive an early-bird discount. Delicious organic food will be served for lunch for only $8.00 a day.

To keeps registration fees low, Sustain Taos is seeking sponsors to support this uplifting conference. If you want to participate as a sponsor or an exhibitor, call 758-2103 for details.

For conference questions visit www.sustaintaos.org/bioneers. If you need further help, call 505-758-2103.

Thanks - and see you at the conference!
Richard Kujawski and Amy Pilling NM Bioneers Conference Co-Directors

NM Climate Change Advisory Group Events Start Tomorrow

From Dory Shonagon:
Governor Bill Richardson created the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG) in June, 2005. This task force is charged with addressing global warming issues in New Mexico.  For more information go the the Climate Change Advisory Group website: www.nmclimatechange.us.   

NEXT MEETING:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2005, 1-9 PM, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW in Albuquerque.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

October 19, 2005 agenda, all events at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center:

1 PM - 5 PM --  NM Climate Change Advisory Group Meeting

7 PM - 8 PM -- "Update on Governor Richardson's Climate Change Initiative"

8 PM - 9 PM --  "Climate Change: What's in Store For New Mexico?"  - Dr. David Gutzler, University of New Mexico 

PRE-MEETING OF THE CITIZEN CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2005, 6:30 PM, at REI, I-25 @ Montgomery/Montano exit.

There are many diverse groups represented in the Governor's advisory group (CCAG), including several state departments ( Environment, Agriculure, Economic Development, Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Indian Affairs, Transportation, the State Engineer, State Game & Fish), as well as environmental groups, agricultural organizations and business and industry and energy companies and organizations. (For a complete list of the members of the CCAG, please go to the webiste at:  www.nmclimatechange.us ).

The Governor has charged the CCAG with presenting a report to the Climate Change Action Council by December 1, 2006, which will include:

• Proposals for reduction of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions to reduce New Mexico's total greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by the year 2012, 10% below 2000 levels by 2020 and 75% by 2050.
• An inventory of existing and planned actions that contribute to GHG emissions reductions.
• Consideration of costs and benefits of proposals.
• An inventory of historical and forecasted GHG emissions in New Mexico.
• Findings on initiatives to create meaningful regional and national policy to address climate change.

NEXT MEETING:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2005, 1-9PM, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,  2401 12th Street NW in Albuquerque.

If you are interested in the issues of global warming and how we are affected by it in New Mexico and how the state plans on addressing this issue, this is a meeting you should not miss.  Public meetings are a way for us to participate in the decision making our government officials and departments make.  You can come to listen or stand up and speak.

The evening lectures will help you to understand the process of this Climate Change Task Force and also the science of global warming in detail.  Be prepared to be blown away - the science is all too scarey but true.

PRE-MEETING OF THE CITIZEN CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP:  Wednesday, October 12, 2005, 6:30 PM, at REI, I-25 @ Montgomery/Montano exit.

Please join me at the NM Climate Change Advisory Group Meeting & other events on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, 1-9PM, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 240112th Street NW, in Albuquerque.  You are also invited to the citizen meeting on Wed, Oct. 12, 2005 at 6:30pm at REI.

Submitted by Dory Shonagon, 480-1848 - 10/7/05

Meet Candidate for NM Secretary of State Tonight

From Terry Riley:
A meetup will be held at my house tonight, October 11, at 7:00 PM featuring Democrat Priscilla Valdez. Ms. Valdez is gathering signatures to run for NM Secretary of State. This group was formerly known as the NM Democratic Friends Meetup. We're working on renaming it since NMDF is now holding their Meetups in conjunction with DFA-Democracy for New Mexico. For directions to my house, please email me at terryactivist@aol.com.

ACTION ALERT: Wage Peace

From Terry Riley:
The American Friends Service Committee has proposed a nationwide demonstration on the day that the number of American soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan reaches 2000. They have set up a web site where you can register to attend and from which you will be notified.  The demonstration is supposed to be non-partisan and they ask that the signs be to the issue ONLY.  I believe that this is an excellent opportunity to get the word out and make the rest of the public aware that we have to get out now.

If you would like to join us on that day please go to the following web site and register   https://www.afsc.org/2000/   

This web site also has signs that you can download so that our demonstration is as uniform as possible and our message is as powerful as possible.  Please consider joining in this opportunity to speak out in large numbers.  We HAVE to start doing things to stop the killing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have selected the intersection of Montgomery Blvd. NE and San Mateo NE.  There are several parking lots at each of the corners of the intersection and the traffic is higher here than any other intersection in New Mexico.  My plan is that we line the sidewalks coming out from the intersection with all that show up.  People driving home that day will see a consistent message and hopefully a lot of people.  We need to MAKE the average person start to do something!

You are welcome to also e-mail me here for more information.

Thank you,
Terry Riley: Terryr345@aol.com

Editor's Note: Click to learn more about the American Friends Service Committee's Wage Peace campaign, including their Wage Peace video and Homeward Bound resolution. The site also provides extensive background information on the war in Iraq, AFSC's positions and activist resources.

Mark Your Calendars: West Mesa AAUW Election Reform Forum Set for Early November

Election Reform Forum
First Unitarian Church, Carlisle & Comanche, ABQ
Saturday, November 12 at 1:00 PM

Moderator:  Sharon Booth, President West Mesa AAUW
Refreshments follow the panel discussion.

Panelists will include Dr. Pat Leahan, Dr. Sonja Elison, Dr. Kim Kirpatrick, NM Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino and Lowell Finley, Esq.

More on panelists:

Panel will include:

Kim Kirkpatrick has lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico for forty years, thirty of which he taught Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science at New Mexico Highlands University. He serves on the steering committee of Verified Voting of New Mexico, and has participated in several public discussions of security issues raised by the use of voting machines.

Patricia Leahan lives near Las Vegas, New Mexico.  She is the Founder and Director of the Las Vegas NM Peace & Justice Center. Pat has taught at the university level for 17 years in social work and behavioral sciences, and although her primary work is now full-time volunteer community organizing, she still teaches select classes at New Mexico Highlands University. Her work at the Peace & Justice Center encompasses a wide range of social justice issues, including election reform. It was Pat's passion for justice that led to her interest in voting rights. She is a founding member of VerifiedVotingNM (VVNM.org), serves on their steering committee, and works closely with United Voters of New Mexico (UVoteNM.org). She is also an active member of the VoterActionNM Team (VoterAction.org). Pat has helped organize research, educational forums and community-based actions around the voting machine issue in New Mexico since 2003.

State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino represents Bernalillo County District 12. Recently retired, his career was spent working as a social worker, social welfare program administrator, human services and human resource management professor, community organizer and social services planner. His interests broadened over the years from an initial focus on mental health and children’s protective services to work on child and family advocacy, substance abuse, positive youth development and early childhood programming. He has a BA in Latin American Studies from UNM and a Masters in Social Work from Tulane. He writes regular newspaper columns on social issues for the Santa Fe Reporter and on political issues for the Weekly Alibi. He helped found a private adoption and foster care agency called La Familia and co-founded the Robert F. Kennedy Charter High School for which he serves as president of the governing board. He was instrumental in the passing of the 2005 Election Reform Bill, which provides a voter verifiable paper trail and automatic audit, and is currently serving on the Election Reform Task Force.

Sonja Elison, Ph.D. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Sonja has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill and has taught political science at Georgetown, American and Gonzaga Universities, before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since the 2004 recount effort Sonja has become a central figure in election reform within the state.

Lowell Finley, Esq. (not yet confirmed): Mr. Finley is an attorney from Berkeley, California, with over 20 years experience in election law. He is one of the few attorneys in the nation with experience litigating electronic voting issues, having successfully sued Diebold Election Systems, Inc. in a California qui tam action. Mr. Finley’s election experience also includes blocking newly-elected California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from soliciting or using special interest campaign contributions to repay illegal $4 million personal loan, helping to brief several cases on the redistricting of California congressional and state legislative districts before the California and United States Supreme Courts. He won a lawsuit giving Chinese-American candidates access to the ballot in San Francisco and successfully sued an Orange County, California candidate for hiring uniformed security guards to intimidate Hispanic voters at the polls in the November, 1988 election. Mr. Finley is a founding member, Past President (1992), California Political Attorneys Association.

Inside Scoop on Election Reform in Southwest

From Common Cause:
In less than two weeks, a group of citizens who are dedicated to finding solutions to election problems and challenges in the Southwestern states will gather for a conference in a beautiful setting in the Rocky Mountains.  If you care about fixing our broken election system, you should be there too.

What:   Common Cause 2005 Southwest Election Reform Conference   
Who:   Lawmakers, election officials, advocates, experts, academics, and citizens
When: Friday, October 21, 2005, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Estes Park, Colorado
To register, please go to:
   
The day's agenda will include a panel of experts, participatory workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating in the basis of a plan of action for reform in each state.  You'll be getting in on the ground floor, ready to play a part in the making of history in your state.

Invite your colleagues to come along, but don't delay; the conference is only a few weeks away.  Sign up today. For more information about the conference or registration, please contact me at jflanagan@commoncause.org or call 303-292-2163.

I hope to see you in Estes Park.  If you can't come, please pass this message along to someone else who might be able to attend.  In the meantime, thanks for all you do to make our democracy stronger.

Sincerely,
Jenny Rose Flanagan, Common Cause Colorado
On behalf of Barb, Ed, Mary, Lisa, DJ, Susannah, Jennifer, Kirstin & Murshed
Common Cause Election Reform Team

Wal-Mart Watch: National Week of Action

Wal-Mart Watch is proud to announce Higher Expectations Week: National Week of Action taking place November 13-19, 2005. Featuring 200+ partner organizations, 1000+ local events, and the premiere of “Wal-Mart:  The High Cost of Low Prices” at over 3500 house parties.

Learn more, and pledge to take part.