Democracy for New Mexico

Today's Insight NM Radio Show Line-Up

Photo montage of last week's show by Suzanne Prescott. (Click on image for larger version.)

The weekly Albuquerque area progressive radio talk show, Insight New Mexico, hosted by Eric Griego and produced by Suzanne Prescott, returns this afternoon on Progressive Talk Radio 1350 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Guests this week include NM Senator Cisco McSorley, local blogger Coco of Cocoposts and Common Cause Executive Director, Matt Brix. Visit the show's website at for more info on guests, issues, blogging and more. You're also encouraged to call in during the broadcast with questions for the guests. Just punch in 338-4090 and you'll have a chance to ask your question on the air.

The site also now includes podcasts of interviews from previous shows. You can listen at the site, load your iPod or download the mp3. So if you missed the live broadcast of a show or would like to listen again to one of the show's guests, it's easy to catch up. You can even hear yours truly in a live interview from last week's show.

If we want to nourish progressive talk radio, we're the ones who need to do it. Tune in this afternoon and help support Insight New Mexico.

Albuquerque Activists Respond to Richardson's Call for Disarmament

From Stop the War Machine:
On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, Bill Richardson is quoted as saying the United States must lead the way by reducing its nuclear weapons. Disarmament activists in Albuquerque, home to the largest concentration of nuclear weapons in the world, were surprised to hear this.

“Governor Richardson could lead the way himself by calling for nuclear disarmament right here at home in New Mexico,” said Jeanne Pahls of Stop the War Machine/Nukes Out of Duke City. “We met with Governor Richardson last year on this topic and gave him a petition signed by 7,000 people that called for the dismantlement of the nuclear weapons at Kirtland. We asked the governor to call for their dismantlement as well, but we still have not received a response from him on this issue.”

Bob Anderson of Stop the War Machine/Nukes Out of Duke City said, “Governor Richardson’s choosing to address this issue of non-proliferation is due to the tremendous grassroots effort around the world for no more wars and nuclear weapons. Richardson has recognized, since last November, the electoral superpower of the peace movement. It is time for action now, not sometime in the future!”

Governor Richardson could act on his call for disarmament by supporting a memorial written by State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino’s office this past week, a memorial calling for the dismantlement of the Kirtland nuclear weapons. As home to 2,000 nuclear weapons, which constitutes roughly one-fifth of the US nuclear arsenal, Albuquerque has a unique role to play in disarmament.

On Friday morning, February 9th, at 7:30 AM Albuquerque citizens will gather at the Albuquerque Peace Center (202 Harvard SE). They will depart for the Roundhouse together in order to spend the day lobbying their senators and representatives on the issue of dismantling the nuclear weapons at Kirtland. They will be taking the petition to have the Kirtland nuclear weapons dismantled, which has 8,000 signatures at this point in time.

It would be nice if the governor would sign on to a local disarmament effort!

Questions? 401-4808

Editor's Note: Check out our previous post on Gov. Richardson's call for a halt in U.S. nuclear weapons production as well as an earlier post on the memorial to dismantle the nuclear weapons at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Try the New, Improved New Mexico FBIHOP

Local blog New Mexico FBIHOP has been up and running since February of last year and doing a great job covering the New Mexico political scene. Now they've replaced their original offering with a new community blog, where readers can post their own diaries, ala Daily Kos and many others. Go join up and try it out at their new URL: . Nice addition to the NM blogging scene, isn't it? Adjust your bookmarks accordingly.

You're Invited: Democratic Party Organizing Meeting 2/7 at GI Forum

From Bill Kass:
Our series of monthly meetings in Albuquerque started with Ward 25A and combined with an ad hoc group called Grassroots Democrats. Our goal is to expand the active membership of the Bernalillo County Democratic Party – not to create a separate organization. I think that this is a task that legitimately belongs to the DPBC but has recently been ignored. Our long term strategy is to find DPBC officials who will continue to organize and strengthen the party throughout the year – not just at election time. We encourage anyone who might be interested in getting more involved in Democratic Party activities to attend.

We will hold our next organizing meeting on February 7 at 6:00 PM at the GI Forum, 3301Mountain Road NW. The most direct access is to take Rio Grande Blvd. to Mountain Road and turn west. The GI forum is located near the end of Mountain Road about ¾ mile west of Rio Grande Blvd. – almost to the river. It seems like it is farther than it is because there are about 5000 speed bumps on Mountain Road.

We will start with our usual potluck dinner at 6 PM followed by a meeting focused on finding candidates for upcoming County / Ward / Precinct/ County Central Committee / State Central Committee, party positions.

Agenda:
6:00 PM: Potluck
7:00 PM: Business Meeting - Announcements:

• Opportunities for action at the legislature.
• Critical dates for Party Elections in March and April
• Introduction of Candidates for County Chair

7:30 PM: Small Group exercise: Break into small groups based on geography (wards or areas of Bernalillo County) to develop a plan for finding candidates for party offices in all of these areas. Report back with group actions.

We invite all those who are currently party officials to continue - your experience is valuable to the Party. There are also many positions that are unfilled. We want to fill those positions with active, engaged Democrats who will help to create an identity for the Democratic Party. Please join us in this effort. For more information or to RSVP, please contact me at kwjdr@msn.com.

Bill Kass

SF Mayor Coss' Next Coffee Focuses on Bus Riders

From the City of Santa Fe:
The next Coffee with Santa Fe Mayor Coss will be held with bus riders and people interested in public transit to talk about how Santa Fe Trails Bus service can be made even better for the community. The Coffee will be held on Wednesday, February 7, from 6 to 7:30 PM, at Santa Fe Place Mall. Participants should use the food court entrance. Signs will be posted to direct participants to the meeting location.

Discussion topics may include:

• Improving pedestrian infrastructure to enhance access to bus stops;
• Establishing relationships between the transit system and the local business and tourism industry;
• Exploring alternative fuel technologies (for future bus purchases);
• Designing and developing transit center improvements; and
• Any other city transit-related residential interests or concerns.

Everyone from the community is welcome, whether you are a regular commuter, an occasional rider or someone who has never ridden the bus and has questions. For more information contact Special Projects Coordinator Becky Lo Dolce at 955-6629.

Sen. Ortiz y Pino and DFNM on Today's Insight NM Radio Show

Montage with last week's guests on Insight New Mexico.

Be sure to tune in Insight New Mexico's weekly political show on Albuquerque's Progressive Talk Radio 1350 AM today from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Eric Griego and sidekick producer Suzanne Prescott will be interviewing one of our local Dem heroes -- NM Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino -- who has sponsored the NM impeachment bill, the medical marijuana bill, the working families tax credit and many other progressive measures, as well as Eric Mack, head producer for the NM News Service. Eric will also be talking with some APS and CNM board candidates in the February 6th election in Albuquerque.

I'm also excited to report that we (Barbara Wold and Mary Ellen Broderick) will be featured on the show's blogger segment today representing Democracy for New Mexico. Wish us luck - we're definitely new to radio interviews!

To learn more about Insight New Mexico and today's guests, download podcasts from previous shows, stay current with guests on upcoming shows, or join the discussion, visit their website and blog at .

Listeners are encouraged to phone in questions during the show by calling 338-4090.

If we want progressive talk radio to continue in Albuquerque, now's the time to show your support by tuning in and spreading the word to your friends, neighbors and colleagues.

P.S. Eric Griego is now a regular columnist at the Albuquerque Tribune. Check out his column.

Last Day for Early Voting in APS Board Election

This is the last day for early in-person for the Albuquerque Public Schools board election. The election is set for February 6, 2007 with consolidated polling places around the city. Today you can voted at any of the four early voting locations in Albuquerque that will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM:

Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office
6th Floor, Room 6011
One Civic Plaza

APS City Centre
6400 Uptown Blvd NE

Plaza Ladera
5300 Sequoia NW Suite G

Paradise Hills Community Center
5901 Paradise Blvd NW
Note: Early Voting is in the West Annex building

Today is also the last day to request an absentee ballot and all such completed ballots must be received at the Bernalillo County Clerk's office by 7:00 PM Tuesday.

If you have any questions you can call the office of the Bernalillo County Clerk at 468-1290 or email them at clerk@bernco.gov.

Check our previous post for more information on the election and the candidates. To determine which APS district you reside in, click and enter your address.

The Albuquerque Tribune online has video interviews with board candidates.

Photos and Report from Saturday's Albuquerque Antiwar March

Crowd gathers to hear speakers at Albuquerque's Robinson Park after march. All photos courtesy of Tom Solomon. (Click on photos for larger versions.)

Submitted by Terry Riley:
What did we get done Saturday? We had about 1,000 people mobilized in Albuquerque to march from our three representatives' offices speaking out against the troop buildup AND against Bush. We all saw what was going on and the police saw what was going on. We did not affect many people's lives like we would if we shut down the Big I. What we did do though is we got coverage on ALL THREE Albuquerque network affiliates. We were interviewed and our signs appeared on TV screens all over Albuquerque. We got coverage in Sunday's paper as well. We collectively spoke out in support of SJR05, the resolution in the New Mexico Legislature to Impeach Bush and Cheney that is sponsored by Senators Gerald Ortiz y Pino and John Grubesic.

Marching in downtown Albuquerque

That is a lot! We got a lot done! We also lit fires under citizens who have been afraid to speak up, who feared that there was nothing that could be done. We have hope and Saturday's demonstration was an example of the hope!

Filling downtown sidewalk

Now that you have seen the power of the people I am asking everybody who reads this to PLEASE do EVERYTHING that you can possibly do to make sure that the New Mexico Legislature passes the resolution to Impeach Bush! We hold the power IF we work together! Now is the time to speak up!

Paul Stokes (2nd from left) of United Voters NM and crowd stopped at congressional offices

Call your state legislator - NOW! Call the Governor's office - NOW! (I mean during office hours.) Call Congressman Udall's office - NOW! New Mexico's legislators do respond to the people. We are allowed to speak in every committee hearing in the legislature and if we ask for an appointment we can demonstrate or hold a press conference in the Rotunda. We have the opportunity and we have the responsibility. I am asking any of you who can possibly do it to stay tuned and show up when this bill is heard in committee and support it, to call your state representatives and Governor and tell them that you want Bush and Cheny Impeached. If you have some time, call EVERY legislator. Public pressure can work! Try it! (Editor's Note: For more information on the NM impeachment effort and how to get involved, visit our archived posts on this issue.)

Terry Riley and Albuquerque CodePINK unfurl their Fire the Liars banner next to Robinson Park rally
Tom Solomon (in hat) and daughter (right) with his IM-PEACH sign
NM Rep. Dede Feldman (right) speaks at rally
No comment necessary
Speakers at Robinson Park in downtown Albuquerque
Charioteer for peace
Counter protestors - all 6 of them!

KRQE News online has reporting and video on the demonstration here and here.

Editor's Note: Thanks to Stop the War Machine and all the supporting organizations for a job well done. Thanks to Terry Riley for the report and Tom Solomon for the photos.

Saturday's Insight NM Radio Show to Feature Maestas, Grant, Burgos

Eric Griego's weekly political talk and call-in show, Insight New Mexico, produced by Suzanne Prescott, will again be aired on Progressive Talk Radio 1350 AM in Albuquerque tomorrow, Saturday, January 27th, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The show is also rebroadcast on Sunday's from 7-8 AM. We need to support the show if we want it to remain on the air!

The January 27 Show Lineup Includes: Democratic NM State Rep. Moe Maestas, Albuquerque Tribune columnist Gene Grant, NM conservative blogger Mario Burgos and a surprise guest. More on the guests:

Moe Maestas - is a Democrat serving in the New Mexico House of Representative from District 16 in Albuquerque. He's a 'freshman' legislator and sits on the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee and is the Chair of Enrolling and Engrossing. We're not sure what the last assignment is but we hope to find out. He is sponsor of the following Bills:

HB183 PROHIBIT UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW
HB184 UNIFORM REVISED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT
HB271 IDENTIFY MINORS & DEPENDENTS UPON ARRESTS
HB272 CORRECTIONS POPULATION CONTROL ACT CHANGES

Moe Maestas can be reached at: antonio@moejustice.com.

Gene Grant - is the host of "The Line," the round table public affairs program that airs Friday nights at 7pm on KNME. Grant is also a columnist for the Albuquerque Tribune on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Whether art, culture or politics Gene presents a unique and insightful blend. Contact Gene at https://www.abqtrib.com/staff/gene-grant/contact/.

Mario Burgos - Mario's blog is popular in New Mexico and has a pronounced conservative take on New Mexico politics. Compare our guests' points of view. How persuasive are their arguments concerning issues you care about? If not Mario, then someone should remind you "not to believe everything you think." Visit Mario Burgos, the blog. 

A Surprise Special Guest - Eric will feature a guest from one of Albuquerque's active advocacy groups.

Next Up on Insight NM Radio: Saturday 1.20.07

Insight New Mexico, the new radio talk show about local politics hosted by Eric Griego and produced by Suzanne Prescott, continues this Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on Progressive Talk Radio, 1350AM. See our previous post for more info on this excellent new weekly progressive forum and call-in show. Also be sure to check out the show's website and blog at .

The January 20 show lineup Includes:

Mimi Stewart - serves in the New Mexico House of Representative from District 21. In the past Mimi has been Chair of the Government & Urban Affairs Committee and active on the following House Committees: Judiciary, Water & Natural Resources, Courts Corrections & Justice, and Legislative Education Study. Mimi can be reached at: mstewart@osogrande.com

Kate Nash - is an Albuquerque Tribune political columnist familiar to readers throughout to New Mexico and a special favorite of political junkies, traversing the hectic and often tumultuous landscape of New Mexico politics. Contact Kate at
https://www.abqtrib.com/staff/kate-nash/contact/

Joe Monahan - Joe's blog could just be the most widely read blog by political insiders in New Mexico. Joe's wide network of contacts, friends and confidantes bring local and timely news to his blog, New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. What insider information captured reader interest this week? Tune in to find out. Kate Nash reports that Monahan describes his blog as "the front page, the entertainment page, the sports page and the editorial page all rolled into one. "New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan: https://joemonahansnewmexico.blogspot.com/

A Surprise Special Guest - Eric will feature a guest from one of Albuquerque's most active advocacy groups.

If we want this show to succeed and become a permanent part of the radio landscape here in Albuquerque, we need to tune in, call in and urge our friends and colleagues to do the same. If you'd like to learn about how you can become a supporter or sponsor of the show, contact Suzanne Prescott at .