Democracy for New Mexico

Sunday (Political) Bird Blogging

Bosco the peach-faced lovebird, being a loyal member of DFA-Democracy for New Mexico and a passionate progressive, is doing all he can to get Eric Griego elected as Mayor of Albuquerque:

Bosco is also a strong supporter of Marianne Dickinson, running for City Council in District 7, and he gets into being a progressive netroots activist. Here he's making a visit to Marianne's website to make a donation:

If a lovebird can be this active, think what YOU can do! Just some of Bosco's favorite campaign websites:

Eric Griego for Mayor

Marianne Dickinson for City Council, Dist. 7

Ike Benton for City Council, Dist. 3

Chris Catechis for City Council, Dist. 9

Albuquerque Living Wage Campaign

Common Cause Campaign for Open and Ethical Elections Code

(Click on photos for larger images.)

MUST SEE: Comedy Show to Benefit Living Wage Campaign

Tuesday, September 6th

8-9PM

Gorilla Tango Theater

With Special Guest Eric Griego

All proceeds to benefit Albuquerque Living Wage Campaign

Click for flyer.

More on Petroglyphs and Paseo

A report by the SAGE Council's Laurie Weahkee on the Cultural Properties Review Committee hearing on getting tribal input about moving Petroglyphs is at SWOPblogger. See our earlier post, an op-ed, on this issue.

Update on NM Legislative Election Reform Task Force

From Paul Stokes:
This update discusses the proceedings of the last Election Reform Task Force.

The agenda for the Task Force meeting on 15 Aug was as follows:

1. Rules for Third-Party Registration Agents -- Registration Forms -- Federal Forms -- Implementation -- Associated Costs
2. Procedures for Voters to Challenge Rejected provisional Ballots -- Secretary of State Appeal Procedures Under HAVA -- Costs
3. Timing of Open Registration and Early Voting
4. Address Provisions for Registration and Petition Purposes

Most of the discussion involved the first agenda item. Issues discussed were:

• Whether or not county clerks should be able to process registration of third-party registration agents, in addition to the Secretary of State
• Problems that may occur because of the 48 hour requirement for delivering certificates of registration,
• There is a significant problem with the inconsistency of state registration forms that conform with the new New Mexico election law and the federal forms, which the state is required to accept,
• There is confusion about the responsibilities of third-party registration agents and the organizations for whom they work,
• There is confusion about whether persons who help others register but are not employed by any organization are considered third-party registration agents,
• There was concern about the social security numbers of registrants being on copies of forms retained by third-party registration agents or their employers,
• And other problems, mostly involving process, in implementing the new law.

The Task Force agreed that the spirit of the new law could probably be met, but that these various practical problems needed to be addressed.

With regard to agenda item 2, concern was expressed by Ernie Marquez representing the office of the Secretary of State regarding the time taken for challenges, and the timeliness of the canvass, currently required to be completed in three days.

Mary Herrera, County Clerk of Bernalillo County, addressed agenda item 3. Concerns expressed involved the possible incompatibility of timing requirements in various parts of the election law.

No significant issues were raised regarding item 4.

A tentative agenda was distributed for the remainder of the Task Force meetings. Through the good efforts of Charlotte Roybal, time will be given to the grass roots election reform coalition in the October meeting to discuss our recommendations regarding voting machines to be purchased to meet the requirements of HAVA and the new New Mexico election law.

The next Election Reform Task Force meeting will be held on 8,9 September in Gallup and Laguna. The tentative agenda is

• voter education and outreach to disenfranchised voters
• up-front costs of recounts
• procedures for random checks of voting machines
• constitutional problems with precinct level reporting
• implementation of voter ID requirements; voter ID cards
• canvass observers--limits--how to enforce
• costs of implementation

Our grass roots community may have special interests in the third bullet, procedures for random checks of voting machines. We may also have concerns regarding the fourth bullet, constitutional problems with precinct level reporting, inasmuch as such reporting is crucial to checking the accuracy of the official vote totals for candidates.

Paul Stokes

Note:  The Stokes will be hosting a dinner Wednesday evening for those who have been involved in election reform activism here in NM. They'll discuss the latest developments regarding election reform, and Holly and Lowell will be in town taking depositions for the voters' lawsuit. Email them at stokescorrales@comcast.net for more information.

This information was originally posted to the update@UVoteNM.org mailing list. The goal of this list is to inform interested parties of what is going on with election reform in New Mexico. To subscribe, send an email from the address that you wish to subscribe to, to update-subscribe@UVoteNM.org. More info on Verfied Voting New Mexico https://vvnm.org

Learn About Misguided U.S. Plans to Develop a New Nuclear Weapon!

From the Union of Concerned Scientists:

During the last week of August, Dr. Robert Nelson, a physicist from the Union of Concerned Scientists, will give a series of presentations in New Mexico about the government’s proposal to build a new nuclear weapon—the "Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator" (RNEP). Numerous scientific critiques, including one by the National Academy of Science, have found that in many cases such a weapon would be ineffective. In addition, the nuclear blast and radioactive fall-out could kill millions of innocent people in surrounding areas.

New Mexicans can play an important role in influencing the fate of this weapon because Senator Pete Domenici chairs the committee that funds RNEP development.

Please join us in Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque or Socorro. Check the schedule posted on the UCS website for additional venues or changes. If you have questions, please contact us at globalsecurity@ucsusa.org or telephone 202-331-5422.

Taos
Monday, August 29
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Enos Garcia Elementary School
305 Don Fernando Street

Santa Fe
Tuesday, August 30
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Santa Fe Unitarian Universalist Church
107 West Barcelona Street

Albuquerque
Wednesday, August 31
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Friends Meeting House
1600 Fifth Street NW

Socorro
Thursday, September 1
7:30 to 9:00 pm
New Mexico Tech
Workman Building 101

Reflections on Last Night's Cindy Sheehan Peace Vigils

Mitchell Field on Comanche at dusk.

Mitchell Field on Comanche in the NE Heights, Albuquerque: What started as a small gathering in a home got so many RSVPs it became a gathering of more than 80 people who formed a large circle of candlelight. Many had signs, a large peace flag waved, many age groups were represented and several peace dogs joined in. Speakers included a woman who had lost her 26-year-old nephew in Iraq this year and who made a very moving plea for peace and no more soldiers coming back as "cargo." The sunset (see above) lent a special glow to our solemn meditations on the Iraq War and what one person, like Cindy Sheehan, can do to renew and inspire a movement. KRQE TV-13 covered this event for their 10PM newscast with footage from some of the other vigils in Albuquerque. -Barb & M.E.

All ages were represented at the Comanche vigil.

Lomas & Girard, Albuquerque: These photos are pretty fuzzy, the light being what it was. But the spirit was clear. There were a little over 200 people gathered around this one intersection for a solid hour and a half, and the folks driving by really cheered us on. This was only one of six vigils in Burque tonight. -Marti

The crowd wrapped around the intersection of Lomas and Girard.

A spirit of peace and true patriotism at Lomas & Girard.

Albloggerque has an excellent commentary on Bush and the Iraq War along with more photos of the Lomas vigil. Marston Moore comments at >Duke City Fix and takes on Iraq's Churchillian origins. More Albuquerque photos at Fort Progress.

Taos: Tonight about 150 people gathered at the plaza in solidarity with Cindy Sheehan. The crowd included many young people. An 8-foot diameter peace sign made of candles offered a center to the determined and peaceful energies that typified the crowd. It begins… -T.

Boulder CO: We had a count of 850 at the Courthouse in Boulder (only 250 had been scheduled), with at least two other events in town. The one in South Boulder was also supposed to have somewhere around 100 folks signed up, but no word yet. -Joe

Boulder CO: In Boulder, there were at least 3 vigils. The one we attended had several hundred people at the court house on Pearl Street Mall. Really great. Another one had more than a hundred people signed up via the net. There were two scheduled in Longmont and one in Erie that I heard about folks attending. Also, a caravan from Boulder is leaving for Crawford tomorrow! -Myriah

Denver CO: The downtown Denver vigil was scheduled to have nearly 1000 and another one 250 with two more small ones for a total of over 1300. -Claudia

Rep. John Conyers is organizing a letters to the editor campaign to support Cindy Sheehan, as well as encouraging donations to the Gold Star Families for Peace, at his website. MoveOn reports that 1,627 were held nationwide last night. They'll be posting photos and reports from around the nation.

If you were at one of the vigils in New Mexico, send me your comments and/or photos to add to our coverage.
************
Stop the War Machine is organizing a caravan to Crawford TX:
You are invited to meet at the Albuquerque Peace Center (corner of Harvard and Silver) on Friday, Aug. 19, at 3 PM if you would like to caravan. (Bring a tent, water, possibly something to make shade, some food...)  If you need a ride or can share a ride, call the Peace Center (268-9557) beforehand. Folks who would like to go earlier are invited to do so. We know of others that will be leaving on Monday.  Let us show that New Mexico supports Cindy Sheehan and her call for justice!

Questions?  Contact StoptheWarMachine@comcast.net

ACTION ALERT: Many Opportunities to Support the Valle Vidal

NRDC's EARTH ACTION:
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
Special alert for New Mexico Earth Activists: Come rally to protect the Valle Vidal!

The Valle Vidal (the "Valley of Life"), in northern New Mexico's Carson National Forest, is one of the places that makes our state special. The area is home to hundreds of wildlife species, including New Mexico's largest herd of elk, as well as irreplaceable cultural artifacts and unmatched scenery and recreational opportunities. The Valle Vidal is also a vital economic resource for the state, contributing $2-$5 million annually to New Mexico's economy.

But despite its unmatched beauty, cultural importance and benefits to our economy, the Valle Vidal is currently threatened by oil and gas development that would irreparably harm the landscape and wildlife, contaminate water supplies and destroy the majesty of this special place for our children and grandchildren.

During the next several weeks, New Mexicans have a number of local opportunities to learn more and speak out about the need to protect the Valle Vidal -- please join us at one or more of the events listed below. 

Friday-Sunday, August 19-21
Valle Vidal Great Outdoor Adventure, Ring Place, Valle Vidal: Join in a weekend-long, family-friendly public rally that includes guided hikes, horseback riding, fishing and more. Speakers may include Governor Bill Richardson, Gary Fonay (former president of NM Oil & Gas Association), Joe Torrez (Valle Vidal Grazing Association) and others. Directions below. For more information, visit https://www.vallevidal.org/calendar.html or contact Oscar Simpson of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation at 505-345-0117.

Wednesday, August 24, 7:00pm
Valley Vidal: Valley of Life or Valley of Pumpjacks?
Randall Davey Audubon Center,
1800 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe: Join a panel of experts as they discuss what the Valle Vidal is, its importance to New Mexico and what we have to lose if it is sacrificed to natural gas industrialization. For more information, call the New Mexico Environmental Law Center at 505-989-9022, ext. 28.

Friday-Monday, September 2-5
Valle Vidal Trail Rides, Valle Vidal : Spend the weekend enjoying the beauty of the Valle Vidal! Guided horseback trail rides filled with breathtaking landscapes, lush grassy meadows, sparkling streams and wildlife are available all weekend long. Rides range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Directions below. For more information, contact Oscar Simpson of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation at 505-345-0117.

Forest Service Open House Community Meetings: The Forest Service is holding community meetings on the proposed coalbed methane development project in the Valle Vidal. These meetings are important opportunities to show our support for preserving the area. Two meetings will be held at each location, at 2:00pm (doors open at 1:00) and 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00).

Tuesday, August 23
Raton Convention Center, 901 South Third Street, Raton

Thursday, August 25
Taos Convention Center, Rio Grande Room, 120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos

Tuesday, August 30
Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe
===
Please also forward this message to your friends and co-workers, and urge them to join us at these events as well.

And if you haven't already, please don't forget to send a comment opposing coalbed methane development in the Valle Vidal before the September 15 deadline. To take action, visit
https://www.nrdcaction.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=52851

Thank you!
===
Directions to the Valle Vidal: The Valle Vidal lies northeast of Taos and northwest of Cimarron, and is approximately 15 miles south of the Colorado-New Mexico border. The campsite is approximately a 4.5 hour drive from Albuquerque, 1.5 hours from Cimarron and 2.5 hours from Taos.

From I-25 take exit 419 approximately five miles north of Springer. Go west on Highway 58 to Cimarron (19 miles). At the intersection of highways 58 & 64, take Highway 64 and go north toward Raton for approximately four miles. Look for a small green Valle Vidal sign on the right side of the road and turn left. Go west on the dirt road (FS 1950) approximately 30 miles to the camp site.

The campsite is primitive: portable outhouses and a limited supply of fresh potable water will be available; you should bring at least five gallons of water or more per vehicle. Nights can be cool (high 30-degree range), and rain is always a possibility, so pack accordingly and bring your own sleeping accommodations. The campsite is suitable for truck/camper, truck-horse trailer and tent camping. Make sure you have good tires and as a precaution we suggest you carry several bottles of fix-a-flat and a flat tire repair kit (plug type). Cell phone reception is limited to a lookout point on the side of the mountain five miles west of the campsite.

==========
About NRDC
==========

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a nonprofit environmental organization with more than one million members and online activists, and a staff of scientists, attorneys and environmental experts. Our mission is to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.

For more information about NRDC or how to become a member of NRDC, please contact us at:

Natural Resources Defense Council
40 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-727-4511 (voice) / 212-727-1773 (fax)
Email: nrdcaction@nrdc.org
https://www.nrdc.org

Mayor Marty Goes Missing Again

He's in the money.

Greg Burton's Albuquerque Blog has the scoop on SEEDpac's city candidate forum this past Sunday. As he mentions, Mayor Martin Chavez was missing in action again. Excellent event by SEEDpac though!

As many of our DFA-DFNM Meetup members recall, Marty's campaign had confirmed his attendance at the Democracy for New Mexico mayoral candidate forum back in June, only to call and cancel as we were walking out the door to go down to the hall. The excuse: very important city business. Strangely, this important business seemed to entail Marty donning a pair of shorts and leisurely walking his dog, as reported by one member who witnessed it on the way to the event.

Marty also failed to show at the mayoral candidate forum put on by the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County, but then I guess that's to be expected given how rarely he even pretends to represent Dem concerns these days. Why bother to try and get the votes of Dems when most of your big buck campaign contributions come from Republicans? Or when you have a mutual admiration society going with Republican members of the City Council, especially Tina Cummins and the loathsome Sallly Mayer, who both like to sit in the Mayor's back pocket.

I know the mayor's race is supposed to be nonpartisan, but isn't it time for our local Dem Party to disown Marty Chavez? As far as I can tell, he's against almost every single progressive and/or Democratic core issue we hold dear. How can any real Democrat support a politico who is vehemently AGAINST the Living Wage proposal, AGAINST cleaning up City elections by reforming campaign funding and AGAINST efforts to use our heads in planning, shaping and regulating the future of our city to benefit the common good?

Add in Marty's scandals to the equation, like the evidence room crimes and the ABQPAC bribery scheme, and what you've got is a severely ethically challenged and arrogant politician who works for the monied, right-wing establishment to the detriment of ordinary folks, day in and day out. Pandas anyone? I suggest Marty save some of his anticipated $1 million plus war chest to buy them himself. So he can enjoy them OUT of office. When he's defeated by Eric Griego on October 4th.

PS. You must be registered to vote by 5:00 PM on September 6th to vote in the October 4th municipal election. Click for municipal election info from the . For information on how to register, call the Albuquerque City Clerk's office at 505-768-4090, the Democratic Party of New Mexico at 830-3650 or the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County at 256-1855. Click for the in Bernalillo County.

ACTION ALERT: Give Now to the Living Wage Campaign!

From Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich and the Living Wage Campaign:

WE DID IT!  The Living Wage Initiative will be on the ballot October 4th. With the help of hundreds of progressive activists we collected more than 30,000 signatures to place the initiative on the ballot.

Across the country, Republicans and Independents are voting for a cause dear to progressives and associated closely with Democrats -- a higher minimum wage.

Supporters of the Albuquerque Living Wage Campaign are working hard every day to pass the initiative which would increase the minimum wage to $7.50 an hour.

But we need your help today as we gear up for a tough campaign against big business anti-worker special interests. Contribute Today at the Albuquerque Living Wage Campaign!

The Living Wage Ordinance will help lift tens of thousands of low wage workers out of poverty and off of the welfare rolls, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy.

70% of Albuquerque voters support a higher minimum wage because they believe that if someone works 40 hours, we should value their contribution to society. 

Please lend us your support today.  Contribute Today at the Albuquerque Living Wage Campaign.  If you would like to hold a house party in your neighborhood to spread the word please call us 242-7411 or email us at nmacorn@acorn.org. The election is only two months away.

Help the hardest working workers; and help us forge a more powerful, effective, progressive movement.  In Albuquerque, at least, it's safe to say that we believe a day's work should earn you a wage you can live on. 
 
https://www.abqlivingwage.org/

Vols Needed for United Voters of NM Booth at State Fair

From Paul and Laura Stokes of United Voters of New Mexico:
United Voters of New Mexico is planning to have a booth at the State Fair this year. We think it's a great way to educate the public about voting problems in NM and election reform issues. So we are asking for your help to sit at the booth for one or more shifts. We want to make the booth as attractive and interesting as possible as well as demonstrate that there is a great deal of public interest and support for election reform.

So please join us at our space in the Lujan building. We would like to see lots of people from outside Albuquerque if you plan to visit the fair this year. Dates are September 9 - 25, hours are 10:00 A.M. till 8:00 P.M.

Let us know the dates and hours you prefer and whether you would like to work two or four-hour shifts, for one day or more. We can get half-price discounts on parking and entrance fees so let us know soon if you are interested in that. You can respond to stokescorrales@comcast.net or 505-898-1237.

Thanks for your participation.