State GOP Communications Director Resigns.

Still more changes inside the New Mexico Republican Party.

Whitney Cheshire
Long-time strategist, Whitney Cheshire, a weekly panelist on KNME's community program "New Mexico In Focus" and "The Line," is resigning her post as the GOP's communication's director.

We got the word on Saturday morning directly from Cheshire:

It was always my intention to serve during the transition of administrations and I feel confident that Chairman [Harvey E.] Yates is now well down the road of implementing his own vision for the Party, rebuilding from our losses, raising money for future candidates, and securing the professional staff that he will have to have in place to be successful in 2009 and 2010. I wish him and the new slate of Party officers the best of luck as they work toward Republican victories in the coming cycle.

Perhaps Cheshire is planning to join another campaign staff! Does her resignation signal that Heather Wilson is one-step closer to jumping into the 2010 gubernatorial race?

Photo: MG Bralley

Jamie Koch Steps Aside as UNM Regent President.

On Tuesday, Governor Bill Richardson met with about a 12 member's of UNM's faculty. Afterward, he told reporter's he believed their concerns were legit. He even told reporter's that he would consider appointing one of them to the Board of Regents, giving them a voice at the table.

"I will also recommend that the Board of Regents consider more faculty input into regent committee assignments, particularly the committee on finance and facilities. Additionally, I will attempt to facilitate a request by the faculty to the State Auditor to audit issues related to university financial priorities."

Today, Richardson announced that he continues to support UNM Regent Jamie Koch's reappointment to the board, but revealed that Koch is stepping aside as President. The governor is recommending former NM Speaker of the House Raymond Sanchez become the president.

Last month an overwhelming majority of UNM's faculty voted for a no confidence resolution on UNM President David Schmidly, Executive Vice President David Harris, and Regent Koch. They also demanded State Auditor Hector Balderas conduct an audit on spending at the university. Professors are upset with the amount of administrative spending and payroll.

Here's the full statement released by the Governor:

I recently completed a series of discussions with UNM administrators, members of the Board of Regents and faculty representatives regarding recent conflicts at the university. As governor, I do not think it is appropriate to interfere with the governance and internal decisions at the university. However, I decided to intervene on a one-time basis, given my responsibility to appoint regents and make funding decisions for higher education.

I will be recommending to the Board of Regents that they elect Regent Raymond Sanchez, the distinguished former Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the next President of the Board.

Regent Jamie Koch has graciously agreed to step aside as President to avoid being a distraction. I will continue to support his nomination for another six-year term on the board. Jamie Koch has done an invaluable service to the university. I am eternally grateful for his outstanding leadership during the past six years, and I look forward to his continued involvement on the regents.

I will also recommend that the Board of Regents consider more faculty input into regent committee assignments, particularly the committee on finance and facilities. Additionally, I will attempt to facilitate a request by the faculty to the State Auditor to audit issues related to university financial priorities.

It is my view that future issues of governance should be decided by the university community. Accordingly, I will let these issues be handled by the interested parties.

President David Schmidly, Vice President David Harris and the regents, including Jamie Koch, have my full support to continue with the mission of the university. It is important that the university community, including the faculty and students, work with the regents and the administration to restore trust and establish a productive working relationship.

Concierge Caters to Celebrities and Film Industry!

How exciting is this? More and more local businesses are catering to the growing film industry in New Mexico. And, just in time.

Today, Governor Bill Richardson and the NM Film office announced producers of the MGM/Sci Fi Channel will shoot a portion of an episode for Stargate: Universe in Alamogordo.

The production will film in and around Alamogordo late April through early May and plans to hire at least 75 local crew members. Several fans of Stargate have already called me. They want to be extra's in the production.

Now, Ivan Wiener, a former Washington, D.C. based concierge and Hyatt Hotels Sales Executive, has opened Reel Solutions New Mexico.

The company will be a full-service firm and plans to offer a seamless connection between filmmakers and the resources and services needed in New Mexico.

The growth of the film industry in New Mexico has been fueled for several years by incentives and rebates, beautiful locations and a very talented workforce. Over the last 6 years, more than 100 movies and television projects have been filmed, entirely or in part, in the Land of Enchantment.

Wiener said,

Concierge and consulting services, however, have not expanded quickly enough to keep up with the demand. Reel Solutions is now here to fill this void.

He plans to offer meet & greet at the airport for executives and talent, luxury transportation, accommodations that include private homes and hotels, 24/7 reservations for restaurants, events and travel, licensed and bonded security, personal assistants, location management, printing services, crew services, housekeeping services, fly fishing, golfing, art and winery tours, hot air ballooning and team building activities.

Wiener said he has brought together an experienced team of former hotel concierge and service industry employees who anticipate needs and go above and beyond the call of duty with every request.

Reel Solutions' goal is to exceed client expectations by optimizing resources, shortening production time and reducing overall costs while filming in New Mexico.

Deputy McGrane's "End of Watch" Marked with New Highway Sign.

For nearly three years a white cross has marked the spot along highway 337 where Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy James McGrane was senselessly murdered during a routine traffic stop three years ago.

Now, a large green highway sign will remind driver's of McGrane's "end of watch" patrol on March 22, 2006.

On Friday, Governor Bill Richardson, Sheriff Darren White, McGrane's mother, father, sister, and nieces, the mayor of Tijeras, and others, honored the fallen deputy and dedicated the rural road to McGrane.

Wearing his full dress uniform and white gloves, Sheriff Darren White told the crowd how much McGrane, an 11 year law enforcement vet, loved his job, even calling him a "hero."

McGrane's dad, who drives a school bus said he asked his young riders to pray for good weather for the dedication ceremony, instead the wind and cold reminded the needless and chilling loss of his son.

McGrane said the new memorial would be a reminder of how his son lived...not died.

He also recalled how his son was afraid of the dark as a child, but loved patrolling the dark streets in the East Mountains as an adult. His mother said her last phone call with her son was 12 hours before his death. She told the crowd of nearly 150 people that McGrane told her he'd been invited to join the S.W.A.T., but was uncertain, because he loved community policing and his East Mountain Assignment. Mrs. McGrane said she's certain her son would be delighted with the crowd turnout, and that he's watching over deputies and police officers from heaven.

The McGrane's Foundation has been responsible for raising money for several advance street survival training classes and workshops for law enforcement officer's statewide.

Governor Richardson praised the family and Deputy McGrane.

Deputy McGrane sacrificed his life protecting the citizens of Bernalillo County and the citizens of this great state. He paid the ultimate price in the name of duty and public service. The naming of this Memorial Highway in honor of Deputy McGrane is a way for us to thank him for his service and remember what he and other fellow law enforcement officers do for us on a daily basis-putting their lives on the line in order to keep our communities safe.

State Transportation Commissioner Jackson Gibson said:

Naming this highway after Deputy McGrane is a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life in the line of duty. We hope this Memorial Highway will serve as a lasting reminder of Deputy McGrane's legacy.

The dedication officially designates 29.3 miles of N.M. 337 from N.M. 333 to N.M. 55 between Tijeras and Mountainair.

McGrane's accused killer Michael Paul Astoraga is facing the death penalty. But prosecutors are waiting to see if the ultimate penalty is repealed by lawmakers in Santa Fe, or if the court tosses the death penalty, before proceeding to trial.

Romero On Track for Public Financing!

Photo: MG Bralley
Richard Romero Turns in Over 1,000 $5 Qualifying Contributions Filing of first report shows Romero is on track to qualify as a publicly financed candidate by March 31 deadline.

Richard Romero filed his first campaign contribution and signature report yesterday as required for mayoral candidates seeking to qualify for public financing under the Clean and Ethical Elections law. He submitted a total of 1,007 $5 qualifying contributions and 1,388 nominating petition signatures to the city clerk. Four more reports are due by the March 31 deadline. At that time publicly financed candidates will have had to turn in 3,287 $5 qualifying contributions from Albuquerque voters in order to receive public financing.

Romero says,

I am proud to be running as a Clean Election candidate. Through their $5 contributions, voters are sending a powerful and reaffirming message that they want to change the political campaign culture in New Mexico. They're saying that elected officials should be beholden to the average, every day citizen - not the big moneyed special interests.

Each day our campaign is picking up momentum. We are building a strong and motivated grassroots effort, and we're well on our way to reaching the contribution and signature requirements.

Romero is on record as an advocate of public financing since he served in the State Senate. In 2005, he fought for the successful passage of the Albuquerque Clean Elections law.

Romero's Change Agenda focuses on job creation, cleaning up city hall and cutting government waste, improving education, and smarter strategies for combating crime.

Candidates are required to turn in weekly reports to the City Clerk each Friday leading up to the March 31 deadline to track their progress in collecting contributions.

Richard is a former teacher and principal. He served as President Pro Tem of the NM state Senate from 2001 to 2004. He is from Albuquerque's Barelas neighborhood and lives downtown with his wife, Margie.

Richard is facing City Councilors Debbie O'Malley and Michael Cadigan, Rep. RJ Berry, and Rob Dixon. Mayor Marty Chavez has not declared whether he will seek a fourth term as mayor.

Albuquerque's municipal election will be held on October 6, 2009.

Richard Romero’s Steering Committee (still in formation): State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, State Senator Cisco McSorley, State Rep. Mimi Stewart, State Senator Eric Griego, State Senator Tim Keller, former State Senator Tito Chavez, former U.S. Senator Fred Harris, Veronica Garcia, New Mexico Sec. of Education, Danny Hernandez, AMAFCA Director, Blair Kaufman, CNM Board, Carmie Toulouse, CNM Board, Lorenzo Garcia, APS Board, Ralph Arellanes, Lydia Ashanin, Pat Baca, Mercy Berman, Fabrizio Bertoletti, Dr. Mustafa Beyyette, Eleanor Bratton, Dr. Teresa Brito-Asenap, Pat Bryan, Phil Ewing, Ramona Torres Ford, Michelle Garcia, Robert Garcia, Richard L. Gonzales, Earl Holmes, Lou Hoffman, David Kleinfeld, Ted Martinez, Mary Molina Mescall, Dr. John Mondragon, Bill Moye, Toots Obenshain, Michael Passi, Dr. Steve Pilon, Kim Posich, Stephanie Poston, Tey Diana Rebolledo, Giovanna Rossi, Frank Sedillo, Orlie Sedillo, Orlando Vigil, Gregory Webb, Ann Yegge, Kim Zamarin.

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UDALL ADDRESSES N.M. LEGISLATURE ABOUT JOBS, CLEAN ENERGY AND HEALTH CARE

Earlier today in Santa Fe, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., spoke to a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature about plans to address the country’s economic crisis, create clean energy jobs and fix America’s health care system. Read his remarks below:

Udall 322009

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Denish's Children Cabinet Days Kickoff Today.

Lt. Governor Diane Denish says she'll emphasize long-term value of early childhood investments during her annual Children's Cabinet Roundup this week.

At noon today, Denish launched three days of aggressive advocacy for investments in New Mexico’s youth.

We spoke with Denish this morning. She tells us statewide budget cuts are not impacting most of the children's programs.

"Actually in some of our areas, voluntary pre-K, and others have been held very stable, we actually have some very small increases. We are concerened about some cuts to our Americorp programs that help implement these programs. Primarily, we want to say, now is not the time to pull back on these investments that we've been making over the last six years."

She tells us her top three priorities for the Children's Cabinet includes preventing school dropouts, home visiting, early childhood education programs, and before and after school programs which includes development and mentoring.

"This keeps kids in school," said Lt. Governor Denish. "It gives them a good start. It helps them stay in school and be productive citizens. It's a huge impact on the community. We want to prevent dropouts which is our number one priority."

Denish will be joined by Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy of the National Women’s Law Center, Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon, and Secretary of Children, Youth, and Families, Dorian Dodson.

Together they will tout the long-term value of investments in youth development.

Each day of the Children's Cabinet will have a specific focus:

• Monday, March 2, will start the advocacy effort for early childhood initiatives.
  
  Tuesday, March 3, will focus on school-age youth and adolescents.
  
  Wednesday, March 4, will be dedicated to early adulthood.
  

The Lt. Governors Children’s Cabinet Days in the Roundhouse will draw national leaders, cabinet secretaries, over 50 community organizations, and youth advocates statewide.

NM Senate Schedules Floor Debate on Health Care Reform.

HEATHCARE TRANSPERANCY BILL EXPECTED TO BE DEBATED ON SENATE FLOOR TODAY.

from Sen. Tim Keller:

Santa Fe , NM – SB259 offers a free market solution to help consumers and business make better decisions with their medical insurance.

“It is clear purchases of medical insurance would benefit from more information about how their premiums are being spent, this is about helping consumer decision making and fostering more competition in the healthcare system,” said bill sponsor Senator Tim Keller (D-Bernalillo-17).

SB259 would require insurance providers to disclose the medical loss ration, historical premiums and any third party commissions when consumers and small business request a medical insurance quote. “I believe true healthcare reform has to connect the cost of services and to the fees we pay, without allowing supply and demand to set an accurate price the public will never get a fair shake and healthy competition in the industry won’t occur,” said Keller after the bill passed out of the corporations committee.

A 2007 study of healthcare financing conducted by UNM’s Institute for Public Health reported a need for greater transparency about information that would help consumers evaluate the costs and performance histories across the various medical insurance plans; including the percent of premium that actually goes to pay for medical services and broker commission and fees.

The survey voiced skepticism around the accuracy information that typically was made available and reported difficulty in comparing competing plans because lack of clear, interpretable information on costs and performance.

While medical insurance providers and brokers have remained neutral on the bill, strong opposition from national home & life insurance brokers who are concerned the bill could eventually open the door for similar rules in there industry. The Public Regulatory Commission, members of the small business community and executive departments have come out in support of the bill.

Taos Adopts High Performance Building Programs

Taos Joins 2030 Challenge...

The Town Council of Taos, New Mexico on February 24, 2009 unanimously approved the Taos High Performance Building Ordinance. The new ordinance is the culmination of a yearlong effort by Town officials and staff, citizen volunteers, and Sage West Consultants to encourage energy-efficient construction using the Town’s building code.

Attorney Maija D. West, Architect Alix W. Henry, and Earth Scientist William M. (Bill) Brown formed Sage West Consultants in 2008 to assist the Town in shaping the new high performance building programs authorized under the new ordinance. “This type of ordinance is being crafted for cities, towns and states throughout the USA,” say West and Henry. “It represents a necessary move toward building a new economy based on energy efficient design, clean energy systems, and energy affordability not possible with our current building stock.”

“The work being done here in Taos is an outstanding model for southwestern communities,” says Brown. “The new ordinance was developed around the unique demands of our community. It fits our local climatic conditions and the Town’s in-house administrative abilities. It nurtures and supports our local building industry. It strives to ensure that money spent on energy circulates within our community rather than flowing to out-of-state energy providers."

The new ordinance provides building permit applicants with flexible, phased approaches to construction and retrofits of residential and commercial buildings in Taos. Residential construction must meet Home Energy Rating System (HERS) standards that phase in gradually from 2009 through 2012 and beyond. Commercial construction must meet Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified standards – the minimal level of LEED performance – beginning in 2009. Sage West Consultants recommended HERS and LEED standards because they offer builders wide latitude to innovate and low- or no-cost solutions in creating energy efficient buildings.

The Town of Taos took a major leadership role in implementing the ordinance by requiring that all Town-owned and Town-funded buildings meet the new energy-efficiency requirements. “Taos showed consistent, strong leadership in setting a new course for the future,” says Brown. “Mayor Darren Cordova and ex-Mayor Bobby Duran both set clear directions for our Town Council and citizens about the dimensions of the ordinance. Town Attorney Allen Ferguson worked wonders to assist us with language and clarity that reflected the instructions of our Mayors and Town Councilors.”

The ordinance provides builders with the option of paying fees in lieu of compliance, and these fees will go into a fund to assist qualified low-income citizens in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

“Taos demanded from the outset that the ordinance should relieve the burden of rising energy costs for those least able to afford them,” says Mayor Darren Cordova. “We look forward to the Town continuing to assist its low-income citizens through weatherization retrofits, inspections, and education on energy savings as funded through the ordinance.”

Mayor Cordova noted that small towns in the USA have been highly effective in finding clean energy solutions. “Local governments are on the frontlines of planning and development, and play extremely important roles in creating energy efficiency,” he said. The new Taos ordinance also is perfectly timed to take advantage of the nation’s economic stimulus package, and to demonstrate our role in our nation’s economic recovery and moves toward energy self-sufficiency.”

“I am impressed with the level of community effort on this ordinance,” said Long Range Planner Matthew Foster. “More than 50 citizen volunteers and our consultants worked long hours together with Town officials to make the effort succeed. Taos is well positioned for high performance construction by virtue of its remarkable history. We are a high desert community with a long history of sustainable building.

We are continuously working to reduce our greenhouse gases emissions while anticipating predicted water shortages.” “But more important,” Foster added, “Taos today exhibits an outstanding spirit of cooperation among our businesses, our residents, our public utilities and our city and county government for creating an economical energy future.”

In a separate vote, the Taos Town Council approved the 2030 Challenge Resolution to create carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. Taos joins the State of New Mexico, the City and County of Santa Fe, and the City of Albuquerque in the national and international spotlight of adopters of the 2030 Challenge.

“The resolution is consistent with Taos’ endorsement in 2007 of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the resolution on Sustainability, and the resolution adopting the EPA's Energy Star Challenge,” said Foster. “These actions by our Town Council voice our Town’s continuing responsiveness to the quality of life in Taos for present and future generations.”

State Road Is Renamed after Slain Sheriff's Deputy!

A Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty is getting a new tribute.

Today, at a meeting in Santa Rosa, The NM Transportation Commission agreed to name State Road 337, in Tijreas , the James McGrane Highway.

Deputy McGrane was shot and killed while making a traffic stop there at the end of his watch on March 22, 2006.

McGrane's accused killer Michael Paul Astoraga is awaiting trial and is currently housed at the NM State Prison in Santa Fe on parole violations. Astoraga is also accused in two other earlier murders. He was arrested in Mexico City and extradited to New Mexico in April 2006 after his mug shot appeared on America's Most Wanted.

McGrane had served with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department for 3 years. He also worked in law enforcement for the NM State Police and the United State Postal Inspection Service.

The renaming process began a few years ago by residents in the East Mountains.

County Commissioner Michael Brasher and Sheriff Darren White backed the idea, but the process was delayed because road name change rules were being changed by the NM Transportation Commission.

"This is a fitting tribute to a dedicated law enforcement officer," said White. "It is recognition of the way McGrane lived his life, not by the way it was taken."

White says he doesn't have an exact date for the ribbon cutting ceremony, but said, "It won't be long. We've already been in touch with the Governor's office."

The Officer's Down Memorial Page has more information on McGrane.

The ABQJournal has more on the story, including how the 38-year old's family is celebrating the decision.