Our picks for the Nov. 7 election.
At the national level, the Nov. 7 midterm elections have revolved around the question of whether Democrats could retake the House or the Senate (or both!) and restore some balance to the Republican-headed Congress and administration. That question has been at play in New Mexico as well; the First Congressional District race between incumbent Republican Heather Wilson and Democrat Patricia Madrid is a tight race and is being closely watched by all.
Well, almost all. We actually didn't cover it; most of our readers don't live in CD 1, and we
kind of had our hands full with the 10 contested races in our area.
But restoring balance, as a
theme, was still on our minds. The trial and conviction of
former state
treasurer Robert Vigil, along with the guilty plea and state charges against his predecessor Michael Montoya, cast a dark shadow over this year's elections. Republicans have pointed to the corruption scandals as evidence that New Mexico state government, controlled by
Democrats, needs balance restored as well. Others argue (perhaps more persuasively) that what the state
really needs is more stringent ethics and campaign finance oversight, regardless of party.
We kept all this in mind as we covered these races through our Pop Quiz series and other reportage (
other local politicos weigh in on the season
). For these endorsements,
we interviewed 16 statewide candidates individually and the two Santa Fe County magistrate judge candidates together. In addition to our
endorsements in these races, you also will find our two cents on the three state general obligation bonds, the two Santa Fe County bonds and the four constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot. These are just our suggestions; agree or disagree, just vote.
-JG
US Senate
SFR Pick: Jeff Bingaman, Democrat
Who's who:
Jeff Bingaman, who has served New Mexico in the US Senate since 1983, was challenged this year by Republican Allen McCulloch, a Farmington doctor who won the nomination in a three-way primary last June.
Hot topics:
Immigration was the big talking point for the Republican candidates seeking this seat last June, and continued to be of interest as the Senate authorized 700 miles of fencing on the US/Mexico border in September. The war in Iraq and national security issues dominated federal races this season.
Our pick:
Bingaman had a certain advantage in our endorsement process because he actually participated in it, unlike McCulloch, who never showed up for his endorsement interview and refused to return calls for our Pop Quiz series. Of course, Bingaman has many other things going for him besides not being rude. He provides New Mexico with senior representation in the Senate. He's a strong advocate for improving education and protecting public lands. Bingaman voted against the border fence, which he said ran counter to what border officials themselves have said
is needed, and tells SFR he believes the country needs comprehensive immigration reform in the form of border strengthening, increased opportunity for legal immigration and increased means to provide legal status to immigrants who have been here for some time. He agrees Congress needs a more comprehensive review of the effect NAFTA has had on immigration, as well as an analysis of the impact that the final elimination of tariffs on corn going into Mexico, scheduled for next year, will have on Mexico's subsistence farmers. He supports a change in strategy in Iraq. He candidly acknowledges that his ability to move forward on any agenda will predicate largely on the results of the Nov. 7 election, but says if Democrats are able to regain a majority in the Senate, he's committed to moving forward on energy policy and implementing the recommendations of the National Commission on Energy Policy to address greenhouse gases and global warming.
Last influential book he read:
The One Percent Doctrine
by Ron Suskind.
Hobbies:
"When I'm here in Santa Fe, I plant a lot of bushes."
US Congress, New Mexico's Third District
SFR Pick: Tom Udall, Democrat
Who's who:
Tom Udall faces a challenge for his fifth term from Republican Ron Dolin, a homeland security expert at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Hot topics:
Dolin cites his decision to run against Udall as partially motivated by what he says is Udall's lack of responsiveness to constituent concerns. He's also challenged Udall's independence of thought and accused him of only voting the party line. National security issues and Iraq also were debated.
Our pick:
Dolin's impugnations against Udall strike us as off the mark. During his time in Congress, Udall has become well known in the third district for his ongoing town halls and accessibility. As for independence of thought, most will remember that Udall was one of the few Congress members willing to stand up for citizens' civil liberties by voting against the USA Patriot Act (which Dolin, on the other hand, supports). Since then, Udall has worked to repeal portions of the Patriot Act, and he's also called publicly for more oversight of the National Security Agency's warrantless spying programs and signed on to a challenge to President Bush's warrantless eavesdropping program. Udall also has been a strong environmental leader, helping to protect the Ojito Wilderness and co-sponsoring global warming legislation with Tom Petri, R-Wis. He plans to continue working with the rest of New Mexico's delegation on funding packages for big water projects in the state. Udall did not vote in favor of Iraq, and believes some form of phased deployment is necessary. We believe that for the diverse third district, Udall does his best to vote for both his constituents and his conscience or, as he says: "I vote my district, my state and my country."
Influential book:
Organic, Inc
by Sam Fromartz.
Hobbies:
Tennis, fly fishing, mountaineering.
Governor/Lt. Governor
SFR Pick: Bill Richardson/Diane Denish
Who's who:
Former Republican state chairman John Dendahl became the GOP's challenger to Gov. Bill Richardson in June, replacing JR Damron. State Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort, R-Bernalillo, is his running mate. Richardson is finishing his first term as governor and is a former cabinet secretary for the Department of Energy, US ambassador and congressman for the third district. Diane Denish was chairwoman of the state Democratic Party. You can also read
Pop Quizzes with Richardson and Dendahl
.
Hot topics:
There's lots on the table for New Mexico these days: massive economic development ventures in the film and space industries; new forays into energy policy and mass transit; a spotlight on governmental ethics and potential new policies in the areas of campaign finance reform. Dendahl's main focus in the race has been on Richardson himself, whom he says is using New Mexico for his greater ambitions.
Our pick:
New Mexico is in a very different place than it was under Richardson's predecessor Gary Johnson. Johnson left the state with money in its coffers and little accomplished. In his four years as governor, Richardson has set in motion initiatives in almost every sector of public life, from schools to space travel. It's progress, even if all the programs aren't universally popular. As for his potential presidential run (rumor has it an official announcement is coming in January), Richardson speculates that many New Mexicans enjoy having their governor and state in the national spotlight, and polls have shown he's right. As for Denish, the lieutenant governor has her own agenda-mostly focused on children and families but also stretching into border and business realms-and strikes us as a leader who will be more than able to take the reigns whenever needed. In his next term, Richardson says he plans to spend more time on prisons, because overcrowding issues have become front and center, as well as continue pushes for more schools and getting the Santa Fe leg of the Railrunner built by 2008. He says he also will emphasize the issue of governmental ethics and push to implement the recommendations of the Governor's Ethics Task Force formed in the wake of the Vigil scandals.
Richardson:
Influential book:
1776
by David McCullough.
Hobby:
Riding his horse, Sundance.
Denish:
Influential book:
The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien.
Hobbies:
"What I like to do is go to Hillsboro and be detached; read books about New Mexico."
Secretary of State
SFR Pick: Mary Herrera, Democrat
Who's who:
Bernalillo County Clerk Mary Herrera won a four-way primary and now faces Republican Vickie Perea, a former Albuquerque city councilor.
Hot topics:
Ever since the 2000 election, concerns about the voting process-everything from disenfranchised voters to faulty technology-have been front and center in the electoral vernacular. This year, New Mexicans will vote on paper ballots in response to concerns about the accuracy of electronic voting machines. For our part, we also questioned both candidates about how they might increase voter turnout and education.
Our pick:
This has been a disappointing and often nasty race. The Secretary of State's Office is of increasing importance to citizens. Aside from its charge of running clean and fair elections, the office also has an ethics oversight division, is the clearinghouse for campaign finance reports and is an important source of information for voters and office-seekers alike. It could really use a powerhouse of vision and energy to bring the office's services further into the 21st century (for example: just a week or so before this election, the SOS redesigned its Web site, went live and then subsequently, certain features, such as candidate reports, were intermittently
unavailable from certain pages). Neither Herrera nor Perea strike us as that energetic visionary, but at least Herrera has a solid background of election experience; in addition to being Bernalillo's county clerk, Herrera has served on the state's election task force, the City of Albuquerque's election task force and the federal Election Assistance Commission. Although there have been failures on her watch, she has argued that her time at the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office has helped her identify the systemic statewide problems. Her goals, then, revolve around unifying election training and standards and providing greater assistance to county clerks. Unlike Perea, Herrera seems more willing to back same-day voter registration (which many believe is the most forceful way to improve voter turnout). Perea's focus on requiring voter ID strikes us as misplaced vigor. But, in general, most of Perea's vigor seems to come from attacking Herrera.
Influential book:
Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential
by Joel Osteen. "I bought it at the price club," Herrera says.
Hobbies:
Dancing: "I can dance everything: two-step, ranchero, top 40." Being a DJ: "I play for weddings and other events," she adds.
State Treasurer
SFR Pick: James Lewis, Democrat
Who's who:
Republicans put forth Demesia Padilla as their best chance to wrestle away from the Dems the beleaguered state treasurer's office. A licensed CPA and former IRS agent, Padilla also is chairwoman of the Bernalillo County Audit Committee and owns her own small accounting firm. Democrat James Lewis, like Padilla, faced no primary opposition. Lewis was state treasurer from 1985 to 1990, served on the state board of finance and also has twice been Bernalillo County treasurer, chief of staff for former governor Bruce King, director and assistant secretary for the US Department of Energy, and has held a variety of other government positions. You can also read
Pop Quizzes with both candidates
.
Hot topics:
Two words: Robert Vigil. For voters who might previously have cared not one whit about who the state treasurer is, having the last two either convicted of or pleading guilty to attempted extortion and extortion might lead some to believe that voters should take a closer look at who they elect as state treasurer. It also led the state ethics task force to recommend the state treasurer be appointed rather than elected and possess certain minimum qualifications. Both Padilla's and Lewis' campaigns have focused on restoring voter confidence to the office. In the meantime, this race has also had its nasty moments. On the nasty front, there was a tasteless flyer depicting Lewis as a puppet released by Padilla's camp and a former Lewis employee coming forward with allegations of malfeasance against her former employer (denied).
Our pick:
Lewis' vast experience and previous tenure as treasurer make him an easy pick for this race. We're inclined to agree that a state treasurer should have certain qualifications, and perhaps appointment would be a better way of securing such qualifications. Lewis has the credentials, as well as specific plans to restore accountability and ethics to the office. Padilla, frankly, seems like a better candidate for the state auditor's job than for handling the massive investments under the treasurer's purview.
Influential book:
Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life
, Bill Richardson's autobiography.
Hobbies:
"Working in my backyard."
State Auditor
SFR Pick: Lorenzo Garcia, Republican
Who's who:
Democrat Hector Balderas is a state rep. from Wagon Mound who withdrew from seeking re-election after one term in order to seek the nomination for state auditor. The Dems needed a candidate after allegations of sexual misconduct against primary winner Jeff Armijo led to a seemingly reluctant withdrawal by that candidate. Lorenzo Garcia became the Republican nomination after its candidate, Daniel Alvarez, also dropped out. You can also read
Pop Quizzes with both candidates
.
Hot topics:
Should the state auditor be a certified auditor? Should the people even elect an auditor or should that position, as the state ethics task force has recommended, be appointed? And would a little more political diversity in state-elected officials help restore some checks and balances to prevent future Vigil/Montoya-type situations?
Our pick:
You know how people keep pointing fingers at one another and saying someone should have known about the problems in the state treasurer's office? Someone did: Lorenzo Garcia. He has been sounding the alarm for years and took on Michael Montoya in 1994 and 1998 and did quite well. He is a CPA, he's been a financial investigator and he's simply the best candidate for the job. It's too bad this is where Hector Balderas landed in his first state run because he also is smart and energetic. He made a compelling argument that the state auditor doesn't need to be an accountant because he should be more of a manager, but we're not convinced that's an either/or proposition. Garcia has what it takes to both oversee and deal with the nitty-gritty, because he's done it. He says if he's elected, he would like to increase the staff on the auditing and fraud side. He also wants to institute a whistle-blower hotline that both government employees and private citizens can use to alert the auditor's office to potential problems.
Influential book:
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
by Mitch Albom. "It made me think about the people you encounter in life," Garcia says.
Hobbies:
"I like to do water sports-boating, jet skiing."
Attorney General
SFR Pick: Gary King, Democrat
Who's who:
Republican Jim Bibb, a major in the Army National Guard and former assistant US attorney, assistant district attorney and FBI special agent, faces Gary King, a former state legislator and son of former governor Bruce King. Gary King won an aggressive three-way June primary.
Hot topics:
You name it. Candidates debated the role outgoing Attorney General Patricia Madrid's office played in the Robert Vigil trial, illegal immigration, drug crimes, DWI and sexual offender laws. The campaign also was punctuated by many attack ads. Bibb appeared to initiate these attacks by questioning King's attendance record in the Legislature and his positions on various bills. King's campaign responded by creating a "Truth Squad" to counter each allegation.
Our pick:
We believe King will bring the experience needed for the state's top law enforcer as well as the temperament to move calmly but surely on the office's agenda. Bibb is a young and articulate candidate who provides a clear vision of himself as an aggressive crime fighter. But King, with his background of creating laws, working with others and passing protective environmental laws, strikes us as a better choice for a state that has more at stake than catching illegal immigrants and locking up drug dealers. Criminal activity is within the purview of the AG, and King is on the record with hard stances against everything from DWI to meth use to sexual predators. But the state also has a myriad of corporate and environmental issues-everything from future regulatory questions pending in the Public Regulation Commission to uranium mining on the Navajo reservation. We believe King's expertise on nuclear waste cleanup will be of great use to the state in the coming years. The scandals and criminal activity in the treasurer's office create the opportunity for a backlash against any Democrat who has been in the system, but King is not part of the problem and we believe he will help create solutions. He was reluctant to criticize outgoing AG Patricia Madrid, who some have argued had information on the problems in the treasurer's office and failed to act. King says it's impossible to judge that without knowing what information was available but, he says, "If I'm ever presented with evidence of wrongdoing, I will act right away."
Influential book:
His Excellency: George Washington
by Joseph Ellis.
Hobbies:
"Mostly I'm playing the saxophone. I'm playing it in parades, and we had a fund-raiser and played at dinner."
Land Commissioner
SFR Pick: Jim Baca, Democrat
Who's who:
Democrat and former state land commissioner Jim Baca won a June face-off with fellow former land commissioner Ray Powell to challenge incumbent Republican Patrick Lyons. Baca also served as the mayor of Albuquerque and as director of the National Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. Lyons is a former state legislator.
Hot topics:
The State Land Office uses its 9 million acres of public lands to generate money for public education. This sounds pretty straightforward, but philosophies about land management can run the gamut, and in this race they certainly have.
Our pick:
Both candidates know the ins and outs of the Land Office, so expertise and experience was less of a factor in considering this race than were philosophy. It's probably too simplistic to say that Lyons represents a more Republican (à la the current federal administration) view of land management, favorable to oil and gas, less concerned with preservation. It also would be stereotyping to say Baca is the quintessential environmentalist (the guy is a hunter with a large collection of firearms, after all). But it's close enough to the truth. While Lyons has made some progress in promoting alternative resources during his time in office, his favor with the oil and gas industries, reportedly his top industry contributor, should give voters room to pause. The community concerns from Velarde over a mining lease that went against community wishes is but one example of the ways in which we believe Lyons' tenure has been problematic and benefitting industry more than people. Baca plans to pump more money into restoration needs and will push for constitutional amendments to create wilderness state trust lands to protect some public lands from ever being developed. He also has goals related to watershed conservation and alternative energy. We believe Baca, with his state and federal background, will continue to ensure public lands fund NM schools while looking ahead to the future of the state's resources.
Influential book:
American Theocracy
by Kevin Phillips.
Hobbies:
Photography and golf.
Public Regulation Commission, District 4
SFR Pick: David Bacon, Green
Who's who:
Democrat Carol Sloan, a former county clerk from McKinley County, faces off with Santa Fe Green David Bacon, a former gubernatorial candidate, to fill the seat of Lynda Lovejoy, who is running for president of the Navajo Nation. The district only holds some portions of Santa Fe County in Madrid, Lamy, Eldorado, Cerrillos, La Cienega and La Cieneguilla.
Hot topics:
The PRC is a relatively young governing body (it was formed via a constitutional amendment in 1998) and regulates important utilities in the state including the electric, telcom and insurance industries. The PRC governs rates in these industries for consumers, and also helps set the path for new infrastructure and initiatives. This year's PRC candidates have the option of public campaign financing if they adhere to certain provisions as a means of addressing concerns about conflicted campaign contributions. Bacon's campaign has been publicly financed.
Our pick:
This was an easy choice for two reasons. The first: Sloan declined to come in for an endorsement interview and was unavailable to numerous media outlets during the campaign, so her views are not very well known and her lack of accessibility hardly bodes well for future constituents. Second: Bacon isn't just the best candidate for the PRC in this race, he's probably the best candidate for the PRC in the state of New Mexico. Endorsing him is a no-brainer. Bacon has advocated for and worked on issues relating to alternative energies for years; he helped found People for Independent Energy, Southwest Energy Institute and Local Energy. He installed the state's first net-metered, solar-powered residential system in his house. He understands what it takes to make utilities efficient and affordable. Most important, as much as we can predict the future, Bacon would never be manipulated or swayed by corporate interests over the people's interests. As a private citizen, he has intervened over details in regulation rulemaking that had adverse effects on constituents; as a PRC commissioner, he would be a valuable addition to one of the most important bodies in the state.
Influential book:
The Sun Betrayed: A Report on the Corporate Seizure of US Solar Energy Development
by Ray Reece.
Hobbies:
Volleyball.
Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge
SFR Pick: David Segura, Democrat
Who's who:
David Segura, a former city police officer, won the June primary in a three-way contest and was then appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson to fill the seat, vacated after Bill Dimas retired. He is challenged in the general election by Republican Margaret Garduño, who serves on the Santa Fe Community College Governing Board.
Hot topics:
With several examples of judicial malfeasance across the state over the last couple of years, a perennial topic for both magistrate and municipal courts is the question of whether or not these judges should have any prerequisites to serve, such as law degrees (neither candidate has a law degree nor do they support the theory that having one would necessarily make a person a better judge). Other topics include handling of DWI cases and ways to make the court more efficient.
Our pick:
Segura is already in the swing of things at mag court, and it shows. He understands how the court works, has opted for starting a bit earlier to move cases faster, supports and is working with his colleagues to formalize regular training and testing of judges, and also would like to see more treatment options available for DWI offenders. While Garduño brings passion and intelligence about the social needs of those in magistrate court, her propositions seem unfocused and, in some cases, unrealistic.
Influential book:
"A book of poems I read to my son that are relative to our country and the practice of our faith. My son and I read that every night."
Hobbies:
"I was a sports enthusiast. Just being a great father," Segura says.
Judicial Retention
We endorse retention of the four statewide judges who will appear on Santa Fe County voters' ballots. This is based on the positive recommendations in the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission's 2006 report. Judges running for retention must receive a 57 percent approval rate to hold on to their seats. The Commission evaluates judges on their legal abilities, fairness, communication skills, preparation and attentiveness.
The report can be read in its entirety at
. A few highlights from this report:
Supreme Court Judge Edward Chavez
Recommendation: Retain
Edward Chavez was appointed to the court in 2003 and was then elected in 2004. He received high marks in all facets of the JPEC review, which noted, "He conducts himself in a manner free from impropriety and demonstrates knowledge of substantive law."
Court of Appeals
Judge Cynthia Fry
Recommendation: Retain
Cynthia Fry joined the Court of Appeals in 2000. She is a member of the Court Improvement Project Task Force, its Timeliness Subcommittee and the board governing the recording of judicial proceedings. JPEC's review found Fry received high ratings in all areas.
Judge Lynn Pickard
Recommendation: Retain
Lynn Pickard, who has served on the court since 1991, also received high ratings in all areas, and JPEC noted, "She is a hard worker, punctual and a highly productive judge, striving for excellence in all that she does."
Judge Jim Wechsler
Recommendation: Retain
Jim Wechsler has been on the court since 1994 and is the chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Conduct and chairman of the Judiciary's Budget Committee as well as a member of the Judicial Education and Training Advisory Committee. He received very high ratings. "The overall assessment of Judge Wechsler's performance indicated he is well respected and appreciated by those who appear before him as well as colleagues in the court system," according to the Commission's evaluation.
Show 'Em the Money
There are three statewide general obligation bonds and two Santa Fe County bonds on the Nov. 7 ballot for Santa Fe County voters. We recommend approval on all. Here's the lowdown.
State Bond A: Yes
This bond question would authorize the state to issue close to $16 million in general obligation bonds (money the state borrows and then pays back over time with interest) for capital improvements
to senior citizen facilities. These facilities are located throughout the state, including Abedon Lopez Senior Center, El Rancho Senior Center, Nambé Pueblo Senior Center, Pasatiempo Senior Center and San Ildefonso Pueblo senior programs in Santa Fe County.
State Bond B: Yes
You've probably heard more about this general obligation bond than the others on the ballot. If voters approve Bond B, the state will be authorized to issue $118 million for capital improvement projects for higher education projects, such as $7 million in improvements to the New Mexico School for the Deaf, $3 million for SFCC's Allied Health and Science Building and $3 million to the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
State Bond C: Yes
This bond is for approximately $9 million worth of projects in academic and public school libraries, including $3 million for public library acquisitions for the Cultural Affairs Department, $3 million for academic library acquisitions for the Higher Education Department and $3 million for juvenile detention facility acquisitions.
Santa Fe County emergency medical services and emergency communication
gross receipts tax question: Yes
Recently, city firefighters went door to door in the city, lobbying city residents to vote against this tax, which would generate approximately $9 million for items such as county emergency medical services, fire department equipment, a new incentive program for volunteer firefighters and EMT recruitment, as well as a city/county regional emergency communication center. The Santa Fe City Council initially opposed the tax hike (the bulk of the money, approximately $7.2 million, is raised within the city limits) because of concerns that city residents would not receive enough benefit. The Council ultimately endorsed the tax in October after the county revised its approach; how the money is spent will be up to the County Commission, but the county will operate the city and
county Regional Emergency Communications Center, and the increase of volunteers in the county should help alleviate the need for the city fire department to respond to some areas. City firefighters maintain that city voters won't get the benefit of the tax they'll be paying (0.25 percent per $100 of taxable purchases, obviously also applying to tourist purchases, and going into effect July 1) and that approval of this tax could hurt a city property tax measure in March to raise money.
It's a sad day when city and county voters are pitted against one another about who deserves adequate emergency responders more. The blame for this divisive campaign belongs not so much with the city firefighters who, rightfully, want to ensure their own department is adequately funded and staffed, but with the respective city and county leaders who have created this competitive environment in the first place. There are no winners in these battles over jurisdiction and money, and the only losers are the citizens. Residents should approve the tax measure because Santa Fe County needs it to provide services to its residents. The County Commissioners should make reasonable decisions about how that money is spent and try to do so to benefit the city as much as possible. City residents should approve the March ballot question if they are convinced, at the time, that the city also will make good use of the money for its public safety programs. And the city should work harder to reassure its firefighters that they will not suffer if the county gets what it needs.
Santa Fe County $25 million in general obligation bonds to build a district
courthouse and parking facilities question: Yes
If voters approve this bond, it won't raise enough money to actually build a new courthouse at the corner of Sandoval Street and Montezuma Avenue to replace the one on Grant Avenue. To actually get the courthouse built (expected to take between $43 and $53 million), the county will still need to get more funding. The Legislature already appropriated $500,000 toward the design of the building. If this measure passes, the county will likely go back to the Legislature, or try to pass another bond question or use some of the revenue from a previous gross receipts tax.
It's somewhat tempting to advocate against this tax because building the courthouse in this location also will likely mean the dislocation of Blue Monkey Hair Salon, not to mention the transformation of a once lively business district into more government buildings. If and when the county gets its courthouse built, it should make sure it compensates adequately people whose livelihoods are disrupted by this plan, and the public should help hold the county accountable for doing so.
Nonetheless, we support helping the county get this courthouse built for the simple reason that the current one is clearly out of date and unsafe. The judicial staffs of the First Judicial District deserve safe working environments, and no one benefits from having a courthouse as crammed to the gills as this one is.
Constitutional Amendments
There are four questions on this year's ballot that will amend the state's Constitution if approved by voters. Here's our two cents. For more info and to read the complete legislative analysis of these amendments, go to
.
CA 1: Yes
This first constitutional amendment is more symbolic than substantive. It will remove language from the 1920s that says "no alien, ineligible to citizenship" can own property. This language was put into the constitution in the '20s because, at the time, Asians were unable to become naturalized citizens. In 1975, the state passed a law that rendered this discriminatory passage impotent. Some have argued that it is, therefore, unnecessary to eliminate the ineffective, though discriminatory, language. However, particularly in this day and age of heightened fearmongering over the subject of immigration, New Mexico should ensure that it does not silently condone any hearkening back to times of blatant racism. We also supported this constitutional amendment when it was on the ballot in 1992.
CA 2: No
If passed, Constitutional Amendment 2 would allow the state and school districts to enter into lease agreements, including ones with the option to purchase, without getting voter approval. Right now, there are limits to the amount of state debt that can be incurred without voter approval, and schools can't be in debt by more than 6 percent of the assessed value of all property that is taxed in a given school district. This amendment would change that under certain provisions; the leases in question would need to be unbinding so that governments could end them if there were insufficient funds.
Although this amendment might give government, particularly school districts, more financing options, removing voters' role in some capital improvement projects is a mistake at this time. Voters have, many times, made their lack of satisfaction with school districts known by rejecting proposals for tax increases. This is one of the means by which the public holds government accountable for itself. Further, there appears to be a lack of hard financial analysis of this bill, as well as a lack of rigorous support from those entities it purports to help.
CA 3: Yes
Water is of crucial importance to New Mexico's future. Everyone knows it, and this constitutional amendment makes that priority binding. The state created its water trust fund five years ago, but if this amendment passes, the money put into the water fund would be invested comparable to the way the state's land grand permanent funds are invested, with oversight from the state investment council. One strong argument in favor of this amendment is that it would help the state as it lobbies for federal money for massive water projects all over the state. This amendment has support from many sectors, including both government and water works.
CA 4: Yes
In 2002, voters approved a constitutional amendment that creates an exemption from the state's anti-donation clause, which bars government from giving money or anything of value to the private sector. The exemption created by the constitutional amendment in 1992 allows government to provide land, buildings or infrastructure for affordable housing. We supported the amendment at that time. This amendment extends that amendment so that government and housing authorities also could pay a portion of the costs of land, building and financing of affordable housing. This amendment has the same problems that the one that passed in 1992 has; it modifies the anti-donation clause and it gives pause to those who worry about back-room deals with developers. However, the law already has been changed; this amendment mostly makes it easier to implement what was intended in 1992. Further, because the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority has an oversight group, there are checks and balances to this process. Generally speaking, the need to modify what was already modified four years ago is problematic. But we'll save that issue for another day.
