
Eye on the prize
We told you yesterday that US Sen. Tom Udall has decided not to run again in 2020, and that news seems to have perked US Rep. Ben Ray Luján's ears too. The longtime favorite congressman and certified Nice Guy says he's "seriously" considering mounting that political ladder. Last year's Senate hopeful Mick Rich has also hinted toward a run.
Building code blues no more?
Four Santa Fe city councilors have proposed changing city code revolving around the owner renting out two dwellings on the same property while not living there themselves. This seemingly arbitrary and rarely enforced rule has had a moment in the sun lately, thanks to a highly public case in which Santa Fean Jamie Durfee could be evicted from her home. In the proposed change, the leases for both units would have to be for a minimum of 30 days, ensuring also that they don't become short-term rentals. Could this possibly be a step toward addressing the housing crisis in Santa Fe? (We sure hope so…)
Casita tax
Another possible step toward fixing housing could be taking another look at a state law that has thus far capped property tax increases for longtime homeowners. The bill, intended to protect locals whose neighborhoods are being gentrified, could actually benefit second-home owners and investors more than it does "the little guy."
Ya’at’eeh, Mr. Sun
On the heels of an energy bill in New Mexico about which Indigenous people were not properly consulted, the Navajo Nation is looking at shifting its energy production away from coal. Both the San Juan Generating Station and the Navajo Generating Station are slated to close soon, so if the proposal is accepted, the Navajo Nation Department of Justice will draw up a new energy plan and come up with ways to help those who lost their coal-related jobs.
Go round and round
In other Navajo Nation news, a New Mexico school bus driver has admitted to driving drunk last fall with kids in the bus. He completed his entire 25-mile route and no kids were injured; finally, a mother intervened. Additionally, tribal government is also in search of funds to fix up two jails (one in Shiprock, one in Window Rock). The Shiprock facility is slated to close on April 30, and while the Navajo Nation has secured land for a new jail, it needs $77 million for construction. About $3.5 million is included in a capital outlay bill that currently awaits Gov. Lujan Grisham's signature. That's a big disparity.
So much for safety
At Desert Hills Center for Youth in Albuquerque, a facility run by Acadia Healthcare supposedly to help kids with behavioral problems, seven new lawsuits (and nearly a dozen more in the pipeline) allege physical and sexual abuse. Lawsuits are not only seeking reparations to the kids, but to New Mexico for the facility's use of Medicaid funds. CYFD says the facility will close on Monday.
No, really—round and round…
Just 'cause the Word was in Albuquerque over the weekend and was reminded of the circus on Central Avenue, the ART bus system could now maybe launch in 2020. The city is awaiting on the delivery of 20 buses … that will be diesel-powered, by the way, effectively scrapping the promise of an electric bus system. The long-maligned project, brainchild of former Mayor Richard Berry, has seen accusations of inefficiency, cronyism, and of being "a bit of a lemon."
Freakin’ beautiful
Did you go outside yesterday? Seriously, did you? It was so ridiculously gorgeous (the Sunport hit 73 degrees). It may be a little cloudy today, but still warm, and Roswell could see temps nearing 90 tomorrow. Temps could drop in the eastern part of the state this weekend but we're not gonna talk about that yet.
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