Sen. Martinez sentenced
Yesterday, State District Court Judge Francis Mathew sentenced state Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Ojo Caliente, to five days in prison for his drunken and reckless driving convictions. He also will have 85 days of supervised probation. Prosecutors had recommended Martinez serve the maximum 180 days. The legislator is scheduled to serve his time starting Jan. 14, which will allow for his release prior to the start of the Legislature on Jan. 21. Martinez apologized during sentencing and said the situation had made him realize he's an alcoholic.
LFC announces budget proposal
Following the Monday release of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's budget proposal, the state Legislative Finance Committee yesterday published its recommendations for the next fiscal year. Both plans call for increased spending on education, a trust fund for early education and raises for teachers. Discrepancies remain over whether to fund the governor's plan for free college tuition, along with levels of child care assistance for working parents or those in school. Overall, the LFC budget calls for a 6.5% budget increase, while the governor's budget proposal would represent an 8.4% increase. "Our difference with the executive is not that far apart," said Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, a Gallup Democrat and vice chairwoman of the LFC—a sentiment echoed by a governor spokeswoman.
Other legislative priorities
While the upcoming 30-day session is primarily focused on financial matters, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham does plan to push forward a so-called "red flag" bill ($TNM). Generally speaking, red flag laws—or extreme protection orders—allow law enforcement to confiscate weapons from people who are considered dangerous to themselves or others ($NYT). A bill in last year's session was opposed by New Mexico sheriffs; Lujan Grisham says she expects this one also will be opposed, but thinks it has a clearer path toward passing than the previous proposal.
Forecasts for a crowded race
KRQE Chief Meteorologist Mark Ronchetti resigned his job Monday and announced yesterday via video that he's running in the Republican June 2020 primary election for US Senate, bringing the field in that race to five. Ronchetti joins anti-abortion activist Elisa Martinez, former New Mexico State professor Gavin Clarkson, Albuquerque contractor Mick Rich and, as of earlier this week, Albuquerque businessman Louie Sanchez. Albuquerque pollster Brian Sanderoff points out that Ronchetti likely has the most name recognition among the GOP field. Two Democrats are running to replace outgoing US Sen. Tom Udall: US Rep. Ben Ray Luján recently acquired a challenger, Santa Fe CPA Andrew Perkins.
SFR spoke with Ronchetti nine years ago about meteorology—that's when we learned he'd watched Groundhog Day 15 or 20 times. Perhaps more relevantly, his current website emphasizes that he is pro-life, and "a conservative who also believes that taxes should be low and 2nd amendment rights should be protected."
More mural talk
Planned destruction of the Multi-Cultural mural to make way for the New Mexico Museum of Art's Vladem Contemporary has raised significant concerns and comments from the public ($TNM). Now, SFR has spoken with the muralist Gilberto Guzman, the 88-year-old artist who created the mural on the side of the Halpin building in the '80s and '90s alongside other artists. In a statement, Guzman says he has a contract—shared with SFR—to maintain the mural throughout its life. Moreover, the Legislature allocated $50,000 in 2018 in capital outlay funds to address the future of the mural.
Afghan war rugs
"War rugs are a unique genre of contemporary art that teach a wealth about Afghanistan, foreign involvement in the country, and the evolution of design." So writes Annemarie Sawkins in a recent El Palacio magazine article, "Looming Helicopters, Drones, and Globalism." The story previews an upcoming show at the Museum of International Folk Art, From Combat to Carpet: The Art of Afghan War Rugs, which opens Jan. 12. Despite numerous geopolitical factors, such as civil war and Soviet interventions, Western interest in Afghanistan rugs and carpets grew in the 19th century and has not ceased, writes Sawkins, an independent curator, art historian and art consultant, who explores the reason for this interest, along with the particular genre of war rugs.
As Mark Ronchetti used to say…
Mostly sunny today in Santa Fe. Highs in the upper 40s and west winds 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with highs in the lower 40s, more of that wind in the afternoon and a slight chance of snow showers after midnight. Friday also currently calls for a chance of snow showers.
Thanks for reading! The Word has a terrible cold, and also is very sad about Elizabeth Wurtzel's death ($NYT). Here's something she wrote not long ago: "I love to argue. I am in it for the headache. I don't need you to be on my side—I'm on my side. Everyone is entitled to my opinion. I love being controversial, because that's the closest you get to everyone agreeing with you—the other choice is no one is paying attention."
