Over our dead bodies
Opposition to a franchise agreement that begins to build the 5G backbone for next-generation cell networks in Santa Fe was varied and vocal. There were charges of poor aesthetics, impact on bees and, loudest, health consequences because of electromagnetic radiation. But Santa Fe's governing body was told it can't legally prohibit telecommunications and further, that there's a new state law on the way that will govern 5G cell sites and supersede city rules anyway. The council approved the measure.
Bonded and assured
Mayor Alan Webber plans to ask voters to float a new bond issue this fall, provided his colleagues on the City Council agree. The $60 million bond package is light on specifics, which will be determined as councilors get their hands on the proposal in committees. Generally, though, it would go toward public safety and road improvements ($). Such measures usually get the nod during elections. Webber also plans to ask the council to vote on $13 million infrastructure bonds that do not require voter approval.
Pearce, Trump and the governor’s office
Morgan Lee at the Associated Press weighs in with a smart analysis of Steve Pearce's road to the governor's office. While the Republican congressman helped Trump capture a majority in his border district, New Mexico's political needle has been ticking leftward. Losing the governor's seat and failing to capture the state House or Senate would mean Republicans could get largely shut out of the next round of redistricting in New Mexico.
A Tale of Two County Councilors
Democratic voters in Los Alamos and the rest of the far-flung House District 43 have a tough choice on their hands, as county councilors from the hilltop city are competing against each other in the primary election. Retired scientist Pete Sheehey and attorney Christine Chandler are playing nice, while still trying to draw out differences in their platforms. SFR dives in.
Zero tolerance, six prosecutors
The US Attorney's office in New Mexico will get six of the 35 new federal prosecutor positions created by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to help implement a zero tolerance policy on illegal immigration. Local US Attorney John Anderson says his office prosecutes 800 to 1,000 immigration cases a month. Most of those are misdemeanor first attempts to enter the country. About one tenth are repeat attempts. Those don't include more serious cases where there's an underlying felony charge.
Murder and traffic tickets
In Albuquerque, the driver of a car involved in a road-rage murder this spring has a hefty bond, thanks in part to failing to appear in court after she didn't pay traffic tickets. Judge Brett Loveless set bond for Alexis Rogers at $150,000 cash or surety, meaning $15,000 gets her out of jail until trial. Rogers isn't accused of pulling the trigger in the killing, but prosecutors say the killer was one of her passengers.
Yes, please
The Santa Fe Opera announced its 2019 lineup yesterday, and La Bohème, yadda, yadda, but there's a new thriller from the Danish guy who wrote an operatic version of The Handmaid's Tale that has us pumped. Plus, there's going to be a casino next door.
I spy
Police say 67-year-old Johnny Chacon planted a camera inside an air freshener ($) in his Española neighbor's bedroom. He wanted to spy on her, they say. The camera worked. Police know this because they say the very first video in the camera's memory was of Chacon as he installed the device. He's charged with voyeurism and breaking and entering.
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